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Unreal Tournament 3 Review - 'The UI is a joke'

Tom's Hardware writes:

"When I think of a way to summarize Unreal Tournament 3, the saying "One step forward, two steps back" comes to mind. The single player campaign should have been approached in a different manner, or just left out all together. Instead of having a single player campaign, Epic could have given gamers so much more in terms of retaining previously introduced game modes, and creating additional ones. The UI is a joke coming from the likes of Epic, and the server browser really needs an update.

What hurts PC gamers though is that Epic took a fully dedicated PC franchise and divided their resources to release on multiple platforms. Just as Gears of War took extra time to port to the PC, a simultaneous release on the Xbox 360, PC, and nearly the PS3 as well, cost Epic resources. It is my belief that in doing so, the development quality of Unreal Tournament 3 has suffered."

8 / 10

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tomshardware.co.uk

Rowland - contributor
Published: 754 days 16 hours ago | Review | PC

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mighty_douche - 754 days 16 hours ago

1 - true, the User Interface is wank...

....but this will be sorted with a patch. you buy a UT game for a fun frantic frag fest not for its UI. i wouldnt let this little problem put you off buying one of 2007's most enjoyable games.

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GIJeff - 754 days 15 hours ago

1.1 - Is

The rest of the game as good as the demo? Silly question i know, but im internally trying to justify buying the game for PC because i already have COD4 and thats taking enough time from me online. I have 18 ps3 games and a slew of good PC games (COD4, Tabula Rasa, BF2, Orange Box, 2142, etc..)

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mighty_douche - 754 days 15 hours ago

1.2 - Jeff

one word: BETTER!! i personally found it ran quite abit smoother than the beta, any problems with lag seemed to disappear, and the new maps KICK ASS!!

while im loving CoD4 to, nothing offers the speed and fun factor that UT offers. buy it my friend, BUY IT!!

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Bombomb - 754 days 15 hours ago

1.3 - how does one come to the conclusion

of a game that "have" not yet been out or have been enjoyed, become one of the most enjoyable?

why cause you said so?

UT3 is still UT3, nothing has changed except now its making an apearence on a sony console.

PC gamers play FPS on PC's for certain reasons, and Console gamers rather slower paced FPS's for certian reasons. I just don't see UT3 winning the hearts of console gamers. It's a good thing th ePS3 can use a M&K but it won't be fair to a lot of gamers.

besides the graphics nothings changed here..it's a hardcore fps that have been satisfying the masses on the PC platform.

Blade down below is right, the 360 now will get the best version in terms of tweaks and fixes, and who knows what else will be discovered after the pc and ps3 versions have come and gone..

Oh I'm so Pist....lol

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mighty_douche - 754 days 15 hours ago

1.4 - "of a game that is not yet been out or have been enjoyed, become one of the most enjoyable? "

what???? noob

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GIJeff - 754 days 15 hours ago

1.5 - Sounds like a winner

I need some fast paced non-modern warfare action. Lately everyones gone all iraq war on us gamers and its the whole "every shooter is a WW2 game" all over again. An idea is only fresh once, i think designers often forget that, or publishers just look at trends(<-obvious) instead of being as creative as possible in hopes of creating a real masterpiece. UT3 it is!

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eLiNeS - 754 days 13 hours ago

1.6 - @ mighty_douche

You say a patch could fix the problems of UT but knowing Epic and what they did with patching Gears, the game only got worst and unplayable for me and my friends. I am talking more on the multiplayer side but I doubt they do anything for the campaign side.

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mighty_douche - 754 days 13 hours ago

1.7 - @eLiNeS

dude im talking about PC. This is UT.

either way, this is a patch for the UI, not the game. complexity wise they're not even similar.

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BrianC6234 - 754 days 9 hours ago

1.8 -

Tom's Hardware is right. Why make it multi-platform? Just make it for the PS3. That would have been much better. Take that Tom's Hardware. Not much of a site. Does anyone really read them for game reviews?

