Unreal Tournament 2004
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)
Platform(s)
First Released
March 16, 2004 (19 years 6 months 10 days)
Genre
91.25
Exceptional
Unreal Tournament 2004, often dubbed UT2004, lives up to its grand name, taking its place among the upper echelon of online first-person shooters. As a player, you are thrust into a futuristic, high-octane battleground where speed and precision dictate the difference between a victorious roar and a defeated whimper. Whether you’re engaged in a team-based onslaught, capturing the flag, or showcasing your solo combat prowess in the deathmatch or duel, UT2004 maintains a rhythm of relentless and exhilarating chaos. The game’s stunning assortment of weaponry only fuels this chaos, ranging from the brutish flak cannon to the more technologically advanced shock rifle, each with unique secondary fire modes.
Editor review
1 review
Unreal Brilliance: Unveiling the Fast-paced Delights of Unreal Tournament 2004
Reviewed on Windows in June 2023
Overall rating
91
Fun Factor
95
Visual / Sound Quality
90
Replayability
92
Level of Challenge
88
Unreal Tournament 2004, often dubbed UT2004, lives up to its grand name, taking its place among the upper echelon of online first-person shooters. As a player, you are thrust into a futuristic, high-octane battleground where speed and precision dictate the difference between a victorious roar and a defeated whimper. Whether you’re engaged in a team-based onslaught, capturing the flag, or showcasing your solo combat prowess in the deathmatch or duel, UT2004 maintains a rhythm of relentless and exhilarating chaos. The game’s stunning assortment of weaponry only fuels this chaos, ranging from the brutish flak cannon to the more technologically advanced shock rifle, each with unique secondary fire modes.
Thriving in The Unreal Universe: Setting and Graphics
The setting of UT2004 doesn't just serve as a backdrop to its high-speed action. Instead, the game's futuristic world is integral to the player's overall experience. Diverse maps that range from desert outposts to alien spacecrafts make every match an adventure, each environment influencing the gameplay strategy. The game’s graphics are impressive, with a certain charm that retains its appeal even as time goes on. The character models, lighting, and environmental details attest to the painstaking work the developers have put into creating this Unreal universe.
Riding the Sonic Waves: Audio and Effects
As pivotal as the game's visuals are, they're enhanced exponentially by its soundscape. The audio design in UT2004 is a force to be reckoned with. The weapons carry weight in their sounds, providing satisfying feedback for every shot fired and hit registered. The game’s background music aligns perfectly with the action, shifting dynamically to match the intensity of the combat. Additionally, the announcer's iconic voice not only keeps players informed about game events, but also injects an adrenaline rush with those unforgettable phrases like "Killing spree!"
Evolution of a Classic: Improvements and Innovations
UT2004, as the successor of Unreal Tournament 2003, has made several pivotal advancements. The reintroduction of Assault mode is one of the most notable changes, offering strategic, objective-based gameplay which was sorely missed in its predecessor. The game also introduced a new mode, Onslaught, that sees large teams clash in epic battles while controlling nodes to take down enemy cores. The inclusion of pilotable vehicles in this mode brought another layer of strategy and fun. The UI has been polished, and bot AI significantly improved, with the bots now able to follow orders and perform more complex maneuvers.
Your Arena, Your Rules: Customization and Modding
The customizable nature of UT2004 adds another layer to its appeal. Whether adjusting the gravity for hilariously high jumps or altering weapon damage for quicker matches, the game provides players with a wide range of settings to tweak. But it doesn't stop there. The modding community has been instrumental in shaping the UT2004 experience, offering numerous mods and custom maps. These range from visual enhancements to game-changing alterations, expanding the game’s longevity and replay value significantly.
Friend or Foe: Multiplayer and Community
At its heart, UT2004 is a game built for multiplayer, and it excels in this arena. With its fast, skill-based gameplay, it promotes competition and camaraderie in equal measure. The community was, and remains, vibrant, filled with players who have a genuine passion for the game. While it's true that the game's steep learning curve might prove intimidating for newcomers, the friendly and helpful community mitigates this, always ready to guide novices through their early steps into the Unreal Tournament.
Fun Factor: 95/100
The heart of any game resides in how enjoyable it is to play, and Unreal Tournament 2004 shines in this regard. Its well-tuned mechanics, diverse game modes, and over-the-top action make each match an exhilarating experience. The fast-paced gameplay keeps you at the edge of your seat, with every kill and narrow escape evoking a sense of thrill that few games can replicate. The minor deduction comes from the steep learning curve, which might deter some newcomers, but overcoming this initial challenge brings immense satisfaction.
Visual & Sound Quality: 90/100
Despite its age, UT2004 holds up remarkably well in the visual and sound department. The game’s detailed environments, well-designed character models, and varied visual effects create an immersive world, while the soundscape perfectly compliments the onscreen action. Each weapon has its unique sound profile, and the iconic announcements add another layer of excitement to the matches. The score is not perfect, due to some textures showing their age, and the absence of advanced visual effects that became standard in later years. But for its time, UT2004 set a high standard in both visual and audio design.
Replayability: 92/100
The replayability of UT2004 is undoubtedly one of its most robust features. The range of game modes, massive map selection, extensive customization options, and the dynamic nature of its gameplay ensure that no two matches feel the same. Add to that a thriving modding community that continues to introduce new content and changes, and you have a game that invites repeated playthroughs. The game doesn’t score a perfect hundred, as there's a limit to map and mode variety without the input of mods.
Level of Challenge: 88/100
UT2004 presents a significant level of challenge, thanks to its skill-based gameplay and intelligent AI. Mastering the game requires a good understanding of each weapon, map, and game mode, along with quick reflexes. The multiplayer matches, against seasoned veterans, increase this challenge manifold. However, the high difficulty curve can be somewhat overwhelming for new players. A more balanced introductory experience could have made the game accessible to a wider audience.
In conclusion, Unreal Tournament 2004 is a seminal entry in the annals of first-person shooters. It’s a high-speed, high-adrenaline game that remains relevant even after several years of its release, courtesy of its balanced gameplay, exciting visuals, and a passionate community. Whether you are a fan of the genre or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of online shooters, UT2004 has plenty to offer.
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About this game:
Unreal Tournament 2004 is a video game released on March 16, 2004 (19 years 6 months 10 days). It is currently available to play on