The brooding, gothic atmosphere of the previous Quakes has been replaced by a brighter arcade style. Gameplay has moved from realism to abstract functionality. Weapons, ammunition, and powerups float unrealistically above the ground and glow with neon colour. Platforms float over impossible bottomless voids. Weapons are oversized and bursting with ballistic muscle.
Sounds are rich and explosively resonant.
Gibs are exaggerated and comical. Q3A no longer attempts to create a believable realism, but provides what is clearly a game environment. Levels don't link together, or have any relevance to each other apart from providing an arena for play. Players appear in them to fight and conquer, not to move through a continuing story. The visuals alone would make Q3A remarkable.