Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition Review

Unreal Tournament 2004: Editor's Choice Edition Review

Review by Mick

Fast paced first person shooter (FPS) action is at your fingertips with Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2004). A large amount of weapons lets you wreak havoc on your foes with unlimited creativity. A campaign combined with multiplayer, at home and online, will give you unlimited hours of FPS delight. With the adult language and large amount of gore this game is better suited for older players.

Compete for the Ultimate Prize

UT2004 is a futuristic FPS game. A single player mode is available, but this game focuses largely on multiplayer action. The game is set in the year 2362, and various characters make up teams that are competing in the most anticipated tournament ever. 12 teams in all will be competing for the tournament trophy and bragging rights.

Deep Multiplayer

There are several modes of gameplay available with the most in depth being multiplayer. Multiplayer has two choices: you can compete against computer opponents to hone your skill or play online against other people. Various scenarios are available for multiplayer action. You can compete in Assault where teams alternate turns defending or attacking an objective.

Onslaught is another option where you must capture nodes and destroy the enemies power core. Onslaught allows the use of vehicles adding to the action.

Two other scenarios, Capture the Flag and Bombing Run are similar in objective (you must take an object to a point to score). In Capture the Flag, you must infiltrate the enemy base capture their flag and return it to your own base. In Bombing Run, an orb will be placed in the center of the map, you must pick it up and deliver it to the enemy base. These are only a few of the scenarios you can compete in.

Large Assortment of Weapons

There are tons of weapons available for fighting. Standard rifles, Bio rifles that shoot green blobs that melt your opponents, even a lightning gun. All guns have two modes of fire extending your destructive capabilities even further. Vehicles have weapons as well. The scorpion has blades that extend out and slice enemies in half. Controlling your character is quite easy movement is accomplished with the WASD keys, and aiming and shooting is done with the mouse.

Good Presentation

The graphics in UT2004 are good for this type of game. They aren't the best ever but are similar to Halo style graphics. The soundtrack and sound effects are great for this game. The character sound bites are unsuitable for kids but very entertaining for adults, the intended game audience. It is possible to turn the gore off but online players can speak through microphones and there is no filter.

Learning Curve for Multiplayer

Online play is very entertaining, but has a very steep learning curve. If you are unfamiliar with online FPS gaming you will need a lot of practice before you can hope to compete. This is one of the few drawbacks to UT2004. Experienced FPS gamers will be able to pick up on the tricks of the game relatively quick but others will struggle for a time.

Conclusion - Fantastic Multiplayer FPS

UT2004 takes multiplayer gaming to a new level. With all the scenarios available you can certainly find something to suit your style of play. A large stash of weapons and vehicles lets you destroy your opponents in any way your heart desires. Younger kids should not play this game due to the gore and adult language, but it is an excellent game for anyone else.