I wouldn’t say that Quake is more slow-paced, for me it was even more dynamic, especially if you start using rocket jumps etc.

In my opinion, the visuals were not, as you put it, “boooring”. I liked the atmosphere and I remember there being more colors than just brown ;) But it’s true that in general it has a rather gloomy palette.

Agree with everything you wrote but especially those ^

It was dark and gloomy on purpose and I loved (and still love) that. Op makes it sound like the art direction was lacking and that is hella-untrue. It’s just not their favorite kind of aesthetic.