PC Zone Magazine – October 2005 – Issue 159 – Quake 4, Oblivion & F.E.A.R.

Original UK PC Zone Magazine, October 2005, Issue 159, featuring Quake 4, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, F.E.A.R., Dungeon Siege II, Rag Doll Kung Fu and a special feature about Sam & Max.

A collectable original PC gaming magazine published by Future Publishing, featuring a redesigned cover, extensive game previews, reviews, gaming journalism, technology coverage and a substantial Freeplay section.

This issue captures an important period in PC gaming history, with several major first-person shooters and role-playing games approaching release.

The magazine is particularly interesting for collectors of id Software, Bethesda, Monolith Productions, classic PC gaming magazines and early-2000s gaming memorabilia.

IMPORTANT: This listing is for the original printed magazine only. Any original cover-mounted CDs, DVDs, demo discs, software, supplements, promotional gifts or other additional items are no longer included.

Magazine Details

• Magazine: PC Zone

• Issue: 159

• Publication Date: October 2005

• Publisher: Future Publishing

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Original Cover Price: £5.99

• Format: Printed PC gaming magazine

• Category: Video Games / PC Gaming / Computing

• Condition: Pre-owned, with visible signs of age and handling

• SKU: 1572

Front Cover – Quake 4

The front cover features a striking promotional image from Quake 4, the science-fiction first-person shooter developed by Raven Software and published by Activision.

A heavily armoured Strogg character dominates the right-hand side of the cover, featuring dark metallic armour, glowing yellow eyes and a distinctive mechanical breathing apparatus.

The background features fiery orange and yellow effects, creating an intense science-fiction battlefield atmosphere.

The enormous QUAKE 4 headline appears in bold black and white lettering across the centre.

The main cover feature promotes an exclusive look at the game's deathmatch mode and the return of id Software's famous shooter franchise.

This issue also introduces a redesigned PC Zone presentation, prominently advertised with the phrase "Brand New Look!"

The masthead uses large block lettering across a red and orange background, making this a distinctive issue for collectors of PC Zone's publication history.

Additional cover features include:

• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

• F.E.A.R.

• Dungeon Siege II

• Rag Doll Kung Fu

• Dominik Diamond

• Freeplay gaming

• Valve's forthcoming Kung Fu project

Major Cover Story – Quake 4

Page 22 – Quake 4

The magazine's principal feature is an exclusive preview of Quake 4, concentrating on the game's multiplayer deathmatch action.

The contents page includes a large promotional image of a futuristic soldier equipped with heavy armour and an advanced weapon, standing against an explosive orange background.

Quake 4 was developed by Raven Software using id Software's Doom 3 engine and continued the science-fiction conflict between humanity and the Strogg.

The game was one of the major PC shooter releases of late 2005.

The preview is particularly interesting because it was published shortly before the game's October 2005 release.

Collectors of the Quake series, id Software and Raven Software may appreciate this contemporary coverage of the game's development and multiplayer features.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Page 52 – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The magazine includes a preview of Bethesda's forthcoming fantasy role-playing game.

The contents page promotes the game as a major upcoming release.

Oblivion would eventually launch in March 2006, making this October 2005 article an example of its original pre-release magazine coverage.

The game became especially notable for its expansive fantasy world, character development, quests, exploration and detailed environments.

This issue offers an interesting look at how the gaming press presented Oblivion before its eventual release.

F.E.A.R. – Hands-On Preview

Page 28 – F.E.A.R.

Another prominent feature is a hands-on preview of F.E.A.R., the first-person horror shooter developed by Monolith Productions.

The contents page features an image of a heavily armoured soldier carrying a firearm inside a dark industrial environment.

The feature offers a guided look at the forthcoming game.

F.E.A.R. became widely recognised for its combination of intense gunplay, supernatural horror, slow-motion combat and advanced enemy artificial intelligence.

The game was released in October 2005, making this issue especially relevant to collectors interested in its original promotional period.

Dungeon Siege II

Page 58 – Dungeon Siege II

The magazine includes a review of Gas Powered Games' fantasy action role-playing game.

The contents page features a colourful gameplay screenshot showing characters engaged in combat within a fantasy environment.

Dungeon Siege II expanded on the original game's party-based combat and character development systems.

