Unreal Tournament 2003, the long awaited sequel to Unreal Tournament, provides some excellent graphics, including fully detailed players and worlds. Unfortunately, like many sequels, the game play itself isn't quite as fun as the original game. Let me go over all the differences:
The Weapons: All the weapons are improved in this game, but that doesn't mean for the better. I like the old sniper rifle in Unreal Tournament, and in 2003 you get a "lightning gun" that acts as a sniper. It just isn't as fun to use.
The Players and Creatures: The aliens have definitely gotten a face lift, but I'm not sure if I like them better. The graphics detailing them are great, but the figures themselves look (and even walk) more like dogs on two feet. They look more like animals than aliens, but I don't mind it much. If it were a different game I'd love it, but seeing this is a sequel, it's harder to convince.
The Worlds: Much bigger and better detailed, though that doesn't always mean more fun.
The Games: Capture the flag, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Domination, a few small things, and a game that can only be described as "Football With Guns". They are improved, but I can't help but find that it's not quite as fun as it used to be...
The Story: This game has some cut-scenes, one of which they show a crowd of people cheering for their favorite killers in the arena. This game is playing more on the whole wrestling franchise, and I think it may carry a warning behind its charm...
So that's all I have to say... There's more to the game, but I won't spoil it for you.
If you were a fan of the original, or a fan of Unreal (which I wasn't necessarily) you may find the improved levels, character detail and such too different from the original games, but if you are a regular gamer, not having played too much of the predecessors, you'll love UT2003.
4/5 Stars (5/5 for Unreal Tournament 1)
John "call me crazy"