OpenArena

Overview

OpenArena is a free, open-source first-person shooter (FPS) game. As a fully open-source clone of Quake III Arena, it uses the ioquake3 engine (the GPL version of id Tech 3) and focuses on multiplayer competitive and deathmatch modes, providing a fast-paced, balanced competitive experience. Developed by the OpenArena team and hosted on openarena.ws and SourceForge, it supports platforms such as Linux, Windows, macOS, and FreeBSD, and is licensed under the GPL v2. OpenArena started the project on August 19, 2005 (one day after the GPL release of the id Tech 3 source code), and released its final stable version 0.8.8 on February 23, 2012, including deathmatch, team deathmatch, and CTF modes, supporting up to 16 players. The game emphasizes being a "free alternative to Quake III," retaining the original gameplay but replacing proprietary content with original assets.

History and Development

• Origins:
  • August 19, 2005: The OpenArena project was launched. One day after the id Tech 3 source code GPL was released, the team forked the ioquake3 engine, aiming to create a free clone of Quake III.
  • Initial versions were based on Quake III gameplay, but replaced proprietary models/maps with original content.
• Development Timeline:
  • 2006: Version 0.7.6 introduced Elimination, CTF Elimination, Last Man Standing, and other modes.
  • 2010: Version 0.8.5 was released, supporting the OAX (OpenArena eXpanded) Mod.
  • February 23, 2012: Final version 0.8.8 was released, including a complete content package (baseoa + missionpack), supporting Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • Update: Project maintenance has stalled, but community mods (such as OARemix and OmegA) are active, and OAX Beta is under development.
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by the OpenArena team and hosted on openarena.ws, SourceForge, and ModDB.
  • Supports multiple languages; documentation includes a wiki and a list of mods.
  • Reddit users call OpenArena "a free alternative to Quake III."
• Open Source License:
  • GPL v2.

Key Features

OpenArena is centered around Quake III gameplay, the ioquake3 engine, and mod support. Here are its main features:

1. Game Modes
   • Multiplayer: Free For All, Team Deathmatch, Tournament, CTF, Elimination, Harvester, etc., supporting up to 16 players.
   • Single Player: Against Bots (AI robots), customizable Skirmish.
2. Weapons and Maps
   • Weapons: Balanced kits (shotguns, rocket launchers, chainsaws, railguns, etc.), designed for different distances.
   • Maps: Multiple themes (Gothic/Anime style), including Missionpack (a clone of Quake III Team Arena).
3. ioquake3 Engine
   • Features: OpenGL support, high frame rate, multiplayer online, compatible with Quake III Mods (partial).
   • System Requirements: 1 GHz CPU, 512 MB RAM, OpenGL 2.0.
4. Hardware Compatibility
   • Minimum: Pentium II 233MHz, 64 MB RAM, 16 MB VRAM.
5. Security and Privacy
   • Open Source GPL: Transparent source code.
6. Development Support
   • Mod System: OAX, OmegA, and other mods.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Free Quake III Clone: Retains original gameplay, GPL free.
• Multiplayer Competition: 16 players, network optimized.
• ioquake3 Engine: High frame rate, mod compatible.
• Community Mods: OAX expands new modes.

Limitations

• Maintenance Stagnation: No updates since 0.8.8 (February 23, 2012).
• Comparison Games:
  • Xonotic: Active fork.
  • Quake III: Original classic.

Summary

OpenArena is a free and open-source FPS. Version 0.8.8 (February 23, 2012) is based on the ioquake3 engine and supports multiplayer deathmatch and single-player bots. Compared to Xonotic (active fork) and Quake III (original version), OpenArena stands out for being free and having mods, but its maintenance has stalled.