The daddy of the FPS - id Software's Wolfenstein 3D - has turned 20 and, to celebrate, Bethesda have released the creaking shooter as a free browser game. You can check it out either on Bethesda's official site, or on their Facebook page.

Watch the trailer above for a walkthrough from John Carmack, giving some insight into the game's making and the development processes that kickstarted the most persistently popular genre in the industry.

Our Salute To "The Father Of Awesomeness"

We've had this date from the beginning. Seeing as we waxed lyrical about Quake during our latest PWNcast and nominated it as the classic FPS we'd most like a direct sequel to, it's only fitting that we feature id Software's seminal shooter as this week's Blast From The Past.

And what a blast it was. Our pursuit of a depraved warlord through a terrifying realm of bleeding-edge science and Cyclopean magic left us breathless and gobsmacked, scarecely believing that videogames could deliver something so brutally visceral, so uncompromisingly real. Quake still stands tall as a timeless, brutal and sensational gaming experience, and its influence is still keenly felt today.

Indeed, while id Software consider Doom to be "the daddy" of FPS games, they affectionately refer to Quake as "the father of awesomeness." Talking us through their venerable history at last year's Eurogamer Expo, art director Tim Willits explained that Quake both invented and defined the FPS as we know it today. Wolfenstein and Doom laid the groundwork with the basic premise, but Quake made the leap from two to three dimensions, setting an unprecedented benchmark in terms of graphics and gameplay.

• What: RAGE (With 2 DLC Packs)
• Where: Gamefly
• Current Price: £5.09
• RAGE PC price comparison
• RAGE Review

Well, if price really was your only obstacle to seeing what RAGE has to offer, Gamefly have well and truly torn it down for you. £6 separates it from the next best offer from Tifili, and you also get the Sewers and Authority DLC packs included in the purchase, making it excellent value for money. Please note that you will require Steam to play the game.

Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have just focused on its brilliant and satisfying shooting mechanics, but it's still an entertaining romp, and for just over a fiver it could be time to see for yourself if id’s latest was worth the wait. Thanks to Pankratz @ HUKD!

• What: RAGE: Anarchy Edition
• Where: CoolShop
• Current Price: £7.86
• RAGE: Anarchy Edition PS3 price comparison
• RAGE Review

It has become the standard ‘go to’ deal price for this one, but CoolShop have decided to give it a go making them the cheapest retailer for the PS3 version. Just over £2 separates them from Game Centre, and it also works out cheaper than the best price for a standard copy.

So what do you get? Extra weapons in the form of a Double Barrel Shotgun and the Fists of Rage, the Rat Rod Buggy to drive around in, and the Crimson Elite Armor to help keep you alive (as well as look rather badass.) Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its shooting (which it does brilliantly) but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is the best deal around. Thanks to Scar @ HUKD!

Bethesda has announced plans to re-release one of their classic games on Xbox 360. Could it be Morrowind, I hear you ask? Perhaps a new Oblivion edition? Or even a compilation of their older Elder (elder Elder?) Scrolls titles for XBLA?

Nope. It's Quake IV.

Apparently Bethesda feel that it's difficult to lay hands on one of the Xbox 360's "best launch titles," and have decided to relaunch Raven's Quake-branded FPS in Europe "very soon." The American RRP is $19.99, though as we all know, exchange rates rarely work in our favour. We just hope that they've sorted out the choppy frame rate and ensured that the free copy of Quake II is still in the box.

• What: RAGE: Anarchy Edition
• Where: GAME
• Current Price: £7.98
• RAGE: Anarchy Edition PC price comparison
• RAGE Review

Once again GAME have slashed the price on the Anarchy Edition of RAGE, this time for the PS3. The saving compared to the next best deal ends up being at almost £4, which is also the price difference over the cheapest offer for a standard version of the game.

So what do you get? Extra weapons in the form of a Double Barrel Shotgun and the Fists of Rage, the Rat Rod Buggy to drive around in, and the Crimson Elite Armor to help keep you alive (as well as look rather badass.) Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its shooting (which it does brilliantly) but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is the best deal around. Thanks to leeds_united_afc @ HUKD!

Some weird shenanigans have been going on over the last 48 hours, with some sites claiming that Doom 4 has been cancelled and massively leaked via a veritable torrent of screenshots. However, id Software's Matthew Hooper has spoken out to debunk these rumours - as well as to tell us that we can expect "awesome" things from the finished article.

"Those images have nothing to do with what you're gonna see in Doom4. When we officially show things you'll see awesome."

