Purge (video game)
{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Purge
| image = Purge (video game box art).jpg
| caption =
| developer = Freeform Interactive
| publisher = Tri Synergy
| designer =
| series =
| engine = Lithtech Talon
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|April 15, 2003{{cite web| url = http://uk.pc.ign.com/articles/400/400123p1.html | title = IGN:Purge Review | author = Forrester, Derek | publisher = IGN | date = April 29, 2003 | accessdate = May 10, 2007|quote=Ultimately, this action title is basic and bland, a testament to clichéd design and rudimentary play mechanics.}}}}
| genre = First-person shooter
| modes = Multiplayer
| platforms = Windows 98/ME/2K/XP
}}
Purge or PurgeFinal (formerly known as PurgeJihad), is a free first-person shooter computer game published by Freeform Interactive LLC. It is an unofficial sequel to the Future vs. Fantasy{{Cite news|url=https://www.quakewiki.net/quake-expo-2011/future-vs-fantasy/|title=Future vs Fantasy – QuakeWiki|work=QuakeWiki|access-date=October 19, 2018|language=en-US}} total conversion mod for Quake, and combines futuristic and magical themes, based on the FvF purge game mode. Purge came out of open beta in 2003. It became freeware in 2007, and Freeform Interactive LLC had distributed a keygen which enabled anyone to play the game for free.{{Cite web|url=http://www.purgeonline.net/ |title=The Internet Archive – Purgeonline.net |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514110736/http://www.purgeonline.net/ |archivedate=May 14, 2007 }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.pushtop.com/index.php?topic=17.0 |title=The Internet Archive – Pushtop.com |url-status=unfit |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516084524/http://www.pushtop.com/index.php?topic=17.0 |archivedate=May 16, 2007 }}
Gameplay
Purge focuses on character development rather than straightforward first-person shooter gameplay. Each player must choose a side: the Order (technology) or the Chosen (magic). The Order's forces consist of the Android, Cyborg, Commando and Wastelander, while Mages, Fighters, Assassins and Monks make up the Chosen. The player then chooses attributes for their character and can customize their character's appearance.
The maps in Purge range from small scale for 2-to-24 players, to large for 10-to-64 players.
Critical reception
Both GameSpot and IGN rated Purge as "mediocre".{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/purge/review.html|title=Purge Review|work=Gamespot|author=Colayco, Bob|date=April 17, 2003|accessdate=October 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101210214105/http://uk.gamespot.com/pc/action/purge/review.html|archive-date=December 10, 2010|url-status=dead}} IGN highlighted detailed environments with well-defined textures and impressive effects and argued that Purge was a notable example within the "character development" niche of action genre. Criticisms included indistinct vocal commands, some unsuitable weapon sound effects, a "practically nonexistent" playing community, lack of game modes and unpolished level design.