The Expansion Quake Fans Needed

Quake Dimension of the Machine launched on August 19 2021 to much excitement and intrigue. The new expansion for the classic Quake: “Dimension of the Machine” is vibrant, engaging, and filled with more enemies, and what feels like a refreshing colour palette.

Dimension of the Machine is great, and I’m excited to revisit this chapter in the future. Check out my review on YouTube here if you need a TLDR:

Dimension of the Machine is divided into five sub-episodes that have roughly two or three levels each to complete. Ending in a slightly improved Chthon final boss fight.

The Dimension of the Machine Levels

As is Quake standard; Dimension of the Machine lets Rangers select the sub-episode they’d like to go after first; similar to the original Quake chapters in the original game.

The Quake Dimension of the Machine levels are broken down as follows, as provided by fandom and give you some idea of the themes in each section:

Realm of the Machinists

• MGE1M1: The Pain Drain
• MGE1M2: The Wishing Well
• MGE1M3: Sandy’s Room (Secret Level)

Quake’s version of Machinists speaks to the gears and cogs that make up these levels; my first section to approach; you tend to be pushed to a corridor to corridor with Ogres dominating most open areas.

Realm of the Blacksmiths

• MGE2M1: Acid Sanctuary
• MGE2M2: Fading Embers

Realm of the Stonemasons

• MGE3M1: Down the Waste
• MGE3M2: Hell or Dark Water

Realm of the Cultists

• MGE4M1: Grave Machine
• MGE4M2: A Grave Mistake

Like most sub-chapters; Grunts tend to only be around as early fodder; this section focuses on the two parallels between Death Knights and Zombies.

Realm of the Astrologers

• MGE5M1: Nazard Terminal
• MGE5M2: Too Deep, Too Greedy

I didn’t enjoy this chapter as much as I would have liked; the weird platforming section in the introduction of the Nazard Terminal was a nice visual break from the traditional brown nature of historical Quake maps; but, no, don’t like platforming, and I’m never a fan of more Scrags to fill up the in-between spaces; harassing from the sky is painful for just a shotgun.

Final Level

• MGEND: Chthon’s Vengeance

Yes, an improvement on the original Chthon fight; but, not by much. When you get to this final level of the game; you’re so hyped on new texture juice, Chthon is simply just a big target again; with some side enemy support, but not enough for you to be concerned, even on the higher difficulties.

Should you Play Quake Dimension of the Machine?

Should you play this new chapter of the original Quake? Yes! The new chapter gives everything you’ve always loved about the original game; with more creative use of textures and mapping; bringing a new vibrance to the original brown-scape that we’ve not too commonly had in the classic Quake series; even with today’s mods or conversions.

Quake Dimension of the Machine is a must play for any Quake fan, and new comers to the series like I was at the time. (I do need to spend more time with the Quake modding community though).

Bethesda notes it as a “re-introduction” and I like that; bringing the veterans of the series and new interested gamers together; that’s a positive.

Check this trailer out for more flavour: