I used to play lots of Quake 'software mode' in DOS back in the day, and remember (perhaps incorrectly) that an official 3Dfx patch came out when the first Voodoo cards were released.

How close to the 'default' 3Dfx-patched version is GOG's Windows version? Are there any other additions or enhancements that weren't there back in the day? I know there are many ports and enhancements of Quake, but I'd like to play it as close to 'as intended' as possible.

It uses GLQuake and nGlide, so it's very very close to playing it on a real retro PC.

Ah, thanks! That is what I needed to know. Thought that OpenGL and 3Dfx/Glide were two different technologies, but it is GLQuake being run via the nGlide wrapper(?).

Just looked up the differences between Vanilla and GLQuake (http://quake.wikia.com/wiki/GLQuake#Changes_to_Vanilla_Quake) and it appears each have their strengths and weaknesses- I might want to stick with software mode for nostalgia's sake.

Maybe try using a source port, like Quakespasm, that is aimed at a vanilla style of play and graphics? Should certainly run better on modern machines.

Yep, was just pointed there in another thread. Will definitely give it a try, thanks!

Yes, OpenGL and 3dfx/Glide are two different things.

The game runs fine with OpenGL and without nGlide. I'm not sure why GOG added nGlide, maybe some compatibility issue. I found it very odd.

And yes, playing the game with a source port is what I recommend on a modern PC, no doubt :)

You might also like Qbism source port to have a retro style.