Unreal Championship

"A truly UNREAL game."

A FPS fan? Remember the old UT, the very slick, but unpolished one? Yeah, the one for PS2? Imagine that game stretched like a rubber band over a piece of gold. That is the perfect metaphor to describe this title's superior qualities over it's predecessors. So many improvements and modifications from the original UT have been made, it's almost impossible to tell that this series used to be a little unpolished. Some may argue and say that the series could have gone even farther to topple it's previous imperfection, but I believe this game lives above the hype.

Story
3/10
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There is no story whatsoever, just vague descriptions of players and arenas. I suppose a quest-type mode would have been exceptional and a bit more text detail could have cleaned that up nice. FPS titles are not well known for having stories that surpass the more popular genres such as RPG's. The absence of story themes is of no requisite to this game's absolute success.

Presentation
10/10
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The opening movie is far better than most game cinemas I've ever seen. Menus throughout the game are very fitting to the game's style with the thrasher type of designs and feel. Detailed stats and partial bios are given with character information that grab you into the fantasy-like world of Unreal. It's very simple to find your way around the different selections and even simpler to monitor your own profile(s).

Features
8/10
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One of the biggest spots needing polish in the original UT was the personal options. Now in Championship, you can finally choose each individual on your team, your team’s name, logo, and many other specifications. Instant Action, the multiplayer mode, may need some tweaking when it comes to custom preferences. Gamers can’t choose what AI opponents they face or team up with in multiplayer, but one player is far more extensive than previous Unreal titles. There are at least thirty characters to be included in the game, each a different race of robots, aliens, or humans with their own special physical attributes and abilities.

Gameplay
10/10
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Unreal games are well known for their extremely fast paced combat in the arena, especially against human players. So many aggressive and competitive brawls can turn into all out wars more often than you’d think. A brilliant system of controls is at your side to utilize precision and tactics that can catch any player’s eye, amateur or expert. The many special combat tools and weapons ease a slaughter into a victory once you get the hang of using them. ''Adrenaline'' adds even more fun to the game with the neat perspective of being peak physical condition with the use of incredible abilities to improve your fighting stature.

Multiplayer
8/10
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I’ve had a lot of problems with configuring correct settings while playing alongside human opponents without X-Box Live. Sometimes after choosing a different arena with more than one human player competing, profiles often get mixed up and need to be changed at the front screen. I am unaware of others’ experience with this problem, but I know that I can’t be the only one that has discovered this. When Instant Action works the way it should, all the entertainment you could ask for is at store. It is inevitable to enjoy a great multiplayer experience, no matter what happens.

Graphics
10/10
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The resolution rivals UT 2003 all too well. Every single design in the game is manipulated to full visual extent. Some concepts may actually trick the eye and look real. Such spectacular three-dimensional quality sewn in delivers a lifelike playing field for any that come forth. Championship brings the best graphics of the entire Unreal franchise.

Music and Sound
10/10
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Many of the classic UT themes will be missed....only to be replaced by much better electronica beats and megaton guitars! The tunes and sound effects blasting during play are so explosive, you’ll be thanking God you’re not wearing headphones! A gigantic guitar solo opens up as the game is done loading and continues playing until a selection has been made to begin combat. The music lights your fuse, arming you with not only your guns, but a much more confident and powerful spirit.

Replay
10/10
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You gotta love it. Whether you die from the most embarrassing possibilities or can NEVER get a shot to even land on your opponent, you’ll always be thirsty for more. The more you play Championship, the higher will you gain to be the best and take the trophy from all. You can’t drop the controller until your hands are worn to the bone from intense button tapping or you truly are dead. (which has probably happened)

Overall
9/10
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To put it lightly, Unreal Championship is a game that you can never get bored of, despite your skill level. This game is one of the best all around multiplayer titles ; once you get the hang of it, your friends had better run. A barrel of golden fun and an instant FPS classic.

Ditch, rent or buy?

-BUY

Also recommended:

-Unreal Tournament (Playstation 2)
-Unreal Tournament 2003 (PC)
-Halo (X-Box)
-Perfect Dark (Nintendo 64)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/22/04