The review provides a contemporary assessment of one of the notable PC role-playing games released during 2005.

Rag Doll Kung Fu

Page 16 – Rag Doll Kung Fu

The magazine includes coverage of Rag Doll Kung Fu, the unusual physics-based fighting game associated with designer Mark Healey.

The contents page features a small screenshot showing stylised characters engaged in a humorous combat scene.

The game attracted attention for its distinctive presentation, physics-driven movement and unconventional controls.

The front cover promotes the feature as a look at a secret new game associated with Valve.

This makes the issue interesting to collectors of independent gaming history and experimental PC games.

Special Report – Sam & Max

Page 20 – Who Killed Sam and Max?

A prominent feature examines the troubled history of the Sam & Max adventure game franchise.

The contents page includes an illustration of the famous cartoon detective duo, Sam the dog and Max the rabbit.

The feature refers to the cancellation of LucasArts' Sam & Max: Freelance Police project.

The cancellation became a notable event in adventure gaming history, particularly among fans of classic LucasArts point-and-click games.

This original article provides an interesting period perspective on the future of the franchise before its later revival.

Steve Hill's Reality Check

Page 42 – Reality Check

The contents page highlights a column by PC Zone writer Steve Hill.

The illustrated preview features a person holding a rifle and references an unusual story involving an Egyptian policeman.

The column represents the magazine's distinctive humorous editorial style, combining gaming culture with personal commentary and entertainment.

Dominik Diamond Joins PC Zone

Page 146 – Dominik Diamond

The magazine prominently announces the arrival of television presenter and gaming personality Dominik Diamond.

Diamond was widely known for presenting the British video game television programme GamesMaster during the 1990s.

The magazine advertises his new contribution as part of its redesigned editorial presentation.

The contents page also features a photograph of Diamond standing beside a sign outside a building.

This is a particularly interesting feature for collectors of British gaming television history, GamesMaster memorabilia and classic gaming journalism.

Additional PC Game Reviews

The photographed contents page confirms a substantial reviews section.

Featured titles include:

• Page 58 – Dungeon Siege II: Fantasy action role-playing game.

• Page 64 – MotoGP: Ultimate Racing Technology 3: Motorcycle racing simulation.

• Page 66 – Madagascar: Video game adaptation of the animated film.

• Page 68 – Fahrenheit: Cinematic adventure game from Quantic Dream.

• Page 73 – Codename Panzers: Phase Two: World War II real-time strategy.

• Page 75 – X-Plane V8: Flight simulation.

• Page 76 – Space Rangers: Science-fiction adventure and strategy.

• Page 77 – Conspiracy!: Weapons of Mass Destruction: PC action title.

• Page 77 – Pro Cycling Manager: Cycling management simulation.

• Page 78 – Chrome SpecForce: Science-fiction first-person shooter.

• Page 79 – Restricted Area: Action role-playing game.

• Page 80 – Powerdrome: Futuristic racing.

• Page 81 – Taxi 3: Extreme Rush: Arcade driving.

• Page 81 – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Film-related video game.

These reviews provide a broad overview of the PC gaming market during autumn 2005.

Upcoming Games and Gaming News

The magazine also contains its regular Upfront section, covering gaming news and forthcoming releases.

The photographed contents page lists:

• Page 18 – Just Cause

• Page 20 – Sam & Max

• Page 34 – Prince of Persia 3

• Page 36 – Total Overdose

• Page 42 – Sniper Elite

• Page 44 – Scarface vs The Godfather

• Page 50 – Black & White 2

These articles capture a particularly busy period in PC gaming, with major publishers preparing a range of action, strategy and adventure titles.

Freeplay – Free PC Gaming

Page 103 Onwards – Freeplay

One of the magazine's major features is its extensive Freeplay section.

The cover promotes approximately 179 hours of free gaming, while the contents page advertises a range of freeware, demos, modifications and independent gaming material.

Featured sections include:

• Page 104 – Leeroy!

• Page 105 – Apostasy

• Page 106 – Sims 2

• Page 108 – Demos

• Page 110 – Freeware

• Page 112 – Mods

• Page 116 – Fight Club

• Page 119 – How To

• Page 128 – Abandonware

• Page 133 – Neverquest

The contents page also displays examples of the magazine's Freeplay presentation, including screenshots, editorial layouts and gaming illustrations.

