Mac software > All Reviews > Software > Games > OpenArena 0.7.1 Review

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 OpenArena 0.7.1 Review

OpenArena is multiplayer Quake in everything but name. Oh, and best thing of all is it’s free

Macworld team

Manufacturer: OpenArena
Pros: Fully open source game based on the Quake III Arena source code
Cons: Lots of gore, so not one for the kids.
Price: Free
We rate this 5 out of 5.Star rating:

For some readers the following will be enough to convince them that OpenArena is worth the download: This software is, essentially, Quake III Arena, for free. Built on source code released by id software in 2005, it has the same gameplay, graphics, and engine. Even some of the mods and content created for Quake 3 will run in OpenArena.

If you’re new to Quake, this is the game that took the baton from Doom and turned first person shoot ’em ups into a fully 3D genre. The single player game took you down a linear route, solving puzzles and blasting bad guys.

For many though, the real Quake experience could only be had in a multiplayer environment. Here, you connect to a server with other players and run around relatively small maps shooting everything and everyone in sight. It’s frantic, very violent, and immense fun.

OpenArena packs all this gameplay into a free download, with further maps or ‘mods’ available online. The interface is a little amateurish, but once the games begin there’s no mistaking what you’re playing.

This is 100 per cent Quake, complete with rocket launchers, lightning guns, and exploding opponents. If the pace of the multiplayer game is a little too much – and if you’re new to deathmatching it probably will be – you can hone your skills fighting artificially intelligent ‘bots’; computer generated players programmed to kill or be killed. They’re pretty convincing; strafing, jumping and taunting you like a real life 12-year-old gamer.

One great thing about OpenArena is that it runs well on even modestly specified systems. You won’t need a brand new MacBook to fire this up – though it will certainly help make the most of the built in OpenGL acceleration.

MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For OpenArena 0.7.1

Reevoo Reviews For OpenArena 0.7.1

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

What version of Adobe Creative Suite do you use?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest PC industry news

Latest news from MacVideo

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.