Is this for real?

Unreal Tournament 3 was meant to be the game that is set to rock the multiplayer FPS world for PS3. True enough, it did. It even got so many people hyped up about the game and the mods that will accompany it in the future. Even gaming websites were raving about it, so why did I feel like I got ripped off my hard-earned cash after buying this game?

First up, people were talking about the graphics. It was supposed to be “unreal”, pardon the pun. But after watching the opening cutscene, all that came to my mind was Epic Games could have and should have done better. The explosions looked terrible and the characters looked like they came out from Gears of War and decided to change costume.

I guess when the game is played at such fast pace, you don’t expect people to really pay attention to the graphics overall. If PS3 fans said Halo3 sucked and was nothing groundbreaking, then it is even worse with Unreal Tournament 3. Adding salt to the wound is the lack of storyline. The campaign mode is laughable and they even came up with a sorry excuse on why you can respawn on the spot to rejoin the fight should you die. Come on, Epic! You gave us Gears of War, you should be doing something better than this for the game that propelled you to fame.

So, we have a game with practically no single-player mode and so the multiplayer should really bring it to greatness. Too bad the burden was too heavy for it this time. UT3 feels like the older games and if you are a fan, you will probably be loving it.

If you are looking for something new, then the game tries to give it to you but ultimately fails to do so. I usually agree with gaming websites when it comes to reviews but this time around, I just can’t believe how this game scored so high.

The Good

• Well, the graphics is a step-up. It is next-gen after all but could have been better
• Fast, brutal, this is Unreal Tournament as you know it

The Bad

• Lack of storyline
• Nothing new - same old, same old

The Verdict: Buy this only if you are a fan. If you are looking for satisfying multiplayer experience, you are best to go with Call of Duty 4. At least, that game has a good campaign mode if Internet fails you.

Screenshots obtained from IGN.com