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I have been playing this series of games for more years than I care to remember, and when I first heard about the impending release of this game, I was ecstatic. This was enhanced by the unbelievably gorgeous graphics used for the teaser trailer for the game, and my heart skipped a beat.

However, this is all before the actual release of the game, and for me, I guess it proved that the hype-ing up of a game, and movie for that matter, does not necessarily guarantee a great game.

Undoubtedly, those reading this have read reviews of the game from games magazines and websites, that state just how 'amazing' this game is. These are undoubtedly the same individuals who said that Halo 3 was brilliant, despite the fact that in fact, the Halo series is a poorly programmed video game that is only as popular as it is due to the fact that Microsoft makes it. But I will write about my opinion on the Halo series when I next get the opportunity.

You see, the truth of the matter is that Unreal Tournament is in fact, not a very good game at all. Putting aside the glitchy graphics and textures, the actual game play is no where near as good as previous games, and in fact there are even some game modes that are missing or have been modded, and it is for this reason that the game does not succeed in appeasing me. In fact, it left a sour taste in my mouth that could only be diminished by playing Alone in the Dark.

This game was delayed for about a year, which in itself is ridiculous when you consider just how poorly made the game actually is. Sure, it uses the unreal 3 engine, but if this is what we are to expect from this engine, then I am seriously considering boycotting most other games that utilise this engine, unless I see that they are using it to its full potential, otherwise, well you end up with Unreal Tournament 3.

One of the other issues that I had with the game was the fact that they have tried to give a game that is basically based around death matches, a storyline. This concept is ridiculous. If I wanted a storyline, instead of just beating the crap out of the nearest opponent to me, then I would just throw in Gears of War into my 360. Basically, they should have left the stories to Unreal, and not Unreal Tournament.

Now, the greatest criticisms I have with this game are the graphics. I don't care what anyone says; this game is 100% NOT pretty. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that it is ugly. The textures are flat, the characters lack any sense of reality, and everything is shiny. The game is no where near as pretty as it pretended to be in the teaser trailer. And believe me, I know pretty when it comes to video games, and even with the best settings on my HDTV, this game is still appalling.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not all bad. There are some redeeming points for this game, though not enough for me to want to keep this travesty of an unreal game on my shelf, but you never know. Whilst it has in fact mutilated the Unreal Tournament game, this is still basically a game of death and destruction, and if you are looking for a game where you can kill twenty people in about 10 minutes, then I guess this is the game for you.

I certainly (in hindsight) wouldn't pay full whack price for this game, but about 30 is an acceptable price. Though be warned, this game is set to disappoint, which it has done many of my friends who have been fans of the series for many years.

My advice to one playing this game is to not listen to the hype and false reviews written in magazines. Do not expect this game to compare in any shape, way or form to its' predecessors, as quite simply it does not, and will leave you ever so slightly dead inside.

Kristen Barghout

Blog: http://www.animezonecentral.com

I am a professional programmer, with a keen interest in all things related to anime and video games. I don't just like certain genre's, I like all genre's, and will always give my honest opinion.

I can't always find the time to post my articles here, but if you visit my blog, there is lots of news and reviews, so please check it out.

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The Axis and Allies series includes the best WWII strategy board games available. So if you like those, then TimeGate Studio's Axis and Allies (for the PC) is a definite must have. This version keeps the board game's world map and gameplay, but adds to it with great RTS play. Choosing between Great Britain, the U.S., the Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan, you must attempt to conquer the world. But if you don't like the idea of moving a couple pieces around a board, then there are plenty of other options for gameplay.

In Axis and Allies (A&A), you take the command of an army corps. From your Corps HQ, you can deploy infantry, mechanized, armored, and airborne divisions. Each Division HQ allows the requisition of three to six regiments of several different types. Regiments usually consist of five to nine infantry, halftracks, or tanks. Units are realistically employed, with realistic weapons, but balance is still kept between the different nations. Also available are engineer and artillery brigades, and motor pools, which unlock additional units and provide useful technologies. Engineers can repair buildings as well as construct static defenses. Airfields are available once all brigades are deployed, allowing you to order powerful airstrikes on your enemy. Naval units are not producible, but are available in some missions.

Balancing resources involves accumulating money as well as keeping an income of ammunition and oil. Money is accumulated and spent, while ammo and oil is needed for the upkeep of divisions, and a deficit means less money income. Keeping units in supply is vital, since they will automatically repair and get reinforcements. Experience and entrenchment add to their capabilities, different formations and terrain affect their attack efficiency, and morale keeps them fighting. Keeping track of these variables is not difficult thanks to an effective layout. The AI will also keep you on your feet, pressing to find weaknesses, and then thrusting whole divisions at your lines. While the presentation is not up to some of today's high standards, combat can become extremely chaotic and enjoyable. You gain experience points at a constant rate, which increases when in combat, and can then be used to purchase certain powers like increased supplies, saboteurs, and carpet bombings.

If you enjoy the board game's gameplay, then you will enjoy hearing that it carried over to A&A on the PC nicely. You control a nation, using money to buy armies and technology, and then move your armies into different territories to capture them. You can take as many uncontested territories as you want, but each nation gets only one attack per turn. These battles can either be handled by the AI, or controlled by the player in an RTS match. But if you don't like the grand strategy element, then there are other options. A campaign is available which puts you in historical battles, each quite lengthy with a healthy amount of difficulty. Both the Axis and Allied powers have different campaigns, with the Axis version ending in victory for Germany and Japan (leading to obviously fictitious missions). There is also a custom mission editor, and a skirmish mode that puts up to eight players on a random map. Multiplayer communities still exist, with many player-made maps available. So, there are other choices for gameplay.

A&A is another aging, but still highly playable game, and can be found for quite a bargain. For WWII RTS enthusiasts, it is a great strategy game to pick up. The ability for both grand and operational strategy play makes A&A quite unique. I highly suggest checking it out for new and old strategy gamers. Whether you want to build your own army and invade Japan, or find out what could have happened if Germany had repulsed the Allies in Normandy, Axis and Allies can deliver great gameplay time and time again.

Scott is a student and avid strategy gamer. Please support him by visiting his blog http://greatstrategygames.blogspot.com/ for more reviews, info, and screenshots.

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