Good news then, but the wording is interesting. While the rumours are debunked, it's likely that the leaked artwork represents conceptual material that bears little resemblance to the game in progress. We'll let you know when id are good and ready to show off Doom 4. [Twitter]

• What: RAGE
• Where: PC World | Currys | Dixons
• Current Price: £9.97
• RAGE Xbox 360 price comparison
• RAGE Review

It’s finally happened; the Xbox 360 version of RAGE has fallen below the magic £10 mark thanks to PC World, Currys and Dixons. Admittedly you can get to Anarchy Edition for a few pounds more, but if you aren’t fussed by a few extra items you can save yourself a few quid with this offer.

Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have just focused on its brilliant and satisfying shooting mechanics, but it's still an entertaining romp, and for a tenner it could be time to see for yourself if id’s latest was worth the wait. Thanks to diabolikal616 @ HUKD!

"Work On Future id Titles Continues Unabated"

We all feared the worst when RAGE's initial sales figures were reported, with the id Software shooter under-performing for new bosses, Bethesda Softworks. The entire industry is on a razor's edge right now, some companies teetering on the brink, others edging ever closer to salvation as an inevitable shift in the gaming landscape looms. And it appears that, while id Software will continue to operate, Bethesda has been forced to cut an unspecified number of staff from their RAGE team.

"As part of its standard business practice, id regularly evaluates staffing to ensure it has a workforce that meets the needs of the studio. As part of that process, some id employees were recently let go," a Bethesda statement reads. The official announcement was preempted by a poster on Neogaf who got wind of the layoffs. However, Bethesda has confirmed "work on future id titles continues unabated", with Doom 4 rumored to be next on the cards at the historical studio. [Joystiq]

• What: RAGE: Anarchy Edition
• Where: GAME ( PS3 | Xbox 360 ) | Gamestation ( PS3 | Xbox 360 )
• Current Price: £9.99
• RAGE: Anarchy Edition PS3 / Xbox 360 price comparison
• RAGE Review

Following on from their recent deal, GAME and Gamestation are once again dropping the price for the Anarchy Edition, ensuring it stays cheaper than a standard edition copy. There is a saving of just under a fiver in comparison to the next best offer at ShopTo.

So what do you get? Extra weapons in the form of a Double Barrel Shotgun and the Fists of Rage, the Rat Rod Buggy to drive around in, and the Crimson Elite Armor to help keep you alive (as well as look rather badass.) Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its shooting (which it does brilliantly) but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is by far the best deal around. Thanks to AndyEssex @ HUKD!

• What: RAGE: Anarchy Edition
• Where: GAME ( PS3 | Xbox 360 ) / Gamestation ( PS3 | Xbox 360 )
• Current Price: £11.99
• RAGE Anarchy Edition PS3 / Xbox 360 price comparison
• RAGE Review

Here’s a great chance to pick up id’s latest shooter for a bargain price. You can pick up the Anarchy Edition of RAGE for a mere £12, with the offer from GAME and Gamestation allowing you to make a saving of almost £3 over the next best price at ShopTo.

So what do you get? Extra weapons in the form of a Double Barrel Shotgun and the Fists of Rage, the Rat Rod Buggy to drive around in, and the Crimson Elite Armor to help keep you alive (as well as look rather badass.) Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its shooting (which it does brilliantly) but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is by far the best deal around. Thanks to nunofganlexandre @ HUKD!

• What: RAGE
• Where: Tesco Entertainment ( Xbox 360 | PS3 )
• Current Price: £13.21
• RAGE Xbox 360 / PS3 price comparison
• RAGE Review

Although the price for id’s latest has been dropping steadily, I didn’t think it would reach this point so quickly. This deal from Tesco sees RAGE fall below the magical £15 mark, giving you a saving of over £4.50 for the Xbox 360 version, and over £7.50 for the Playstation 3 version.

Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its brilliant and satisfying shooting mechanics, but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is by far the best deal around for console gamers. Thanks to ganticus @ HUKD!

• What: Rage Anarchy Edition
• Where: Game
• Current Price: £13.99
• Rage Anarchy Edition PC Price Comparison
• Rage Review

Rage provides you with some pretty good post apocalyptic fun and if that's your thing then you should definitely think about checking it out! But, what do you get with the Anarchy Edition? Well, there's a few more weapons in the form of the Double Barrel Shotgun and the Fists Of Rage, you'll be able to zip around in the Rat Rod Buggy, and last but not least there's a bit of Crimson Elite Armour for you to swan around in. Game are parting with PC copies for £13.99, which'll save you £5 on the next best offer coming in from Gameplay. Thanks to mattymc14 @ HUKD.

id Software Legend Advises Caution

Between you and me, if the likes of Epic, Bethesda and Naughty Dog continue to pump out fantastic titles like Gears of War 3, Skyrim and Uncharted 3, I'm happy to sit with my Xbox 360 and PS3 a few years longer. I'm in no rush to upgrade. Sadly, the state of the industry demands change, as publisher profits decline and consumer interest wanes. However, while we always look forward to the visual jump every new generation of consoles ushers in, id Software's technical genius John Carmack has urged fans not to expect as "epic" a leap forward as past machines.