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Kr155 - 754 days 8 hours ago

1.9 -

"a simultaneous release on the Xbox 360, PC, and nearly the PS3 as well, cost Epic resources."

Am I missing something? acording to this statement there was a simultanious release on 360 and PC? There is no 360 version yet. epic has pretty much said they aren't even really working on it. so that means only the ps3 and PC versions

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2 lynx1halo | 754 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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ravinash - 754 days 15 hours ago

2.1 - yeah, i think hes just pissed because they have taken a game

for the exclusive high end PC club and made it accessable to consoles and gamers everywhere.
If it was on PC, I would have not been able to spend all the £££ to buy the hardware to get the latest (I have a life you know)...but on console....Oh baby!...now let me play!

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Real Gambler - 754 days 15 hours ago

2.2 - Definitively agree that he's not a console guy!

"a simultaneous release on the Xbox 360, PC, and nearly the PS3 as well"

A console guy, no matter which one would have said:

Just released on the PC, then the PS3 and likely in about a month on the 360... So much debate about this timed exclusive PS3 console game, only a PC only gamer would make a mistake like that!

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uxo22 - 754 days 13 hours ago

2.3 - @2 & 2.1

Why can't he feel that way, are console owners any different. When an exclusive goes to multiplatform, thoses who lost the exclusive tend to get a bit pissy. So I don't know why you guys are tripping on him for doing the same thing.

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C_SoL - 754 days 15 hours ago

3 - Who care's what "Tom" says....

i'll just wait for the IGN review....

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DethWish - 754 days 14 hours ago

3.1 -

tomshardware is actually a pretty huge site for PC gamers and technophiles. I'd say it is very credible and I agree, the UI sucked, it has been updated with a patch now. The gameplay is still awesome though

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Kleptic - 754 days 13 hours ago

3.2 -

if it is a great site...why does it blatantly miss the multiplatform issue?

" a simultaneous release on the Xbox 360, PC, and nearly the PS3 as well, cost Epic resources..."

that is 100% wrong...360 development has stalled for some time...and Epic assured time and time again that the PC version was getting every bit of attention that it would if there was no PS3 version in the first place...

but simply...there was no simulateneous release of any kind...something that a reviewer with any credibility should know right off the bat...

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n00dl3s - 754 days 2 hours ago

3.3 -

So you can get a truly lame review? I'm sorry but IGN FTL.

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4 Bladestar | 754 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Skerj - 754 days 15 hours ago

4.1 -

Actually dude, the UI is perfectly fine for consoles and that's the problem for PC gamers. Being used to all of the options we've had in the past and other PC games only to be introduced to a dumbed down bastardized UI and settings menu. Of course if you know how to mess with the INI file you can bypass needing to use that, but it's inconvenient to do so in the middle of a game. They're fixing this as we speak, and some users have been putting up new concepts of UI mods since the game came out. Somehow though I think it'll remain the same for the console releases.

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4.2 Bladestar | 754 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Skerj - 754 days 15 hours ago

4.3 -

I didn't even disagree with you dude get off the defense. I stated that the UI is FINE for consoles which is why the PC community is pissed. Because it's gimped for us, if you load the game up now and try to tweak it like 2004 you won't be able to. From a console standpoint the UI is perfect with a lot of features that the other console shooters DON'T have. Hence me saying it probably won't be changed for the consoles since the features and things we're clamouring for aren't needed for anything but a PC.

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GIJeff - 754 days 15 hours ago

4.4 - if theres

any obvious or serious problems on the PC version, dont you think it will be patched? or is Epic the only company who never uses patches? The PS3 version is fine, trust me.

EDIT @ captain disagree: So, Epic doesnt patch/update games? you tool.

