Unreal Tournament 3

Unreal Tournament 3, also known as UT3 (previously codenamed Envy and also formerly named Unreal Tournament 2007, UT2007 or UT2k7) is Epic Games' sequel to Unreal Tournament 2004. Published by Midway Games, UT3 is powered by Epic's new Unreal Engine 3, and is due to be released on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.



History
UT3 was revealed to the world in the May 2005 issue of Computer Gaming World magazine. The first news of it began to appear on or around March 27, 2005. The game was originally codenamed UT "Envy", but later, around May 29, 2005, it was revealed that the name had been changed to Unreal Tournament 2007. It was not until January 25, 2007 at the Midway Gamer's Day event in Las Vegas that it was revealed that the game's name had been changed to Unreal Tournament 3. This change was met with great enthusiasm from the Unreal fan base.

Many changes have been made to the originally announced design of the game. For example, a game mode named Conquest that was originally announced was later complemented by Unreal Warfare and then replaced by it altogether. There was also an Onslaught 2.0 announcement which has also been rolled into the all-encompassing Warfare gametype.

Unreal Tournament 3 promises a return to the "feel" of the original Unreal Tournament. Epic aims to make the game more in-your-face, fast-paced, and less "floaty". To accomplish this, gravity has been increased and dodge-jumping has been removed. However, dodging, double jumps, and wall dodging will remain with their effect somewhat diminished due to the newly increased gravity. Gameplay in UT3 stresses close combat more than its predecessors UT2003 and UT2004. Many of the weapons are more effective up close. Epic stresses that the aim of UT3 is to create a whole new - and better - game, rather than merely a prettier UT2004. In addition to this, old favorites from the original UT such as jump boots and the ability to feign death will return in UT3.

Demo
At Midnight on Friday, October 12th, 2007, Fileplanet began preloading the game to its subscribers.

The demo was released on Fileplanet officially at 12:35 PM on Friday the 12th, although hours before, a Norwegian site, "IT Avisen", released the demo approximately 5 hours prematurely.

The demo, AKA Version 3464 according to the startup logs, comes with 3 maps: DM-ShangriLa, DM-HeatRay, and VCTF-Suspense. Of note is that DM-HeatRay is our first taste of the Necris Vehicles, specifically, the Darkwalker.

This is what is termed by Epic as a "Open Beta Demo", and thus is just a glimpse of how the game will play. It is important to note that things might still change considerably based upon player feedback.

Release Details
The BETA Demo has only been released. The Retail version should be in stores by November 2007.

Reception
Reception to the currently released information has been generally positive.

Engine
Unreal Tournament 3 uses Unreal Engine 3. The Beta Demo Version is 3464.

Music
Rom DiPrisco and Jesper Kyd are composing the UT3 soundtrack. Kevin Riepl also has a major hand in music production for the game.

Gametypes

 * Single Player
 * Will expand upon the simple ladder matches present in previous installments. A four act storyline, complete with a cinematic beginning and ending, will tell the story of the player seeking revenge for the slaughter of his clan. Mid-way through, the Necris attack and your allegiance can slip from corporation to corporation. Features world map with selectable missions which may include boss battles. Co-op play will be available in campaign mode.
 * Deathmatch
 * The grandaddy of first-person-shooter gametypes is alive and well.
 * Team Deathmatch
 * The grandaddy of first-person-shooter gametypes is alive and well.
 * Capture the Flag
 * The classic CTF gametype is still included.
 * Vehicle Capture the Flag
 * The HoverBoard replaces the Translocator in maps with vehicles, and you can carry the flag on the HoverBoard. However, entering into a vehicle with the flag will cause you to drop it.
 * Warfare
 * Warfare is a new combination of Onslaught, Assault and some of the ideas presented in the past about the Conquest gametype.
 * Duel
 * This gametype was mentioned in a few previews and was seen in the game menu of several recent videos. Presumably, this gametype would be like the Survival gametype in UC2.