• What: RAGE
• Where: Steam
• Current Price: £20.09
• RAGE PC price comparison
• RAGE Review

To celebrate the fact that yesterday’s close encounter with an asteroid didn’t kill us all, Steam are dropping their usual price by 33% today for the apocalyptic shooter RAGE. This means potential buyers can save themselves almost £3 in comparison to the next best deal at Cool Shop, as well as rejoice over the fact we're all still alive.

Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its brilliant and satisfying shooting mechanics, but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is by far the best deal around for PC gamers.

• What: RAGE
• Where: Play.com Xbox 360 | PS3
• Current Price: £17.99
• RAGE PS3 Price Comparison
• RAGE Xbox 360 Price Comparison
• RAGE Review

RAGE is a great shooter with sumptuous graphics - but as I lamented in our full review, it suffers from a bit of an identity crisis. Rife backtracking, weird shallow RPG elements and seriously weird pacing (especially towards the end) makes the whole experience seem more than a little diffuse and diluted, and bar a couple of exceptional levels, it never quite delivers the killer app we expected. Still, £17.99 is a good price for it.

• What: RAGE: Anarchy Edition
• Where: GAME ( PS3 | Xbox 360 )
• Current Price: £24.99
• RAGE: Anarchy Edition PS3 / Xbox 360 price comparison
• RAGE Review

Those who have yet to get hold of id Software’s latest shooter can do so for just £25 thanks to his latest offer from GAME. In doing so you can save yourself over £8 in comparison to the next best deals, and perhaps more importantly this is the Anarchy Edition, so there’s a bunch of extra stuff thrown in. It’s also a fiver cheaper than the regular version, so this really is a bargain.

So what do you get? Extra weapons in the form of a Double Barrel Shotgun and the Fists of Rage, the Rat Rod Buggy to drive around in, and the Crimson Elite Armor to help keep you alive (as well as look rather badass.) Sure, RAGE tried to do too much when it should have focused on just its shooting (which it does brilliantly) but it's still an entertaining romp, and if you want to give it a go this is by far the best deal around. Thanks to pic83 @ HUKD!

• What: RAGE
• Where: Game (Xbox 360 | PS3)
• Current Price: £24.99
• RAGE PS3 Price Comparison
• RAGE Xbox 360 Price Comparison
• RAGE Review

I really enjoyed RAGE when I played it a couple of months ago, in fact I almost completely lost track of the time as I roamed around the post apocalyptic world it offers up to you. There are plenty of places to explore, which you can get to by cruising around in some pretty cool vehicles, but you'll need to be wary of the hostile bandits who are lying in wait for an unsuspecting victim. Game are parting with Xbox 360 and PS3 copies of the game for £24.99, which'll make you a saving of almost £5 on the 360 and £2.50 on the PS3. Thanks to pjc83 @ HUKD.

UPDATE: Bethesda's Pete Hines has tweeted that this rumour is "complete bollocks." Good.

It's super unconfirmed rumour time, folks. Kotaku (as usual - but they're usually right) reports that Bethesda and Zenimax have decided to indefinitely postpone development of id Software's Doom IV after the incredibly messy PC launch of RAGE. Their source suggests the negative publicity about the PC release woes inspired "a serious lack of confidence in the project management at id." Naturally this whistleblower is both anonymous and unconfirmed, meaning that this could well be a load of old cobblers.

If true, though, the logic sounds a little bizarre to me (as a raving Carmack-fancying id fanboy, I grant you). RAGE charted well, and Doom IV won't use the Megatexture tech that got the PC version in such hot water. Plus, Doom is likely to sell better than RAGE thanks to its illustrious branding.

Then again, this is the company that sued Mojang over the use of the word "Scrolls." Anything is possible.

Or: Why RAGE Should Have Learned From Its Forefathers

I recently powerslid, pop-rocketed and decapitated my way through RAGE: id Software's latest title and their first new IP in years. Cathartic fun though it was, I couldn't help feeling that it was a bastardised version of their older lineup, a  brutal and technical shooter with tacked-on gameplay components that the ancient studio simply didn't understand how to use properly. Many of my peers believe that the RPG elements and characterisation weren't fleshed out enough, but I'd argue the the exact opposite. There was far too much busywork and grind getting in the way of your mission... which diluted and distracted from the experience rather than creating an immersive world.

You see, id Software's best shooters didn't need loads of voice acting, a bloated storyline or tedious optional missions to create a believable and terrifying game world. They were great because they no contained no fat whatsoever; just massive empowering guns and plenty of monstrous enemies to reduce into chunky kibbles. Doom, Doom II and Quake both prove this point beautifully (and stay tuned for their own BFTP articles, I have no doubt), but there's one game that RAGE could - and should - have learned a fair few lessons from.

Quake II.