Video game review: 'Unreal Tournament 3' is violent fun
Platform: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Studio: Epic Games
Rating: M-for Mature
Review score: 8 /10
THE REVIEW
Gameplay: It took a while, but the "Unreal Tournament 3" shooter finally made its way to Xbox 360 and our review pile of games. There are an abundance of shooters on the Microsoft platform (some might call it a glut), but when a game as important to the genre at "UT3" is to gun-action, it is still a welcome addition to the library, particularly when the game is as solid as this one.
There is a pixel-thin plot here involving clans and defending territories and revenge and extinction, but players will just care that they are running around clever maps with a lot of weapon choices firing a lot of different guns at other guys doing the same thing.
The game is playable in the single-player campaign, even with absurd dialogue that comes with plenty of repetition and free cheese. The difficulty levels will provide a learning curve and a stiff challenge for most players, and changing objectives, such as capture the flag, and some vehicles provide good variety. But the game really shines in online mode against other living, breathing gamers.
Graphics: The game is beautiful! This isn't a surprise coming from Epic Games, but despite the absurdly muscled combatants, the environments and world give a feeling of realism and detail that is immersive.
Sound: This is top-notch audio delivered in Dolby 5.1. Weapons, voice and environmental sound design are all excellent but non-obtrusive.
THE WRAP-UP
Parent's take: This game is centered around violence and guns and there is a gritty, harsh feel that doesn't sanitize the face that you are killing. The "M" rating is well deserved.
Final word: Even on a console full of shooters, there is room for this game in the library.
E-mail: LC@desnews.com
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