This is one of those classic multiplayer FPSes which doesn't seem to do much wrong. One of those games which I can't seem to help but feel nostalgic for. It was a strange departure from the singleplayer-focused predecessors but while it had little to do with the story of the Quake series, it was as fun, if not more, than previous installments in the series.
Part of this has to do with the chaotic, fast-paced arena free-for-all gameplay.
Part of it also has to do with the incredible (for the time), timeless visuals.
And perhaps most importantly, part of it has to do with the impeccably-made multiplayer support. LAN parties and internet play (via dedicated servers, as the DRM-ridden "official" server practice was uncommon then) are your two options here.
This game is also EXTREMELY moddable, not to mention it's as cross-platform as any of id Software's other mainstays in the gaming industry during the 90s such as Doom and the original Quake.
If you like multiplayer FPSes, try it out.
Originally written October 30, 2012 on Steam