Unreal Anthology (PC DVD)

I'm sure there are plenty of gamers out there who've never played the original Unreal, nor the great Return to na Pali add-on pack. The original Unreal was scandalously overlooked, firstly because it was released close on the heels of Quake 2, and secondly because on it's initial release it was crippled with huge numbers of bugs (this does NOT apply to the Anthology edition, I should point out). However, Unreal featured graphics and sound that were, for it's time, absolutely breathtaking. The first time I played the game I literaly spent 5 minutes staring open-mouthed at the beuty of the SKY. It was that good.

Add in a compelling story, brilliant AI (the Skarj are serious foes), great sound & music and the original Unreal was a truly great game experience. Oh, and as far as I know it was the first game to feature bots in multiplayer out-of-the-box. Return to Na-Pali added more great single player fun to a game that still provides a worthwhile playing experience today. How many games leave you speechless with moments like Bluff Eversmoking? (Play it, you'll see what I mean - it's still a great moment even today.)

Next came Unreal Tournament - the game that more or less started the whole on-line-only shooter fest. It did and does however include a worthwhile single player mode. The number of maps, mods, conversions and even single player add-ons for the original UT is now more or less endless, and though by modern standards the graphics are dated, the game remains great fun.

Unreal 2 provided an excellent step forwards in terms of the game engine and included a great single-player experience. Didn't have that much in common with the original Unreal, but was an excellent game in it's own right that deserves to be played. Includes multiplayer that I think eventually had an add-on with vehicles.

UT2004 is probably the best known of the games included, and arguably is the best. UT2K4 had (and to a large extent still has) cutting-edge graphics and all the fans' favourite game types, characters and weapons from the original UT. Like it's predecessor, UT2K4 has spawned a vast number of maps, mods, single player campaigns and conversions and is fantastic fun both on and off line.

The four games would be fantastic value on their own, but add-in the opriginal Unrel music CD by Straylight Productions and this is an unmissable combination. All in all, awsome and genuinely engaging single player experiences mixed with the absolute best of multiplayer make this pack a must-buy.

This sure brings back memories... This pack contains the following 4 games:

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1.UNREAL (5-stars)
Where should I begin praising THE PERFECT GAME?

Graphically, it may seem dated today yet it was cutting edge at its time. I remember getting the original game, about 12 years ago, bundled with an nVidia graphics-card - and could not believe my eyes! Beautifully rendered surfaces, exceptional environments and an UNBELIEVABLE sky.

The weapons are well designed, there are upgrades and all have two different modes of firing! Walk and there is (adjustable) bobbing. Jump and you better had measured the distance or land in water - otherwise you get torn to pieces.

The game is pretty much linear, yet shortcuts or back-doors are available at numerous points - so exploring is encouraged. Simple puzzles add to the game's appeal (push a lever to drop the ladder here or turn the power on to activate the elevator there) - and usually reward with a weapon power-up.

Something lacking in many shooters even today is UNREAL's balance and fairness: you could take an enemy down with a single sniper headshot - but so could they. UNREAL was the first game I remember that WHERE you landed your shot started to count on the damage it did. EPIC had done a MONUMENTAL JOB!

What separated this game from the rest though were mainly two things: its unsurpassed atmosphere and its immersive story.
From the very first moment you wake up on the prison ship that was carrying you but crashed on an alien planet, you are gripped by fear and apprehension. You get only fleeing glimpses of the aliens - yet find ample evidence of their cruel handiwork on the ship's crew.
The first weapon you get is quite weak so you actually believe to be wandering out of the ship an into a world unknown with a puny phase gun. As the game progresses you are rewarded with both confidence and very impressive and innovative weapons. Who can forget the spinning blade-gun, blades bouncing around and shooting around corners but also yourself if not careful!

On top of everything else, the game is HUGE! The content of the original UNREAL alone would have been released in at least 3 installments today... Not to mention its (included for free!) multiplayer that spawned the UNREAL TOURNAMENT series.

The game comes bundled with its (hard to find) RETURN TO NAPALI expansion.

They just don't make them like this anymore...

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2. UNREAL TOURNAMENT (GOTY edition) (5-stars)
Based on the same engine as the original, this was the very first standalone Tournament game. Although its graphics may not appeal today to everyone, it is great fun and its numerous gameplay options together with the dozens available (free) MODs make this yet another classic masterpiece.

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3. UNREAL II (2-stars)
The original UNREAL was a phenomenal game - one of the best ever created. And I can understand that measuring up to that legacy would not be easy. However, ATARI could had, at least, tried.

Unfortunately this is not a game that has anything to do with the original title. I could not get myself involved, couldn't care less about the characters or the story. It took me all of two afternoons to finish it off and was a great disappointment since I was a great fun of the first and couldn't wait to get my hands on the "sequel" - which it is not.

The graphics are good but nothing close to groundbreaking. The surfaces are nice, the shadows non-existent and the muzzle-flashes totally annoying.

A poor addition to the series.

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4. UNREAL TOURNAMENT 2004 (Editor's Choice edition) (5-stars)
Not only is this the best Unreal Tournament game ever released but it is also the one with the most MODs available for endless hours of fun. This is a game I have replayed many times - and every time is as good as the first.

All in all, a great deal on a bundle of classic FPS games.

Four great games rolled onto one DVD. The music CD is also great for nostolgia, Unreal having some great audio tracks.

A must buy for UT fans, new or old.