Sometimes it's wise to conduct negotiations with something more powerful than gentle diplomacy.

Quake 4 ($49.99, www.aspyr.com) is finally coming to the Mac. For the uninitiated, Quake 4 chronicles the war between the human race and an evil alien race called the Strogg. It's the sequel to Quake II - in Quakenese, Quake 4 is really Quake 3, because Quake III Arena doesn't really count since it was focused on online multiplayer and didn't continue the Quake storyline. Got it? If not, don't worry about it. When you blast into Quake 4 armed with these tips and shoot everything in your way, the Strogg will have reason to worry.

- Enemies can easily dodge the slow-but-potent Dark Matter Gun. Be sure of your aim.

- Even though it's not as high-tech as your other gear, don't underestimate your trusty shotgun.

- The Hover Tank might be slow, but its shields regenerate.

- After "Stroggification," a soldier gets more health, moves faster, and can read the Strogg language.

- Fatty, the Strogg boss, is invincible, so don't waste your ammo.