I have been playing first person shooters since Wolfenstein 3D. When networked 'deathmatch' play in Doom arrived (1993), I knew I had witnessed a significant moment in game history. I remember thinking that the people involved in that project could never be beaten. Surely that company would cash in by creating a deathmatch monopoly.

Six years later, I am very happy to have been wrong. Unreal Tournament kicks the entrails out of any other deathmatch game I've played past and present.

Upon starting the game, you are greeted by a well crafted setup UI. The menus and dialogs act like MS-Windows equivalents for the most part, so most people will find it familiar. I laughed out loud when the same UI was on the Linux client, as it meant that someone took a lot time writing this easy to use software from scratch.

When starting a match you are surrounded by all the 3D effects I have come to expect. Great textures, well placed lighting, good map design, etc.

The best part for me is the weapons. Secondary fire modes are an awesome advantage if you take the time to master them. When annihilating an enemy with 6 rockets in one shot, I get the same feeling as though I just made a 30 foot golf putt. What a great masterpiece this game is!

I play under Linux. I thank EPIC for taking the time to make this happen. Shame on GT Interactive Software for not putting the Linux version on the shipping CDs. The Linux version is available for download.

Unreal Tournament represents the best of what I've been waiting for in the last 6 years. Do not miss it.



Recommended: Yes