Nexuiz

Overview

Nexuiz (pronounced "Nexus") is a free, open-source first-person shooter (FPS) game focused on multiplayer competitive and deathmatch gameplay. Known for its high-quality graphics and fast-paced gameplay, it was developed by Alientrap Games. It uses the DarkPlaces engine (a modified version of the Quake engine), supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and other platforms, and is licensed under the GNU GPL v2. Nexuiz was initially released as version 1.0 on May 31, 2005, as a fully open-source multiplayer FPS, including a single-player campaign and multiplayer modes, supporting up to 64 players. In 2010, IllFonic acquired the name and released a commercial remaster (using CryENGINE 3), with the original open-source team forking Xonotic. The latest version (GPL version) is 2.5.2 (circa 2010), available for download on SourceForge; the Steam version is a commercial remaster. The game emphasizes "simplicity is beauty," offering modes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and CTF, with excellent track and weapon balance.

History and Development

• Origins:
  • Summer 2001: Lee Vermeulen began development as a Quake mod, later migrating to the DarkPlaces engine.
  • May 31, 2005: Nexuiz 1.0 was officially released as a GPL version, quickly surpassing 250,000 downloads.
• Development Timeline:
  • 2006: Version 2.0 introduced a single-player campaign, 5 new maps, particle effects, and GLSL shaders.
  • 2007: Version 2.3 added Keyhunt team mode and network optimizations.
  • 2009: Version 2.5.2 was released, supporting multiple campaigns and weapon remasters.
  • 2010: IllFonic acquired the name and launched the commercial version of CryENGINE 3 (Steam/Xbox 360). The original team forked as Xonotic.
  • 2012: The commercial version was released, but received mixed reviews (53% positive on Steam).
  • Current: Maintenance of the GPL Classic version is suspended; community forks such as Rexuiz exist.
• Community and Support:
  • Alientrap maintains the commercial version; community forks of the GPL version (such as Rexuiz) are hosted on SourceForge/Steam.
  • Supports Linux/Windows/macOS; documentation is available for download on SourceForge.
  • Reddit users call "Nexuiz Classic the spiritual successor to Quake."
• Open Source License:
  • GPL v2 (GPL version).

Key Features

Nexuiz focuses on fast-paced multiplayer competitive gameplay, the DarkPlaces engine, and weapon balance. Features include:

1. Game Modes
   • Multiplayer: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, CTF, Keyhunt, etc., supporting up to 64 players.
   • Single Player: Campaign mode (20+ levels), against AI bots.
2. Weapons and Maps
   • Weapons: 10+ types (e.g., guns, lasers, plasma cannons), balanced design.
   • Maps: 9 themed maps, supporting dynamic lighting and particle effects.
3. DarkPlaces Engine
   • Features: Real-time lighting, shadows, bump mapping, HDR, GLSL shaders, supporting 64-player online play.
   • System Requirements: 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, GeForce 2 graphics card.
4. Hardware Compatibility
   • Minimum: 1 GHz Pentium III, 512 MB RAM, OpenGL 2.0.
5. Security and Privacy
   • Open Source GPL: Transparent source code, no backdoors.
6. Development Support
   • Open Source Code: Supports mods and porting.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Open Source and Free: GPL v2, cross-platform.
• Fast-paced Competitive: Deathmatch is superior to Quake III.
• DarkPlaces Engine: Excellent graphics.
• Community fork: Rexuiz/Xonotic continues development.

Limitations

• GPL version stagnated: Last updated in 2010.
• Commercial version controversy: 53% positive rating on Steam.
• Comparison Games:
  • Xonotic: Nexuiz fork, more active.
  • Quake III: Classic FPS.
  • Unreal Tournament: Multiplayer competitive.

Summary

Nexuiz is a free and open-source FPS. The GPL version was released on May 31, 2005. It uses the DarkPlaces engine and supports multiplayer deathmatch and single-player campaign. Compared to Xonotic (fork), Quake III (classic), and Unreal Tournament (multiplayer), Nexuiz excels in graphics and balance, but the GPL version stagnates.