Unreal Tournament 2004

The next not-quite-real tourney offers fresh gibs like voice chat and other fragging enhancements.

Unreal fans are used to dramatic differences with each new release. Last year?s Unreal Tournament 2003 further boosted and buffed the graphics, and added the slick/sick ?ragdoll physics? that turned gibbing someone into an elaborate death scene. Victims realistically flopped over mountainsides, tumbled down stairways, and pinwheeled across the terrain.

Though the major differences between UT2003 and this year?s UT2004 might not be obvious at first?perhaps making the game seem more like an expansion?the fact is that plenty?s been poured into the box. Atari also promises UT2003 owners a rebate, giving them pricing similar to an expansion pack.

UT2004 bundles all of the content from UT2003?including classic modes, such as Capture the Flag and Deathmatch?and adds the free maps, weapons, and gameplay variations offered after last year?s release. The bundle is also supplemented by new maps and character models; updated weapon models and firing effects; and software rendering, so the most current graphic-board technology isn?t required. A redesigned user interface makes it easier to find desired information and menu selections.

From a gameplay standpoint, there?s also a lot of fresh material. UT2004 revisits Assault mode with a total overhaul, featuring detailed objective descriptions, as well as onscreen 3-D arrows, ?wisp? trails and distance indicators to comfortably lead team members to the next goal. A new mode, Onslaught, pits two teams against each other to control linked points on a map and ultimately destroy the opposition?s power core. Assault and Onslaught have been further enhanced with various vehicles?some of which can carry multiple players?and stationary turrets that drive the intensity to a frantic pace. Bot AI has been heavily tweaked to make their actions less predicable and that much more deadly.

Perhaps the coolest add-on is the incorporation of voice chat into the title. Being able to easily strategize with teammates on the fly is great, but players will surely enjoy gloating over their ownage so directly. Combatants no longer have to find ways to trash talk with just the ASDW keys. Ah, it warms the heart?and more than a few gibs.

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