Weapons

 * HoverBoard
 * Pressing the associated button will cause the player to hop on a hovering skate-board like device that is used mainly for transportation and is present only in Warfare and vehicle-based Capture the Flag maps. The flag or orb may be carried on the Hoverboard, but any amount of damage, even one point, will send the player tumbling (this includes falling damage).
 * Deployables
 * Strategy-themed devices such as a time-slowing cube which can be dropped to slow down incoming weapon fire, not to mention turrets, spider mines and more. How they are deployed is not yet known, but footage from E3 showed spider mines and the slow-cube dropping from the back of a vehicle.
 * Translocator
 * This Unreal series favorite returns to the Capture the Flag gametype, except for maps that contain vehicles, in which the hoverboard becomes the secondary method of transportation. The charges refill faster than in UT2004. Also, the disc has a flatter trajectory than UT2004 and it fires farther than UT, but not quite as far at UT2004.
 * Impact Hammer
 * This favorite from Unreal Tournament makes a comeback with an EMP alt-fire that disables vehicles and removes powerups from other players.
 * Enforcer
 * Your starting weapon, the Enforcer is a pistol with rapid fire. Secondary fire shoots a less accurate triple burst. You spawn with one enforcer, though if a player is killed while holding the weapon it is dropped, and picking up a second enforcer allows you to hold two at a time. As a homage to the origonal Enforcers, they now turn sideways when you are close to an opponent.
 * Bio Rifle
 * This weapon fires a big slow arcing gob of sludge that can instantly take out a heavily armed opponent or stick to floors and walls, then break apart into smaller pieces creating an instant minefield. Players with a large amount of slime attached to them are given about one second to fight back before the glob explodes on its own.
 * Shock Rifle
 * A classic weapon, the Shock Rifle fires an instant-hit beam of energy when primary fire is used, and a floating ball of energy when secondary fire is used. Players can also shoot the ball of energy with the beam to create a shock combo, dealing intense amounts of damage in a small radius (enough to kill a player wearing even medium armor). When compared to past titles, the shock balls have been sped up from UT2004 to be more closely match the rate of the original UT. The primary rate of fire has also been reduced.
 * Link Gun
 * The link gun shoots small fast moving plasma balls similar to those in the original UT. The secondary shoots a straight beam of energy that can kill foes, heal vehicles and charge power nodes.
 * Stinger Minigun
 * The stinger from the original Unreal replaces the Minigun as a fast firing semi-projectile weapon. The gun has two modes, a fast but inaccurate spread of Tarydium crystal shards that hits instantly, and a slower firing more powerful projectile shot that can also nail opponents to the wall.
 * Flak Cannon
 * Primary fire for this weapon releases a number of chunks of metal, tearing enemies into shreds. The secondary fire releases an undetonated flak shell that detonates and turns to shrapnel on impact. Compared to past titles, the primary fire bounces more and the flak ball does not travel as far as it did in UT2004.
 * Rocket Launcher
 * The new rocket launcher combines the instant rockets ability from UT2004, and the grenades from UT. As in UT2004 primary fire shoots instant rockets, secondary fire loads rockets, and hitting primary while holding secondary will switch to spiral fire mode. The addition UT3 makes is hitting primary fire a second time while loading rockets will switch to grenade mode. As in previous titles, rockets can lock onto things. This feature has been visibly improved to help take out vehicles.
 * Sniper Rifle
 * The classic sniper rifle has returned to replace the Lightning Gun as the primary long range weapon. It now features a colored tracer, and Bolt Action reloading.
 * Longbow AVRiL
 * The AVRiL is now hand loaded. Its tracking beam can be used to "herd" Spider Mines, much like the alt-fire on the Mine Layer in UT2004. It also has a secret function that has not yet been revealed.
 * Redeemer
 * Acting as the super weapon in this title, the redeemer is a rocket-launcher type weapon that fires a small nuclear warhead, capable of killings anybody within range regardless of how they are protected. Primary fire just releases the warhead, while secondary fire gives you the ability to guide it.
 * Target Painter
 * Epic plans to allow the Target Painter to control level-specific hazards in UT3.

Powerups

 * Damage Amplifier
 * Gives double damage - is dropped when you are killed
 * Berserk
 * Increases weapon rate of fire speed - is dropped when you are killed

Health

 * Health vial
 * Health pack
 * Big Keg O' Health

Armor

 * Shieldbelt
 * Value: 100 - Blocks all damage
 * If the vehicle you are in is destroyed and you are wearing a shieldbelt, you will survive.
 * Chest/Body Armor
 * Value: 50 - Blocks an unspecified percentage of damage
 * Thighpads
 * Value: 30 - Blocks an unspecified percentage of damage
 * Helmet
 * Value: 20 - Blocks a single headshot

