Quake 2 (Nintendo 64)

Quake 2 on the N64 is a fairly competent conversion from the PC. Obviously, the graphics aren't as sharp due to the limitations of the console (even with an expansion pak) and the screen resolution of a normal TV, but overall is a decent shoot 'em up.

It's not as deep as something like Perfect Dark, but there are some varied mission objectives thrown into the mix to break up the endless drudgery of walking down corridors shooting anything that moves. These objectives never really progress further than 'find object A and insert it into slot B,' but it adds some relief from the relentless blasting.

There are 9 weapons in total to help you dispatch the various biomechanical and almost HR Gieger-ish enemy, the Strogg, who are locked in an intergalactic war with the forces of Earth. These come in the form of bullet and shell based guns like the machine gun and shotgun, and in explosive based weapons such as the rocket launcher or grenade launcher.

The Strogg themselves come in various different forms - from assimilated human grunts to massive mechs with rocket launchers for arms (how would you eat your tea with those?!), but are generally slow to react to your presence and feature pretty basic AI. Not what you'd expect from a race that is trying to destroy mankind.

Control with the C - buttons and analogue stick is tight, but not as good as with a keyboard and mouse (on the PC) and the new lighting and particle effects add a splash of colour to proceedings.

Quake 2 also has a full blown 4 player option, as opposed to the rather lame 2 player only one found in the prequel, Quake 64.

If you can find it cheap, the N64 conversion of Quake 2 is a very solid piece of shoot 'em up action - just don't expect to be blown away by it.