Android Source Port List for preservation/future research.

[BPS_86]

- Qi4A [github.com]

A Darkplaces Engine source port on android maintained by me, forked from KP142EH12/QI4A, which's also forked from the original owner n0n3m4(The original repo seems to be missing or hidden). Possibly released around 2010-2013. I have moved the project from Eclipse to Android-Studio and updated the API since the original was blocked by recent Android OS due to not supporting backward compatibility. UI also updated to respect the owner(Images are property of n0n3m4 and can't be used in forks without permission). This port have a really good touch screen control system compared to other android source port, hence why I'll maintain/update this project if it become incompatible for Android in the future.

- QuakeDroid [github.com]

Crash-m source copy of QuakeDroid based on MarkV engine, released in 2018. I also have forked but not updated it yet, in case the project went missing. Wouldn't recommend for touch screen user since the horizontal look feels weird, would recommend using Joystick/MnK. If the port becomes incompatible, I will try to update the API, and perhaps also improve the touch screen control. Currently still trying to understand the code.

- Zircon "DarkPlaces Mark V Project"

A modified DarkPlaces engine owned and maintained by Baker55 at ModDB, released in 2023. It is also available for Win64/32 & Linux. The source code is also available here. The touch screen control relies with analog/vpad, fit for those who usually play Quake with Joystick. At the same time, the control can be improved. I will try to check the source code again in the future.

- FTEDroid [www.quakeworld.nu]

A port of FTE and is also created by Spike. It's a QuakeWorld, Quake 2, Quake 3 and Hexen 2 client for Android devices. The source code is also available here[github.com]. I haven't test this yet in recent years, but felt like I've also tested this in the past. From my research and also memories of testing in the past, this port doesn't support/have touch screen control. So to play this, you'll require a Joystick/MnK. This project is still maintained till this day.


For Quad Touch, it is a good Quake Source port on android with multiple engine included(Darkplaces, Quakespasm, FTEQW, etc). My personal problem with Quad Touch when I bought it, there are DRM, so it won't open unless you're connected to internet for the first time opening the app. If you don't mind DRM, then I would recommend it since it's the best way to play Quake on android. The app is also receive updates regularly. Otherwise if you don't like DRM, then I would suggest using open source alternative, from list above or somewhere else.

If you found other Android port of Quake Source port, please put it in comment. I will try to research it then add it to the list.

[Seamus]

Interesting list, but why the hell would you want to play on a phone? Touch screens are terrible.

[BPS_86]

Originally posted by Seamus:

Interesting list, but why the hell would you want to play on a phone? Touch screens are terrible.

Not when used to play games on mobile for years(I was poor before having job + laptop). But personally, there are multiple reasons:

1. Playing portably.
With mobile phone like Android, I can play on bed, couch, at cashier(my family open shop now), while waiting on bus etc.

2. I like touch screens more than Joystick & Gyro.
Now if you wonder why not just buy handheld console/pc, while one of the reason is I don't like spending money on them for investment, I also don't like joystick and gyro look controls, feels less accurate. With touch screens, I can play with more precise aim since it act like touchpad(and no, I play FPS on laptop with mouse not touchpad). At the same time with the small area for aiming, I can train myself get used to high sensitivity. Even now when playing FPS on mouse, I get more comfortable with mid-high sens over low ones.

3. Custom Layout of controls
On Qi4A, some emulator and mobile games, there's an option to customize layout. While Joystick Controllers are fixed with specific design, Custom touch screen control lets you go wild with the setup. You can make the vpad big or small, put certain button at certain position to maximise comfort, toggle button visibility, etc.

4. Modding is also possible on mobile.
Afaik on console, you can't really mod Quake or add maps(unless on re-release), which kind of a bummer too. On mobile, you have directory same as pc. Altho you could argue that there is steam deck that can use modding too, I don't want to spend money on Handheld for investment.

5. Reminding myself where I was from
As I said, I was poor. Now, even when I have a Laptop, I still play games on mobile(I assure you it's not those ads mobile game) to remind myself that I used to not have good things, playing games with emulator and such.

While all of that is my personal reason, there's just something special about playing games on mobile. It just feels awesome for me, and I'll always put it on special place in my heart.

[Seamus]

Can't say as I ever thought of phone gaming as being broke. That'd be more... get a used PSP to do emulation on or something.

[BPS_86]

Originally posted by Seamus:

Can't say as I ever thought of phone gaming as being broke. That'd be more... get a used PSP to do emulation on or something.

That's understandable when I see people's economy in the west, most of them can save with much better average income. The thing is, back in the day my parents is just a farmer and income is very small that you can't even save, only enough for daily basis compared to what we have now. Heck, average farmers in my country have the same income as us till now. Even ol' PSP is much more expensive than an android phone. For people with low income job like farmer, console and pc are pretty much luxury item, seen as only people with proper job(9-5) at downtown and the rich can afford it.

[papey]

i gotta vouch the phone market is really something nowadays, you can get a nice phone to mess around with for a fraction of what a good pc would cost esp. if you're in some place like romania or such

good list!