With the release of Quake 2 Remastered, and moddb and no one not posting any info about it, here are the official links about what changed, alongside its Source Code for newer projects and what is next.
Quake 2 Official Release Notes and FAQ
Quake 2 Technical Readout and Enhancements
Quake 2 Re-Release Source Code
This is possibly the renaissance of Quake 2 Modding for PC, Many of the of the old maps works on it outside some recompiling to fix water and forcefield transparency, But large packs like Quake 2 Oblivion and other "unoffficial" mission packs may need to be reverse engineered to work on the 3.21 new code for Q2R.
Map Scaling was also increased as it was demonstrated on its new Expansion, though textures aren't planned since this would need testing like other source ports as Yamagi Q2 and Kmquake2, and with the advent of md5 support and higher res retextures, easiness with the new code and new tools, the sky is the limit.
And with the re-release also bringing old and cut models like the original chaingun and even unused monsters and skins, id and nightdive pretty much gave a new treasure trove for modders to finish up these models for future use, also YamagiQ2 devs are working on making the entire Remaster compatible with their source port.
Maybe in the future, we will get even more updates and even ported maps, but as of now, id Software, Bethesda Softworks, Microsoft and Nightdive Studios Delivered, and Delivered right!
Enjoy the remaster, enjoy the new and reborn multiplayer, and Beware the SLAMMIN! Trespassers.
Muzzle flashes for the guns - is a a very welcomed element, but as for the rest - there are far better ways to play Quake II. (which has always been in my top 3 of all time). Hard pass.
That's really cool that they also released the new release's source code. Year ago, I wanted to make a small campaign for this game but I only made 2 maps before I lost interest. Maybe I'll go back finally finish it.
Q2 for the XB360 and YamagiQ2 were great ports, but this new remaster is amazing, and the new expansion “Call of the Machine” is challenging as heck, just try to play it at the highest difficulty setting :)
I really hope they will port Zaero. I love the remaster so far!
Thanks for posting about this, I wasn't aware of the Remaster. Fantastic that it's available for people that had previously bought the original on GOG/Steam. Just downloading and look forward to checking this out.