Axon

 * Scorpion
 * The primary fire shoots electrified balls that explode on contact; these are particularly effective against other vehicles. It also now features a speed boost feature. The vehicle can also be turned into a bomb, and sent on a kamikaze mission. You can eject from the Scorpion when using it in this manner.
 * Hellbender
 * The new rendition of the hellbender places the driver in control over the skymine turret.
 * Manta
 * In addition to a visual update, players will no longer be able to ride on top of the side fans, but will be sucked down and gibbed.
 * Raptor
 * Not much is currently known, but this vehicle has had a massive visual overhaul.
 * Cicada
 * Sporting a much bulkier and boxier look, not much new is known about this vehicle which returns from UT 2004.
 * Paladin
 * Visually much improved from it's UT 2004 debut.
 * Hellfire SPMA
 * The skymine turret is now controlled by the driver when the paladin is undeployed. There is no longer a passanger/gunner seat.
 * Goliath
 * The Goliath tank works effectively the same to its UT2004 equivalent.
 * Leviathan
 * This mobile fortress still features its devastating main cannon and has added distinct weapon fire to each of its four turrets rather than UT2004's link-like projectile. Each turret also has an alternate shield function.

Necris
Nine vehicles are planned for the Necris side of the game, all of which compliment the nine Axon vehicles in some way. Of those in the game, we know about the following:
 * Viper
 * A single passenger speeder. The primary gun fires projectiles that bounce off walls. The vehicle can also spread out like a real life viper to hover high in the sky. Like the Scorpion, it can be used on kamikaze missions.
 * Darkwalker
 * This lumbering tripod has tendril-like legs that allow them to climb a wider variety of terrain compared to other vehicles. The primary weapon is an extremely powerful twin laser beam that shoots out a line of plasma. The secondary fire "screams" knocking players off their feet. The vehicle also features a secondary gunner position.
 * Nemesis
 * The nemesis features an instant hit twin laser beam with zoom. The vehicle also supports different modes. When you crouch down the vehicle moves faster at a cost to your weapon effectiveness. You can also rise up to attack, but this makes you more of a target.
 * Fury
 * The fury is a flying vehicle that specializes in shooting down other air units. This vehicle can dodge, allowing you to barrel roll out of the way.
 * Nightshade (aka. "Stealthbender")
 * Seemingly the Necris answer to the Axon's Hellbender, this stealth-based vehicle reportedly has deployables such as teleporters.
 * Scavenger
 * Not much is known about this vehicle except that it can extend its legs and pull itself up terrain or retract them and roll on the ground like a ball.

Other

 * Turrets
 * These formerly stationary one-man laser cannons are now equipped with rails, offering the turret limited mobility in order to help prevent attackers from taking advantage of the terrain by obtaining angles of shot that cannot be avoided.

Teams
In an interview CVG had with character artist Chris Wells, it was confirmed that the line-up of characters in UT3 consists of six teams. These are the teams that have been confirmed to be in the game:
 * Iron Guard
 * Returning from Unreal Tournament, this team consists of hardened mercenaries and is under lead by old Tournament favorites Brock and his girlfriend Lauren.
 * Krall
 * These reptilian entities first served as slaves to the Skaarj from the original Unreal game, but they are now apparently working as mercenaries for the Necris.
 * Necris
 * Gothic-looking characters from the original Unreal Tournament. Necris are typically humans reincarnated using the Necris Process.
 * The Corrupt
 * A team of cybernetic robots with significantly advanced programming. Lead by former Tournament champion Xan Kriegor, this team has been created and is financed by the Liandri Corporation itself.
 * Ronin
 * Not much is known about this team, but they have been pictured in several screenshots. They have been confirmed to be the team you play as in the Singleplayer campaign, the actual player's character is featured on the boxart of the game.

These teams are probably in the game, but have yet to be confirmed as such.
 * Thunder Crash
 * Nothing is really officially known about the return of this popular team from Unreal Tournament. It has long been flagged as "Jacob's Team", but due to confirmation of the return of Thunder Crash leader Malcolm and no further word on Jacob or his possible team, it can so far be safely assumed that may a team like this be returning it will be in the form of Thunder Crash.

These teams were at one point in the game, but appear to have been dropped.
 * Juggernauts
 * These heavily armored, gene-boosted combatants return from UT2004. They mostly consist of disgruntled prisoners and criminals.
 * Nakhti
 * Not much is known about the background of these Egyptian species. They possess far advanced technology and are well skilled in fighting. The Nakhti are also featured in UC2.

