Unreal Tournament 2004
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2004 12:36 am
Despite Beyonder's claim that nothing good can come of discussing FPS games, there's quite a bit to be said about UT2K4.
The graphics engine seems to be the same as in UT2K3, which means it's rather processor intensive. The main changes from UT2K3 come from the addition of a new game type (onslaught) and an old weapon (sniper rifle).
Onslaught is perhaps my favorite mode of UT2K4 to play, mainly because of the vehicles. The principle is that each team controls a master node which is linked in a grid with other nodes, as well as the other team's node. You must control a line of nodes leading to the other team's node in order to attack and destroy it. At the same time, you must defend your nodes and attack the other team's to leave them without certain vehicles or paths to your node. The onslaught map included with the demo (available at http://www.unrealtournament.com/ut2004/) emphasizes the game mode nicely.
Of course, UT2K4 comes with the standard modes that everyone expects (deathmatch, team deathmatch and capture the flag) along with a favorite from UT2K3 (bombing run). If you've never played bombing run before, the principle is that each team is trying to put the ball, which spawns in the center of the arena, into the goal controlled by the other team while defending it's own. The catch is that, if you're holding the ball, you can't shoot except passing the ball to someone, so this mode requires teamwork.
In all, it's a good game. The demo is available for free online, which also allows you to play against others on the internet, so you can have fun with everyone else who hasn't bought the game yet.
The graphics engine seems to be the same as in UT2K3, which means it's rather processor intensive. The main changes from UT2K3 come from the addition of a new game type (onslaught) and an old weapon (sniper rifle).
Onslaught is perhaps my favorite mode of UT2K4 to play, mainly because of the vehicles. The principle is that each team controls a master node which is linked in a grid with other nodes, as well as the other team's node. You must control a line of nodes leading to the other team's node in order to attack and destroy it. At the same time, you must defend your nodes and attack the other team's to leave them without certain vehicles or paths to your node. The onslaught map included with the demo (available at http://www.unrealtournament.com/ut2004/) emphasizes the game mode nicely.
Of course, UT2K4 comes with the standard modes that everyone expects (deathmatch, team deathmatch and capture the flag) along with a favorite from UT2K3 (bombing run). If you've never played bombing run before, the principle is that each team is trying to put the ball, which spawns in the center of the arena, into the goal controlled by the other team while defending it's own. The catch is that, if you're holding the ball, you can't shoot except passing the ball to someone, so this mode requires teamwork.
In all, it's a good game. The demo is available for free online, which also allows you to play against others on the internet, so you can have fun with everyone else who hasn't bought the game yet.