This section is particularly interesting as it reflects the early-2000s PC gaming culture surrounding free software, independent games, modifications and downloadable demos.

Please note that the original software discs and any downloadable software are not included with this listing.

Hardware and Technology Coverage

The magazine includes a dedicated hardware section covering PC gaming equipment and technical developments.

The photographed contents page confirms:

• Page 91 – Hardware News

• Page 92 – Hardware Reviews

• Page 94 – How To

• Page 96 – Dear Wandy

• Page 98 – Watchdog

These articles provide a period snapshot of PC gaming technology, hardware recommendations and consumer advice from 2005.

Looking Back and Editorial Features

The magazine includes a Looking Back section with several regular features.

These include:

• Page 134 – Special Edition

• Page 136 – Supertest

• Page 138 – Developer's Commentary

• Page 142 – Ron Gilbert

• Page 146 – Dominik Diamond

The Ron Gilbert feature is particularly relevant to collectors of classic adventure games.

Gilbert is associated with influential LucasArts titles including Maniac Mansion and The Secret of Monkey Island.

His inclusion, alongside the Sam & Max feature, makes this issue especially interesting for fans of classic adventure gaming.

Original Back Cover Advertisement – F.E.A.R.

The back cover features a full-page advertisement for F.E.A.R.

The artwork uses a dramatic black, orange and yellow colour scheme, with a mysterious central figure and several smaller gameplay screenshots.

The advertisement features the game's title prominently and promotes its forthcoming release.

The images show industrial environments, combat sequences and the game's distinctive supernatural atmosphere.

The advertisement is an attractive piece of original 2005 PC gaming promotional artwork.

For collectors of F.E.A.R. and Monolith Productions, the original back-cover advertising adds further interest to this issue.

Condition Report – Please Read Carefully

Condition: Pre-owned – visible signs of age, storage and previous handling.

This is an original magazine from 2005 and is not in new or mint condition.

Front Cover

The front cover remains present, with the Quake 4 artwork and main headlines clearly visible.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light surface scuffing and rubbing.

• Fine scratches and general handling marks.

• Minor creasing across parts of the glossy cover.

• Some rubbing and wear around the outer edges.

• Slight wear around the corners.

• Minor wear along the spine.

• Light bending and curvature from storage.

The upper cover edge shows some light wear, while the bottom corners have minor signs of handling.

The glossy finish remains visible, and the main artwork retains strong colour.

Spine and Binding

The spine remains present, with the issue identification visible in the side-view photograph.

There are signs of rubbing and light wear around the spine and its ends.

The magazine appears to retain its overall shape.

The photographed interior pages remain attached, although the complete binding has not been examined page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages appear generally clean and readable.

Visible signs of use include:

• Slight page curvature.

• Minor handling marks.

• Light edge wear.

• Small corner bends.

• Natural creasing around the central fold.

• Some light surface marks.

The photographed contents pages retain their original colour and printed detail.

No major tears are apparent in the interior pages shown.

Back Cover

The original F.E.A.R. advertisement remains present.

Visible imperfections include:

• Surface scuffing.

• Minor scratches and rubbing.

• Light edge and corner wear.

• Slight bending and handling marks.

The back-cover artwork and advertising text remain clearly recognisable.

Overall Condition

A presentable original copy of PC Zone Issue 159, showing normal signs of previous ownership and storage.

The magazine retains its distinctive Quake 4 cover and original F.E.A.R. back-cover advertisement.

The photographed interior pages remain readable and colourful.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The magazine has not been individually checked page by page, so absolute completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Important – Original Extras Not Included

MAGAZINE ONLY – NO ORIGINAL COVER-MOUNTED EXTRAS INCLUDED.

Any CDs, DVDs, demo discs, promotional software, inserts, supplements, vouchers, free gifts or other detachable items that may originally have accompanied this magazine are no longer included.

The sale is for the original printed magazine shown in the photographs only.

No games, activation codes, software licences or additional promotional items are included.

Packaging and Postage

UK Orders

The magazine will be carefully packaged and sent in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending and damage during transit.

International Orders

International orders will be packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during shipping.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered for sale.

Please review the photographs and condition description carefully before purchasing.

SKU: 1572