The
evolution of modern FPS follows a predictable pattern. Better graphics.
Better sound. Improved physics. Rinse and repeat. Like so many other
genres, an improved play dynamic has become synonymous with improved
technology. Strength of design, it seems, lies in the details.
This becomes none too obvious in Unreal 2 – The Awakening. Developed
by Legend Entertainment (Wheel of Time, Mission Critical), Unreal 2
delivers a single-player, narrative-driven experience in the same
universe as the original.
The player assumes the role of a lone representative of the Law,
patrolling a distant sector of space in a beat-up spacecraft, the
Atlantis. Accompanying the player are Ne’Ban, the alien pilot, Isaak,
the engineer and Aida, the Intelligence Officer.
When the sector suddenly erupts into an interstellar war between alien
races mercenary armies and the Terran military, it’s up to the bold
crew of the Atlantis to restore peace and order to this quiet region of
space.
None of this sounds new but, as previously mentioned with so many modern
titles, where Unreal 2 aims to please is in the details.
While its core play dynamic brings nothing new to the table, Unreal 2's
visuals have been widely regarded as the next step in graphics
technology. Judging by the screenshots, it’s easy to see why.
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Everything in the environments, including blades of grass, are rendered
in true 3D, and its tapestry of locales: jungles, ancient cities, ocean
worlds, volcanic landscapes are gloriously drawn. Coupled with an
advanced particle physics, texture compression and a new skeletal
animation system, Unreal 2 raises the visual stakes considerably.
The rest is standard fare. Gameplay involves a linear sequence of
missions linked by narrative filler. Briefings, cutscenes and in-game
dialogue propel the plot with the player returning to the Atlantis
between missions to interact with crew members, research acquired items
and receive orders.
The player may also stock up on weaponry. An arsenal of 15 weapons is
provided with old favorites like the rocket launcher, sniper rifle and
multi-mode grenade launcher and new toys like the leech gun, and psionic
MindClaw.
The
last improvement lies with the enemies, with more than 24 different
creatures to contend with. The alien Skaarj of make a return, but
everyone else is new. Enemy AI has also been upgraded with per-poly
collision detection for characters and a real-time dialogue system for
communicating between NPCs.
All this technical wizardry should bring all but the most powerful
system to its knees, but Legend claims Unreal 2 will run fine on a
Pentium III 600 with a first-generation GeForce card.
But the most interesting point is that no move has been made to release
Unreal 2 on consoles. With the rising popularity of multiplatform
releases, U2’s PC-centric presence is either a bold move or a
temporary tenancy. Only time will tell and if Unreal 2 plays as good as
it looks, this might be one game I’d like to keep for myself.
Unreal 2 – The Awakening is scheduled for release in the second half
of 2002.
