After trying DSQuake out the other day, I decided to give QuakeDS a shot as well. These are two completely different projects working on porting the original Quake for the PC over to the NDS. Since this guide deals specifically with QuakeDS you can read about how I got DSQuake to work as well.

Note: I am using the Pre-Release QuakeDS version that is marked 180207.

This is a discussion of my experience and how I got it working on my hardware. You can check out the homepage for QuakeDS at the Official QuakeDS Homepage.

How Well Does QuakeDS Work?

Reasonably well. The graphics look good, the frame rates are high, and the sounds are working too. The game has never crashed or frozen on me either. I can load it up and have an enjoyable playing experience for an hour if I want.

What can be fixed or improved on it? Not much. It used to be missing textures on the enemies and such, but not anymore. As of October 27, 2007 this game is fully playable all the way through. Only one downside to it right now.

• No music.

Differences Between DSQuake and QuakeDS

Both games work very well and I'm sure will get even better, but if you are looking to make a choice between the two for now, here is the pros for each one. If I list a point for one project, it means it isn't in the other or I didn't get it working. These are both from a standard installation without tweaking.

DSQuake

• Easier setup. One file, no patching, just rename it and copy it onto your memory card.
• You can pick your starting level.
• Controls feel better (technically same layout though).
• Multiplayer is available (apparently).

QuakeDS

• Really fast frame rates (DSQuake is still really good though)
• Sound effects are a lot clearer.
• There is a menu system.
• There is a config file to customize the controls.
• You can play the shareware or the full version of the game. DSQuake only comes with the shareware version.
• Explosion effects are implemented.

QuakeDS definitely delivers more right now on the all around experience and it is very simple to get running if aren't technically savvy. However, DSQuake is a bit easier to setup and includes everything you need in one download. QuakeDS is definitely worth if you want to play the original game in its entirety and with nothing lacking (except music).

Getting QuakeDS Working

I have a Nintendo DS Lite, SuperKey, and SuperCard DS Lite with a Kingston 1GB microSD card.

There are a few steps involved compared to its DSQuake counterpart.

1. Download the quakeds_271007_r3.zip file and save it to your computer.
2. Unzip the file and you will have the QuakeDS.nds file.
3. Download the DLDI patch file and patcher if you don't already have them at the DLDI site.

   I personally downloaded the SuperCard Lite DLDI and Win32 GUI DLDI Patcher.

4. Patch the Quake.nds file with DLDI.
   • I started the Win32 Gui by unzipping the Win32 zip file I downloaded and double clicking the dlditool32.exe file inside. It opens a window.
   • I clicked the ... button to the right of the DLDI File field and selected the folder I saved my SuperCard Lite DLDI file from above. The picklist then shows the available DLDI's.
   • Select the SuperCard Lite(TransFlash MicroSD) option.
   • Click the ... button to the right of the Binaries field. Select the file QuakeDS.nds from the zip file you downloaded earlier and click Open.
   • Click the Patch button. The existing QuakeDS.nds file will be overwritten with a new one.
   The file should now be patched.

5. Copy the patched QuakeDS.nds file onto your flash memory card.
6. Download the config.cfg file the author uses for settings.
7. Create a folder on your flash memory card called id1 off the root folder. Copy the config.cfg file into id1.
8. You need the original game file(s).
   1. If you do not have a version of Quake, download the shareware DOS version from id Software at the id Quake page. Install it.
   2. If you already have the full version installed you are good to go.
9. From your Quake installation, go into the ID1 folder and copy all of the .PAK files to the id1 folder of your flash card.
10. You should be ready to go. Try loading your QuakeDS.nds file.

After it loads, it shows a few errors for me on the bottom screen and that is it. It will shoot into the demo at startup. Press A to bring up the menu. You won't be able to read the Options or Help screens so don't even bother, you will just end up screwing up your settings. Press A to select single player and go from there.

Controls are basic. Use the stylus on the bottom touchscreen to aim and look around. Up for forward, back to walk backwards, and the left trigger fires your weapon. There is a config file and you can edit your controls while in the game. The only downside is that I cannot seem to map the double tap to be jump (like Metroid Prime Hunters).

Seriously download it and load it up. An awesome game.

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Category: NintendoDS

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