Deathmatch Classic

Plays like Quake but with a Half-life aesthetic. I can see where the fun value is at, but unless you have a bunch of retro-appreciating friends, finding an active public server is quite difficult.

Quake + Half-Life

Join the DMC discord. Let's breathe some new life into this Gold Source classic.

https://discord.gg/d4urB9xt

Also, you can download the cancelled CTF gamemode here.

https://www.moddb.com/games/deathmatch-classic/downloads/threewave-ctf

Deathmatch: Classic - A Nostalgic Trip Back to the Arena

Rating: 8/10

Deathmatch: Classic, affectionately known as DMC, is Valve's homage to the fast-paced arena shooters of the late 90s, most notably Quake. Released in 2001, it remains a cult favorite for fans of twitch-based gameplay and retro multiplayer experiences. For those seeking a blast of nostalgia, DMC delivers, but it may not appeal to a broader modern audience without the benefit of rose-tinted glasses.

Gameplay:

At its core, Deathmatch: Classic is a pure arena shooter. Players are dropped into intricately designed maps and left to scramble for weapons, armor, and health packs while trying to rack up frags. The gameplay is relentlessly fast, demanding precision, spatial awareness, and lightning reflexes. Rocket jumping, strafing, and map control are crucial for success, much like the Quake games it emulates.

However, the simplicity that makes DMC accessible also limits its appeal. There are no objectives beyond fragging, and the lack of any progression system or unlocks makes the experience feel dated by modern standards. This may be a selling point for purists, but newer players may find it challenging to engage with the game long-term.

Visuals and Sound:

The visuals are a charming throwback to the early 3D era, with blocky environments and minimalist textures. While they won't win any beauty contests today, the art style is clean and functional, ensuring that visibility and gameplay remain the focus. The sound design is similarly barebones but effective, with satisfying weapon effects and iconic arena shooter sound cues.

Community and Longevity:

One of the main challenges with DMC today is finding an active community. The game lacks the consistent player base of more modern titles, making it difficult to find populated servers at times. However, dedicated fans and private servers still keep the spirit alive, and the game supports bots for offline play.

Verdict:

Deathmatch: Classic is a love letter to a bygone era of competitive gaming. For veterans of the genre, it's a delightful throwback that captures the essence of Quake-style deathmatches. For newcomers, it can feel like a museum piece—a fascinating glimpse into the past but lacking the depth and polish of contemporary shooters.

If you're a fan of retro games or want to experience the roots of multiplayer FPS gameplay, Deathmatch: Classic is worth a shot, especially given its low price. Just be prepared for a steep learning curve and a challenge finding active matches. For those willing to embrace its simplicity, it’s a nostalgic gem that reminds us why arena shooters were once king.

It's really fun, and from the few times I've gotten to play with real people, they are friendly. Valve should make this free so DmC can get a true resurgence, and the arena shooter genre gets revived.

It has no soul.

erm what the sigma is this?

I checked SteamDB and literally 0 players are playing right now, which is a shame because this game is fun. Do not buy this standalone but if you happen to get it in a bundle or whatever and there are players online then it's worth playing.

Good, recommended and good game, good multiplayer and weapons, aka quake but half life

This is worth it, everything is great, an all time classic, get it if you don't already have it

This game sux

In this world, the only way out of trouble, is with a deathmatch, classic

. thts wy

Good to play when bored, I don't really know what else to say.

Nice.

Fast paced, but dead servers
6/10

Honestly, I was surprised to find anyone still playing this. There were always like 2 or 3 people but still we had a blast!

An alright classic arena shooter, runs on deck, didn't experience much of it, not my taste and theres so many other similar options, even just in the valve pack it came in.

Honestly it seems like such an awesome game but there was literally no one online when I tested so I kind of just jumped around and tested the guns.

No reccomendation because you basically can't play it as intended.

Good free-for-all shooter in the Half life world.

Mainly explored the maps and they're kinda small, but each one had something unique, like some secrets, could even interact with the environment in one of them to trap other players. The maps also looked good aesthetically, and movement felt good. As I went to explore the maps, I also saw there was just one person chilling in a server, and as I was done exploring on my own, the servers were empty, however, I decided to chill in one for a few minutes, and fortunately the person saw me and joined as well! So shoutout to CableReady for playing with me and having a chat. Was rather bittersweet, it was awesome to see there's still activity in the game, but also sad because said activity is low.

i enjoy playing dead games

A good game despite the fact it is very inactive. 10/10.

I PAYED FOR THE GAME ? why no scores ? i SPENT OVER $100.00 ? ON ALL OF THE HALF LIFE, DOTH GAMES ? I'VE PLAYED OVER I HOUR AND A HALF ? WHAT"S UP? NO DISCORD ? i GIVE YOU TONS OF GBS. PI. Thank You, pie.

quake + half life = deathmatch classic

It's such a shame this game is dead, so much wasted potential... This game takes the best from the both worlds of Quake and Half-Life and could be remembered as much as those games, if it had a small, dedicated player base.

I Don't Have Enough Time to Play Chase The Other HL Character with Multiple Peoples.

