Published by: Midway Games
Developed by: Epic Games
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Rated: M (Mature)
Release Date: November 19, 2007
Screenshots: Link
Amazon: Buy Now!
Written By: Matthew Prunty








Unreal Tournament 3, unlike the titles before it, is doing something rather different. For those who have been following the series over the years, will notice a blending of old-school elements with the new ideology, thus creating a immersive experience for season veterans and newcomers alike. While this title marks a new chapter in the world of UT, you cant help but think that Epic Games didn't push the envelope to their fullest. As you reald on in this review, several elements will be revealed to you about the game, which from there, you can create your own conclusion about this mighty first-person shooter.

Once you are ready to get things going in UT3, you will notice that there are several modes to choose from. Unlike the original Unreal titles, UT prides itself on epic deathmatches within immserive environments. With that in mind, the modes within UT3 include deathmatch, team deathmatch, capture the flag (CTF), vehicle capture the flag (VCTF), warfare, and duel. Most of the environments involved within these modes (excluding vehicle based modes) are confined, but spaceous industrial complexes, that put you against fellow friends or computer opponents. However, just like Halo 3's multiplayer mode, this is an acquired taste. Gamers that aren't use to high-intense action or never gave a fps a chance, wont find any enjoyment within any of multiplayer modes, even the single-player campaign. Whereas with fps lovers and UT vets, nothing beats the wall-jumping, side-dashing, double-jumping, and head-to-head weapon firing that creates memorable battles.



Disecting the various modes, deathmatch and team deathmatch are pretty straight foward. Wether its everyone for themselves, or workin in teams, players are trying to rack up the most kills without dying themselves one too many times. With in CTF, players get a translocator device that allows them to warp to various spots on the map. In team-based action, they must acquire the opponents flag and keep it within their possession until time runs out. With VCTF, its pretty much the same philosophy, but with vehicles to help devistate your oppenents.

The roster of vehicles are what help to make VCTF and Warfare enjoyable experiences, but they have to the most dynamic element within the warfare mode. Based on the same principles of onslaught, warfare features several changes, one of which is seen in a small, glowing ball. Known as an orb, this spherical object must be safeguarded from your opponents. This can be done taking it over to nodes, which can protect it. Another job for the nodes is that they can help you in capturing your opponents orb. Thinking on what I just said, strategy plays an important role in the success of your campaign. Not spoiling anything for those who haven't played the game, there are many ways to protect your own orb, while trying to advance your team's position on the field. There are even surpises via different types of nodes. One being the Countdown node, which can damange an enemy's core without lower shields if its captured and held.



The mighty wheels of UT3 include several from Unreal Tournament 2004, which include the Manta, Hellbender, Goliath tank, the Leviathan, and the Scorpion. This time around though is that they operate differently. The Scorpion, for example, now fires little explosive spheres and its fire razor manibles are now mounted on the front half of the vehicle. While we all like classics, the fun comes via the new Necris machines: Darkwalker, Viper (hoverbike), Nightshade (tank), Scavenger and the Fury. Of thos bunch, the most enjoyable has to be the Scavenger, which pays omage to our spider friends. Scampering around on three short, spindly legs, the central spehe of the Scavenger can rocket forward with its legs spinning like razors on all sides, hop into the air, or propel forth an energy orb.

For those who are looking fo more out of this game beyond the multiplayer battles can take part in the single-player campaign, which places you in the role of Reaper, who is out for revenge against Akasha, a rogue inquisitor of the Necris alien race. Though Epic Games was looking to make an all-around experience for gamers, the single-player campaign is a generic experience. After the opening cut-scene and the training mode you must go through before actually beginning the game, players will notice that the various battles you participate in are the same ones within the multiplayer modes (CTF, VCTF, team deathmatch, and warfare), just against bots. In between these battles, there will be various cut-scenes. loading screnes and game-altering rewards issued.



While still discussing the single-player campaign, players will notice that this game is very similar to Gears of War in the since that you are left with a cliffhanger ending, thus informing you that you will have to wait until the next installment before your can close the book on this chapter of the franchise. Overall, this mode is an addition that wasn't really needed for people to buy the game.

From a visual standpoint, UT3 is a delight see and experience. Just like in previous installments, the characters have been taking extensive doses of steroids to achieve Arnold Swarzenegger strength, then are covered in some of the thickest armor found in all the universe. The only difference I have ntoice this time around is that some of the characters sport an alien-inspired look, which can also be seen within some of the Necris environements and vehicles. While the game doesn't need to have to best graphics for gamers to enjoy it, the graphical prowess serves the games in those defining moments throughout the game. Examples of this include circle strafing a deployed Leviathan in a Scorpion as AVRiLs pour in from all sides, executing a perfect shock core explosion, or even simply detonating another player with your trusty impact hammer. These type of moments are only heightened by the amazing visuals.

For those passionate about team-based action will find lots of reasons to come back for more. Whether it be to boost individual statisitcs, venturing through numerous maps tailored to thei specific game mode, dedicated servers, which cuts back on the likelihood of internet connections timing out or worse, or even character model customization and game-altering mutators.



The core of what is experienced within Unreal Tournament 3 is nothing that hasn't been experience within previous installments of the UT Franchise (UT '99 and '04), which consists of over the top action at high speeds. Though only a modified version of Onslaught, the addition of the Warfare mode to the series is a welcome change, which is only heightened by the inclusion of additional Necris vehicles. The single-player campaign could of either been more developed or left on the development table because it doesn't do much for the overall performance or attraction of the game. At the end of the day, veterans of the franchise will find lots or worth within this new installment, whereas newbies will be less hesitant to jump into vast arena of Unreal Tournament.

8.5/10

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