Desperate For A Frag?

"The next evolution of the greatest competitive computer game ever made" has been announced by Atari. Under development by Digital Extremes and Epic games, UT 2004 is tied to its original style of play and is focused on further enhancing online competitions. With that in mind, there have been a few new play modes thrown in.

'Onslaught' will be a new team-based mode played over nine specifically designed levels. Using weapons new and old, and utilising the new selection of vehicles, teams will have to meet specific objectives to gain full control of the map. 'Assault mode' is also due to return in UT 2004 and there are six brand new levels for that option.

Alongside the general gameplay tweaks there have also been some interesting alterations to the online user interface. Exhausted combatants can put their feet up and simply spectate over the Unreal TV broadcast system as fellow warriors do battle over the net. There's also the addition of the obligatory voice-chat feature, letting competitors simultaneously indulge in heated slanging matches. All good.

Unreal Tournament 2004 won't be surprising anyone when it hits PCs this autumn, but that's unlikely to detract from its winning formula.