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Skerj - 754 days 15 hours ago

4.5 -

The game is fine, the only gripes were the UI, Assault mode being taken out YET AGAIN (in favor of Warfare), and no Dodge Jumping. The first is being officially worked on by Epic and community members, the second will be alleviated by mods, and the 3rd has already been resolved afaik by mods.

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mighty_douche - 754 days 14 hours ago

4.6 - @Skerj

lol dont like you dude do they. Unfortunately the PC seems to no longer have a place on this site, the article really concerns PC UT3, im not sure why everyone is even talking about the console versions. name the PC in your comments and your guaranteed disagrees.

you have to remember that most of the people here probably have never been into PC gaming what ever they claim, and there for really dont understand the PC is still light years ahead. People agreeing in over "ha your console doesnt even have in game messaging or music...". From a PC point of view thats like arguing which year, 1972 and 1973 was better ... "ha, your year didnt even have larva lamps..."

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Skerj - 754 days 14 hours ago

4.7 -

Yeah hah I don't know what's up with that. What I said was pretty much the undisputed truth if they look at the official UT forums. UI shouldn't be a concern for the console version, worry about the mods, being able to use custom players, dedicated servers, and keyboard and mouse support.

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5 Anything but Cute | 754 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Lex Luthor - 754 days 14 hours ago

5.1 -

The game was meant for simultanious release, but Sony paid for timed console exclusivity.

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Skerj - 754 days 14 hours ago

5.2 -

Actually it was slated as only PC and PS3 until the success of Gears of War made Epic change their minds and bring it to the 360 as well. Sony got timed exclusivity out of the deal in the end.

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Kleptic - 754 days 13 hours ago

5.3 -

Lex...don't be an idiot...

Sony offered "help" with UE3 optimization for the PS3...Epic made their own decision to stop develpment on the 360 version until they (as in Epic and MS) have come to some sort of agreement on UGC distribution...something that XBL struggles with big time...

SCE had nothing to do with timed exclusitivity...Epic had everything to do with it...MS dropped the ball, and Sony picked it up...simple as that...

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Elite24Gamer - 754 days 15 hours ago

6 - Bladestar

I agree. With a score like 8.0....its not turning out to be the Game I was hoping for. But with the 360 version coming out a few months behind the Ps3 version (though it wouldn't surprise me if that changed) It gives Epic time to tweak and improve the 360 version. Good news for 360 owners because I was really hoping for another AAA game from Epic for my 360. Gears of War was perfection. But as it turns out Unreal doesn't even stand up graphically to Call of Duty 4. Interesting Indeed.

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6.1 Anything but Cute | 754 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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TheMART at Xboxkings - 754 days 15 hours ago

7 -

It'll be ironed out in the 360 version, they can put all their efforts in that now they facked up the PC/PS3 version to rush out before Christmas!

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7.1 Anything but Cute | 754 days 15 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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SeanScythe - 754 days 15 hours ago

7.2 -

Like oblivion was for the ps3 you mean. wait but won't the ps3 and pc still be better since we can have mods?

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7.3 rubarb23 | 754 days 14 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

7.4 HarryEtTubMan | 754 days 14 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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Kr155 - 754 days 8 hours ago

7.5 - console fanboy

of course a ignorant console fanboy like you would think that. the fact is this game has more UI features than most console multi player games. the missing features are ones the PC crowd are used too. so no I doubt very much the game will be "ironed out" for the 360. in fact it will be gimped with lack of mod support. so while even ps3 users will be playing assault and various other ingenious modes you'll have to wait for them to get launched on XBL even after the game finally launches for you. but hay I guess thats the life of a fanboy. Taking everything MS tells you is superior, and ignoring the possibility that someone else might come up with a better idea. What a small cage you must live in

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sandip787 - 754 days 15 hours ago

8 -

what u mean the menus etc are a joke?

