Play mode and Conclusion
UT2003 features a new selection of play styles to replace those of its predecessor. Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag are somewhat obvious modes that have existed since the dawn of creation (or since Quake 2, anyway), and are joined by two new modes. Double Domination requires your team to hold two command points simultaneously for long enough to score a point for your team. It’s very similar to the Domination of classic UT, if slightly less strategic; since the two points tend to be at opposite points of a map, there’s a random element to who comes out on top in a fire fight: the team attacking a point or those defending it. The random placement in UT Domination meant it was always possible to take the enemy by surprise.
The final new play mode, Bombing Run, is totally new. A map contains two team areas, two goals, but only one ball. You are supposed to take the ball to the enemy goal, and either shoot it through for 3 points or dunk it for 7. The problem is that whilst carrying the ball, you’re without weapons. This means teams have to travel in swarms, protecting the ball carrier (or trying to overwhelm him). It’s quite fun and pretty frantic, but not a patch on the Domination mode lost from UT.
Much of UT’s genius lied in its exemplary level design. Twisting corridors with corners and gangways were perfect for frenzied battles where another opponent could drop from the rafters at any moment. UT2003’s maps, however, are of a totally different nature: open plains and voluminous caverns all the way. This, combined with the weaker weapons, results in a dramatically different game from what fans of UT learned to love. UT2003 is far closer to Quake 3 Arena, in fact, than Unreal Tournament. Even the teleporters of UT have been replaced with Q3A-style jump pads. Online, it plays as you would expect: Two parts Q3A to one part UT.
It’s certainly not a bad game per se, but it’s simply not a great game either – UT was a masterpiece, and UT2003 simply isn’t. That said, like so many FPS games of recent times, how it passes the test of time will rely on the Mod community. Overall I give the game a slightly above average rating, but warn UT purists to steer clear.
Gaming Hexus rating: 6/10