It was unclear for a long time if The Corrupt would be in the game or not, but in an exclusive interview PlanetUnreal had with Jeff Morris, he confirmed that Xan Kriegor's team would indeed be represented. On the same day an interview article with Gameplayer got released featuring a screenshot of one of The Corrupt's robots. Five slots being filled by officially confirmed teams, there is still one spot left. It is presumed that the Juggernauts and Nakhti teams have been cut and that Thunder Crash will be taking up that last spot. While all three teams have never been shown in UT3 media, the Thunder Crash is by far the likeliest of the three to be in the game. Thunder Crash leader Malcolm has been featured on a wide array of UT3 media and is confirmed to be in the game, thus making the return of his team much more likely. Furthermore, Juggernauts are not very popular as a team and Nakhti would be new to the Tournament, making their chances of being in the line-up even smaller.

Characters
New to the Unreal Tournament games, UT3 will now include the option to fully customize your character. For example, players will be able to change shoulder pad, boots, torso and leg armor pieces as well as additional parts like helmets.

The following are the only basic characters currently known to be in the game:

Iron Guard

 * Brock
 * Lauren

Necris

 * Akasha
 * Freylis
 * Loque
 * Nocturne

The Corrupt

 * Cathode
 * Idol
 * Xan Kriegor

Thunder Crash

 * Malcolm

Ronin

 * Reaper

In an interview CVG had with character artist Chris Wells, it has been confirmed that the line-up will consist of 18-24 total character models. Seeing there are six teams included in the game, you can say each team will have 3-4 specific models.

Maps
This time around, Epic wants to step away from the wildly different maps seen in previous tournaments, and instead create a few cohesive worlds and tie them together with their level design. You may see a building in the distance on one level and play in it on the next. There are currently only a few known map names, however it has been confirmed that 40 maps will ship with the game and that 13 of them are Warfare maps.

In-Game Awards
This info was gained from the demo, and may change in the full game

Sprees
Awarded for making a certain number of kills without dying throughout the match.
 * Killing Spree: 5 kills.
 * Dominating: 10 kills.
 * Rampage: 15 kills.
 * Unstoppable: 20 kills.
 * Godlike: 25 kills.
 * MassacreGodlike: 30 kills.

Multikills
Awarded for making the amount of kills within the allotted time.
 * Double Kill: 2 kills.
 * Multikill: 3 kills.
 * Mega Kill: 4 kills.
 * Ultra Kill: 5 kills.
 * Monster Kill: 6 kills.

Weapon Awards
Awarded for getting the amount of kills with the said weapon.
 * Jack Hammer: 15 kills with Impact Hammer.
 * Gun Slinger: 15 kills with Enforcer.
 * Bio hazard: 15 kills with Bio-Rifle.
 * Combo king: 15 kills with the Shock Rifle's combo.
 * Shaft Master: 15 kills with Link Gun's alt fire.
 * Blue Streak: 15 kills with Stinger.
 * Flak Master: 15 kills with Flak Cannon.
 * Rocket Scientist: 15 kills with Rocket Launcher.
 * Head Hunter: 15 Headshots with the Sniper Rifle.
 * Big Game Hunter: 15 kills with the Longbow AVRiL.

Other Awards

 * Eagle Eye: Shooting a flying (not hovering) vehicle with the Goliath.
 * Bullseye: Killing an enemy with the kamikazee feature of a vehicle.
 * Pancake: landing on top of an enemy with the Manta
 * Road Rampage: Running over 15 people with a vehicle.
 * Juggernaut: Have berzerk and double damage at the same time
 * First Blood: Be the first to make a kill in a match.
 * Hat Trick: 3 successful flag captures.

Community
Epic plans to use UT3 to bring more and more people into the Unreal community, with strong community integration out of the box. In-game lobbies are planned for the Unreal Warfare mode, and game stats integration will allow you to find similarly-skilled opponents via the UT3 server browser.

Also planned are a global rankings system to allow clans to compare scores, as well as a system for viewing community and clan pages in-game.

UT3 mod teams will, of course, be able to take advantage of the improvements in Unreal Engine 3's UnrealEd content creation tool, including the new UnrealKismet scripting environment, visual material editor and UnrealCascade particle engine. More details of UE3 UEd features can be found here.

AI & Voice
UT3 will bring major advances in the artificial intelligence that controls UT bots, as well as the way in which players communicate with them. UT3 players will be able to give bots specific orders using their own voices. Whereas in UT or UT2004 you'd use the voice menu to tell your bots to "attack", you can now give orders like "there's a sniper on the tower, go get him". Bots will also respond to particular questions. For example, if you asked "is there anyone in the cave?", they might reply "no, the cave is clear".

UT3 bots' personalities will also make them better suited to different in-game tasks.