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Skerj - 754 days 15 hours ago

8.1 -

First when you start the game you have to log in. That's trivial because you can have your credentials cached but I saw someone irritated at that. The main offender is the options menu. Whereas in UT2004 we could tweak every possible setting from the options menu, resolution, coronas, damage decals, physics, texture depth, world geometry complexity, lighting complexity etc. We have THREE count them THREE sliders and box in UT3. Screen percentage, texture detail, world detail, and enable vsync can be ticked on or off.

That's pretty paltry and a damn shame. Like I said earlier, for consoles this is fine since they're ALL built to run the same way but for PCs we need far more options to tweak. I for one turn down/off shadows and other things I don't need to crank up the framerate. Considering I'm not paying attention to a dude's shadow but if he's going to blow me the hell up or not, it's a worthy trade in. I could go into the INI file and change and tweak settings accordingly, but I don't feel like exiting the game, navigating to the folder with the ini file, changing settings, and starting the game back up everytime I need to do something. I'm not even going into the network and player settings but you should get the idea nao.

Edit:

I forgot one thing about the server browser too, it registers servers that you can't communicate with as having 0 ping. Thus making it look like they're fast when in actuality they aren't.

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SeanScythe - 754 days 15 hours ago

9 -

a simultaneous release on the Xbox 360, PC, and nearly the PS3 as well, cost Epic resources... What does he mean here? The PS3 is coming out next month and the 360 version is just now getting started.

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Bombomb - 754 days 15 hours ago

9.1 - meaning don't be fooled

the 360 is as close to the PC when it comes to the architecture, I highly doubt they have not started working on the 360 version.

The early PS3 UT3 release, is probably a paid deal.

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sandip787 - 754 days 15 hours ago

10 - thanks skerj

im ok then, seeing as though im getting it on ps3...
(pcs not very good)
cant wait for this to drop on ps3. gonna be a fraggfest :D
PSN:sandip778 add me guysss

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PimpHandHappy - 754 days 15 hours ago

11 - i thought Gears of War sucked

online

you didnt last 30secounds and all ppl did was run to there fav weapon and die. Not saying it wasnt fun but its wasnt awesome by no means. I did like the chainsaw thou!

anyway

I dont think i will buy Unreal. I dont buy many FPS and COD4 is the best FPS i have ever played and i will be playing this one till maybe KZ2. Just wish it had more ppl on a map like RFOM. Warhawk is still the best online war game i have ever played.

I have bought 3 FPS since i bought my PS3. RFOM Vegas and COD4. Tell the truth i dont need a new one for atleast 6months. Maybe i will buy Unreal then but i doubt it.

IMO nothing can top COD4 in the list of FPS

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11.1 candystop | 754 days 14 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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sleepbox - 754 days 15 hours ago

12 -

The sad truth is that the PS3 is STILL without an exclusive killer FPS app...while the 360 has almost 10.

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12.1 PS3 Limps on and on | 754 days 14 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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aiphanes - 754 days 13 hours ago

12.2 - 10? What crack pipe are you smoking?

COD4 is the best FPS...and its on PS3 and Xbox 360
Halo3 is alright...and its on Xbox 360
Resistance fall of man is awesome and its on PS3
Bioshock is good...but no online support and its on Xbox 360
UT3 is good and its on PS3 and PC but not on Xbox 360 yet...

Gears of War is a third person shoot.
Rainbow Six vegas is on both consoles and it nowhere as good as COD4
Graw 2 is on both consoles and is noway as good as COD4

The ultimate FPS are not even out yet...and they will be on the PS3 only....Killzone 2 and Resistance 2...both next year.

Remember Reisistance fall of man support 40 players online with no lag..this is not even possible on any xbox live game.

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OmegaKulu - 754 days 14 hours ago

13 -

If I remember it right, a PC UI patch(along with some other stuff) is in the work. The original UI is builded a bit more towards console friendly, making it somewhat weak for the PC.

people, just leave ur 360/PS3 comments out of this please.

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Lex Luthor - 754 days 14 hours ago

14 -

Just hurry up and bring out Gears 2 please Epic.

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