This game is probably the most reviewed PC game out there so I'm not sure you want to hear another one. I'm only writing this because believe it or not I had never got a chance to play the game until recently. I couldn't get the game to work with my Voodoo 3 card. I came across a site that recommended downloading "Powerstrip." It's a tool that allows you too tweak some 3D cards to fit your liking.. And it worked!! So already having the game I decided to try it again.. I can't believe all the hours I must have missed not playing this game.. I love the 1rst person shoot em up genre and I had never played this game.. I was never a true gamer...

Graphics... Just like the title, the graphics are unreal.. Smooth frame rate, very detailed characters and scenery. One of best things about this game is the incredible scenery. The arenas in this game are so fun to run around in. One particular mission in the game takes places on a tall plateau of land. It's a "capture the flag" mission and each team has their flag on opposite ends of the plateau. The middle ground is all open with narrow ledges and full sky view. You have to run across this huge narrow gap in the open to get to the other team's fortress. You are wide open to be fired upon by defending snipers up high in their fortress towers. It's a blast running through defenders hoping your teammate will cover you as you race to their flag.

Sound.. as good as it gets. I don't usually put a lot of weight on sound but it is solid with a lot of cool taunting dialogue by teammates and opponents. During team play, players announce when they are in trouble or if they are covering you.. Opponents have several taunts including, "Im sorry did I blow your head off"

Gameplay speed.. The very beginning of game is slow when you first start Unreal, but once inside the menus screen the game runs very fast. The game itself, once you start fighting is very fast, one of the big pluses in the game. After you are killed you are morphed to another spot almost instantaneously. You have to think very quickly in this game because players are running everywhere.

Gameplay.. I have played several of the newer 1rst person shooter games and this is hands down the "King." I was skeptic of a game that wasn't as deep as games like Rogue Spear or Half-Life that requires more strategy, but the sharp graphics, speed and realism makes this fast paced game a winner. There are about 6 modes of play and at least a hundred or so arenas to conquer. And though I haven't had the luxury of playing online, I've heard the real fun begins there. And if that is even half as fun as single player that's just another dimension I need to try.

Lasting appeal.. I have only played the game about 2 weeks now but even when I complete all levels playing over will be just as fun.. The arenas are huge and around each corner is some goodies to help destroy the enemy. After finishing a mission, there is still much untouched.

Weapons.. These are not your traditional weapons to select from. Each weapon has it's pro's and cons.. Some are most useful from afar. The rocket launcher for one needs to used from a distance, and the sniper rifle is better from a distance. Some weapons can richote to allow corner attacks. Some weapons I stay away from as I don't find them very useful. One gun shoots some slimy stuff that doesn't shoot far and has poor accuracy. It has a timing mechanism that explodes a few seconds after landing. Most opponents have easily been able to dodge this weapon. Pistols are very handy for close quick attacks but don't do a lot of damage.

Anyhow, I know you've heard it all before, this game rocks.. I thought it might feel a little outdated when I played it but I surprised how clean and sharp it was.. There is definitely a technology plateau in this genre. Until finer games arrive this will be my shooter of choice.

Recommended: Yes