Game Title: Unreal Tournament 3

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.

Up to 16 players can join in clan battles, including a split-screen buddy option exclusive to the 360 along with extra characters and maps. Games get frantic at that level with knowledge of maps and weapons and health kits a big plus. A significant minus: The 360 version doesn't allow players to edit maps as the game does on the PC and PlayStation 3.

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.

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E-mail: LC@desnews.com