If ever there was a computer title epitomising multiplayer first-person shooter gaming, then Unreal Tournament 2004 would be it. Playing Unreal is an exercise in breakneck reflexes, split-second timing and good old-fashioned luck.
While Unreal should be seen as a multiplayer game first and foremost, developer Epic Games has not skimped on adding a solid single player component. While many might think that playing Unreal on your own is the equivalent of throwing a party without any guests, single player gaming does provide newcomers (and veterans) to the franchise with some much-needed practise before taking on human opponents.
It`s a beautiful world
Graphically, the game is as beautiful as one could ever wish for. Epic spent a lot of time working on the engine and it shows. While a decent graphics accelerator card is required to fully appreciate the game in all its splendour, there are more than enough customisable options to allow players to tweak the detail settings to suit their system setups.
After all, if there is anything gamers are really good at then it is fine-tuning configuration files to get the frame-rate picture-perfect for online mayhem. I suppose we have something to thank Telkom for after all.
In keeping with the fine level of graphics, Unreal features excellent positional sound and, appropriately enough, a loud soundtrack. In fact, the sound adds polish to a solid product and it is pleasing to see that developers are starting to take this often-neglected aspect of gaming seriously.
Boys and their toys
If previous Unreal titles have given players one thing, it is a decent selection of weapons you can use to tear your opponents` bodies apart.
The 2004 incarnation is no different and features 18 guns of all shapes and sizes. What makes these weapons stand out from what has come before is the fact that they are more evenly balanced.
Granted, players will quickly adopt their favourite weapons but at least there is a better selection on offer. Of course, there is nothing quite like seeing the Redeemer in action for the first time. For the uninitiated, imagine nuclear power on demand. Enough said.
More "conventional" weapons include the Link Gun (an advanced plasma rifle), the Shock Rifle (feel the electricity) and of course, the Rocket Launcher.
Pick your game
All the pretty graphics, immersive sound and big weapons count for nought if the game is limited in its match offerings. Fear not as Unreal Tournament 2004 offers 10 different combat modes.
All the popular ones like Bombing Run and Capture The Flag are still there, but Assault and Onslaught are the ones to look out for.
Assault pits two teams against each other in the Unreal universe. Attackers have several objectives to accomplish in order to win the round while the defending team needs to stop them from meeting those objectives. Teams exchange roles after each round and the team that accomplishes the most objectives in the fastest time wins the match.
However, it is Onslaught that forms the crux of the new Unreal. Teams battle for control of a large map. Each team gets its own vehicles, which can be stolen if left unattended.
This game mode boils down to destroying the opposing team`s Power Core. The catch is that a Power Core cannot be damaged unless a team has a link to it and the only way to establish this link is to gain control of the smaller power nodes on the map.
Similar to links in a chain, your team must establish control of a chain of power nodes to get to the Power Core. Of course the strategy comes in when a team has to combine elements of defence and attack to win the match.
Start your engines
With the introduction of vehicles, come more options to annihilate opposing teams. Not counting turrets, there are nine modes of transport available. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, but it all boils down to the goal of ultimately running someone over.
Some of the more charming vehicles are the Scorpion and the Hellbender. Hardened gamers should particularly enjoy the blades on the Scorpion that can swiftly decapitate their foes.
Sounding off
Unreal Tournament 2004 is as close to the perfect multiplayer game you could hope to get. Simply put, playing this game comes down to being filled with adrenaline from the word go with nary a relaxing moment in sight.
If you have never considered multiplayer gaming to be your thing, then give Unreal a try. It is sure to change your perspective.
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