(homelander staring at cinema screen gif)

This is literally Quake meets Half-Life. I love it.

very good, simplistic deathmatch! the HL25 update made it even better

would be good if they added playstation classic character clank from the hit game secret agent clank. i think this would greatly inprove player count.
10/10 my favourite game of all time
its like you have 10 seconds mixed with dota 2

looks like doom

deatmatch always good to me

dead

Have you ever wanted to play a game of Half Life Deathmatch in the style of old-school DOOM?
Yeah me neither, I just got this with the Valve bundle.

Game is fun and a nice one to zone out and play mindlessly ran into a real human being while playing Cool J. but yea games very very basic and old and dead but fun if you run into a player or play bots

Deathmatch Classic Review
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overview: Deathmatch Classic is a multiplayer first-person shooter developed by Valve and released in 2001. It serves as a homage to the classic arena shooters of the late '90s, specifically inspired by the gameplay of Quake and early Counter-Strike styles. The game features fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled action, focusing on traditional deathmatch mechanics in a variety of maps.

Gameplay
Classic Arena Shooter Mechanics: Deathmatch Classic epitomizes the core elements of arena shooters, where players compete in free-for-all matches to score points by eliminating opponents. The gameplay is straightforward, emphasizing quick reflexes, strategic weapon choices, and map knowledge. The absence of advanced mechanics or modern features allows for a purist experience reminiscent of classic shooters.

Weapons and Power-ups: The game offers a diverse arsenal, including iconic weapons such as shotguns, grenades, and rifles. Players can also find power-ups scattered across the maps, adding an extra layer of strategy as they vie for control over these valuable resources. This weapon variety encourages players to adapt their tactics and experiment with different playstyles.

Map Design: Maps in Deathmatch Classic are designed for high-paced action, with multiple levels, tight corridors, and open spaces that facilitate dynamic encounters. The layout promotes fast movement and engagement, allowing players to easily find opponents and engage in combat. However, some maps may feel limited in design compared to more modern multiplayer experiences.

Graphics and Performance
Visual Style: Using the GoldSrc engine, Deathmatch Classic features graphics that, while dated by today’s standards, capture the aesthetic of early 2000s shooters. The visual fidelity aligns with the era's style, providing a nostalgic experience for players familiar with classic games. The simplicity of the graphics does not detract from gameplay, allowing players to focus on the action.

Performance: The game performs well on a range of systems, with stable frame rates and minimal loading times. Given its relatively low hardware requirements, players can expect a smooth experience without significant technical issues.

Sound and Audio
The audio design is functional, featuring sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience. The sounds of gunfire, explosions, and player movements contribute to the atmosphere, making engagements feel impactful. While the soundtrack is minimal, it fits the intensity of the gameplay.

Community and Support
Nostalgic Appeal: Deathmatch Classic has garnered a niche but dedicated community. While it may not have the player base of more modern shooters, it appeals to those seeking a throwback to the fast-paced, competitive nature of classic arena shooters.

Modding Potential: The game supports modding, allowing players to create custom content and maps. This has contributed to its longevity, as the community can continuously expand and enhance the gameplay experience.

Conclusion
Final Thoughts: Deathmatch Classic successfully captures the essence of early multiplayer shooters, offering fast-paced, competitive gameplay that stands the test of time. While it may lack the modern bells and whistles of contemporary titles, its simplicity and focus on core mechanics provide a refreshing experience for fans of the genre.

Overall Recommendation: For players seeking a nostalgic return to classic arena shooters, Deathmatch Classic is well worth exploring. Its straightforward gameplay and competitive spirit make it an enjoyable option for those looking to relive the fast-paced action of early FPS titles.

you can play as a skeleton with an rpg

Nice game, problem is that it's old and quite unplayed, and players that join are often overskilled.

But I like this game. Not sure why.

A fun little rework of Quake's multiplayer section into Goldsrc. Quite a lot of fun if you've got certain nostalgia, but I'd more or less recommend the original Quake if you can get it due to several problems with DMC. But if this is all you got, then it's fun no matter what!

dead game, pls install

If ID Software and VALVe had a child. Oh wait, never mind, that's called Half-Life. Jokes aside, took the best of Quake and Half-Life and put them into one game.

Dog shit game

The game is look like getting half life and counter strike in a blender. Then, put them in different several worlds. For examplte, minecraft. Also, the game is still funny to play with friends who have a PC from the 19 century.

honestly very little reason for this game to exist

A great game that reminds us of the good times, unfortunately there are no players left.

Total Quake style
For Quake and Half Life lovers, you'll love this addictive game!
I highly recommend it

Half Life but Qake.

Odds are if you have this you probably got it if you got the Valve Complete Pack when it was on sale for some really low price. So, what is Deathmatch Classic? It's an old-school "Boomer Shooter." Meaning it's Quake-styled arenas where you and some other folks (but probably bots) can blow each other up in. There's not really a reason to get this nowadays unless you're a die hard fan of the genre but hey it's not a bad game by any means just not really for me. If you're just a die hard GoldSrc engine nerd/purist then by all means go for it, just be aware the lobbies are few and far between so good luck getting a game together.

Deathmatch Classic is super fun. I wish more people were still playing =|:(