While it's not as good as UT2k4, UT3 is still a gorgeous and fast paced shooter.
Unreal Tournament 3 (Odd name, shouldn't it be Unreal Tournament 4? Which one is considered Unreal Tournament 2?) is the latest in the series, and takes an odd direction, and while there are some features lacking this time around, there are a plethora of great new features to make up for it. One of the first things you'll notice are the games eye popping graphics. The Unreal engine has always been stunning, and each iteration gets better. The unreal 3 engine is no exception, and looks absolutely incredible. Even better, it's optimized so well that most computers can run it. Even my computer, which dates back to 2004, can run it on high quality with a silky 45 frames per second. The Unreal 3 engine is a great argument as to why the CryTek 2 engine is the worst engine ever created, it looks pretty AND has optimized code. The game is just as fast paced as ever, and while the violence may be tamer than usual it still has a brutal feel with great weapon sounds that have true impact. Gone are the combo-codes, which in my opinion is a fine thing to omit. I think my biggest disappointment is that once again, Epic has decided to omit Assault mode which is inexcusable. Don't they realize how popular that mode is? Why do they keep taking it out every other game? Oh well, Warfare, while not quite as addicting as Assault, is a great stand in and one of the games best new features. Warfare is an intense vehicle/ground combat mode that is a fresh twist on the classic territory control game mode found in many other online shooters. Plus the hoverboard is awesome.
Another new feature is the single player campaign, so rather than managing a team like in 2k4 you play as some guy (I never took the time to memorize his name) as he and his sister fight evil bad things, but in the end the story and missions are really just a cover for your standard matches. I would have liked it if Epic had included the traditional team management and ranking option, maybe as a side venture, but the campaign is certainly fun and allows you to hone your skills, and of course you can always skirmish against surprisingly bright bots.
But the meat and potatoes of the game is obviously the online mode, which is just as accessible and fun as always. It just needs one thing.... ASSAULT! Regardless, this is just as flashy, pretty, and all around fun as the series has ever been, so if you are a fan of the series, check this game out. Plus, it's worth it for "The Haunted" mod alone.
While it's not as good as UT2k4, UT3 is still a gorgeous and fast paced shooter.