A group of Quake modders recently completed a game jam challenge where they set out to recreate every singleplayer map from id Software’s 1996 FPS game from memory alone. They were not allowed to replay the original game before starting the project. The idea was to test if they collectively remembered the maps well enough to recreate them if the original game was wiped off all computers worldwide.
The Quake from Memory project has been in development since last year. The finished package can be found here, along with installation instructions. As someone who was quite young when Quake was released and more focused on Sonic the Hedgehog games, I can’t comment on the accuracy of the recreated maps. However, the concept of recreating something from memory often reveals interesting biases.
Feedback on the project varies, with some levels being described as either remarkably accurate or completely off. Differences in scale, trap speed, and overall design have been noted, sparking intrigue and discussion among the community. The idea of recreating a game from memory brings about a unique perspective not often seen with traditional remasters or remakes.
In the absence of written records, memory becomes a communal activity. It’s interesting to consider if the Quake from Memory modders collaborated and shared their work or worked individually. The notion of recreating a game collectively adds another layer of complexity to the project.
Reflecting on my own gaming experiences, I wonder if I could recreate any of my favorite games from memory. While I could probably draw Sonic 2’s layouts from memory in the past, my memories have faded over time. However, I have vivid recollections of missions from G-Police, a cyberpunk flight sim, which have stayed with me. Each player likely has a different game they could recreate solely from memory.
Which game do you think you could recreate from memory alone? Special thanks to RPS reader Salty for sharing this fascinating project in the latest RPS article.
