This is an ok game, but a huge step back for the series.
The first thing I noticed launching the game is that this installment has the worst user interface and server browser of the UT series. It is an abysmal failure. I won't spend much time describing all the failing aspects, but one major oversight is the inability to view the players currently in a server.
The input settings are just unacceptible. The sensitivity adjustments scream "console." No longer can you fine tune your mouse settings via the UI. Additionally several needed options are missing from the UI: weapon bob, landshake, mouse accel...etc. In short the mouse feels wonky.
The game has been crafted for console and they did nothing to give the PC version a PC feel.
One more bad thing before I move on to the good. YOU SHOOT FROM YOUR EYES AND NOT YOUR GUN! Are your serious epic.... how did that happen!
Oh one more thing..again. Don't point out the games problems in the official forums. They don't like hearing the bad stuff. You will get banned. I have not, but many have and thier post deleted.
The Good:
The map list is solid and mostly playable.
The graphics a fairly scalable for different generations of PC's.
The guns are pretty balanced. They have made some efforts to switch the dominance from hitscan to spam weapons. For example, flack and rockets are instant kills basically on direct hits. The link gun and stinger are both very powerful as well. The shock rifle and sniper rifle are both a little lack luster at the moment due to the input issues. Hitscan is doable but not very viable at this time.
I have not played any vehicle based game types, but from what I have heard people have enjored the addtions to this style of play.
Conclusion:
I think this is a good FPS for competition. I think though for the moment it feels slightly out dated and a step in the wrong direction. I understand that they wanted a UT99 feel, but it is too cluncky. The game does have a good speed and huge potential for some good team play and is a contender for tournament play. However, with games as polished as CoD4 out there, it might not cut.
This is a worth while purchase, but I am dissapointed.