Customer Reviews

Unreal Anthology

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I took this because it was cheaper than buying a second CD-Key for UT2004 by itself to play on multiple PCs on my home network online. Ultimately though, this is pretty much the final word in the best first person shooter collection you can get.
Unreal was one of the best Single Player FPS ever made, UT definitely the best online FPS yet (debatably up there is Q3 as well). Unreal 2 is fair but pretty, and UT2004, while not the awesome Deathmatch/CTF game as UT1, is still at this point the best and most fun vehicle combat FPS created yet.
Also, for long term Unreal Fans, having ALL the games together on one DVD is almost worth the $20.00 alone. Even though it's been 7 years since UT came out, I still play it along with 2k4 fairly regularly. You can't go wrong for all these games at this price.
UT1 and UT2k4 still have pretty decent size communities out there playing on public servers, so you should never have to to be concerned about finding an online game with either.
Comes with a CD of all the great music from UT and UT2004. I turned the music off in game years ago to make following sound queues in games easier, but hearing the awesome music again really brought back memories...particularly the great tracks from the original UT.

This review will only deal with the Unreal Tournament and Unreal Tournament 2004 games in this anthology, as I haven't played the other ones enough.

First off, let's get some facts straight: In spite of the advertising, this does not include "Unreal Tournament GOTY". It also doesn't include Unreal Tournament 2004 Editor's Choice Edition" (even though sometimes this impression is given.). Unreal Tournament GOTY includes the standard game, bonus packs 1-3 (not 4, but all of them are freely available), some bonus hi-res textures, ChaosUT, and Rocket Arena (both mods). This anthology contains bonus packs 1-3, but does not include the hi-res textures, ChaosUT or Rocket Arena. You will have to download those separately, and installing them is kind of a pain. Second, Unreal Tournament 2004 Editor's Choice edition contains the standard game, plus the Mega Bonus Pack, plus the XP-bonus pack (containing maps ONS-Aridoom, and ONS-Ascendancy), plus eleven high-quality modified games. Anthology only includes the standard game and the mega-bonus pack. It lacks the modified games and the XP-bonus pack. I should add that it's ok that this doesn't include the mods from the Editor's Choice Edition, because some of those mods were improved later on and should be downloaded in their updated versions anyway. But the point is that some have been given the impression that this contains the enhanced versions of these games, which is not true.

Now I haven't examined every detail of this deal, but I'll tell you my experience so far. I'll say whether you buy this game has a lot to do with what you're looking for. If you're a pretty casual player and you just want to see what the hubub is about for this series, this is probably a great way to get caught up on everything.

If you want to complete your collection or if you intend on playing mods and user-created maps, you might want to buy another edition.

Unreal tournament (in this anthology) was really annoying for me. I was excited to play ChaosUT. The game says it comes with ChaosUT but after searching for hours, I realized that it doesn't contain it. So I downloaded the mod separately and tried to install it. I couldn't because the Unreal Anthology version of Unreal Tournament doesn't support the umod files (like other versions of Unreal Tournament). I also wanted to install Bonus Pack 4 but couldn't install it because it's also a umod file. You have to download a third party program to be able to run umod files. I had previously inserted a link to this program, but Amazon deleted it. I can't remember what it's called now, but you can probably find it if you google "umod anthology mod patch". So yeah, it's possible to run umod files, but it's kind of a pain, and some people won't understand how to do it.

After realizing that this wasn't a real version of Unreal Tournament GOTY, and that the installation folder was different from normal UT, and that it didn't support umod files, even though I got them to work, I decided to just buy Unreal Tournament GOTY separately, and I've been a lot happier with it.

So as for UT2004, I haven't had any problems with installation, but I didn't use it very much. It bugged me that it had a folder different from what was normally used, and I was worried that this might cause problems with mod and map installations, so I just decided to stop using the game. I extracted the key, and then I just use the key on a traditional copy of Unreal Tournament 2004 that I bought separately (so I have two copies now).

So I'll probably discover more stuff, and I regret that I won't be able to write it here, but so far my impression of this is that it is a great offering, but appears a bit rushed. Linux users have been having problems with running it, and setting up mods and other maps seems like a much bigger hassle than in separate games. I'm glad I bought it for Unreal 1, and Unreal II, but I ended up just buying UT and UT2004 separately so I wouldn't have any problems with maps and mods (I repeat, though, that I did not encounter any problems with maps or mods for the Anthology version of Unreal Tournament 2004.).

Sadly, I was in a brick and mortar store and saw this for the first time and bought it there. Amazon is cheaper.
But, this is a great gaming value! And a great timesaver for installing. All 4 games are on 1 DVD and all install at once (if you want them all). There's also the additional disc that is a CD with all the music from the games on it (kinda lame, but consider it free).
I've been playing these games about as long as they've been out and have found them to be a lot of fun. While I do get bored with the single player Unreal games (Unreal and Unreal II), I have spent countless hours playing UT2K4 and original UT. Onslaught mode online rulez. For $30, this is a fantastic value. The value gets even better if the price is less. Enjoy!

Though I've played FPS games for years, I somehow missed the entire Unreal series (a crime, I know). The Anthology is PERFECT for first-time Unreal players: pop in the DVD, install the games, and you're set. The games themselves are timeless, so my review focuses on the Anthology's presentation and delivery.

Included is one DVD housed in a standard plastic DVD case. You also get a bonus CD featuring selected Unreal music from over the years. Game manuals are installed as PDF files. My installation was flawless and the games were easily launched from their respective folders.

But like many PC game compilations, key elements are missing, though most can be downloaded for free. UTII's XMP Multiplayer addition is conspicuously absent. Several maps and 14 user-created mods included with UT2004 Editor's Choice are left off. The high-res texture pack for the original Unreal, which I can't find online, was also excluded.

Despite the hassle of searching for and downloading the abovementioned "essential" files, the Anthology is still a great buy. Frag on!

Excuse the Cheesy title but someone had to say it. For $20, or apparently on Amazon it is only $9.99, you can get yourself all of the greatest shooter games ever created with the words Unreal in the title. Unreal is a blast from the past and very entertaining to go down memory lane with. Even the ambience from the beginning of the game when escaping the ship is amazing for it's time.

Unreal Tournament sucked up a large chunk of my early life and I owe it thanks for it. The game has amazingly addicting gameplay with one of the greatest soundtracks ever created for a shooter even to this day. The game features so many modes and updates that you can stay entertained for hours on end. Even some mini mods like staying alive during monster swarms are a nice break from the norm. This game is amazing and the engine is extremely powerful for modding.

Unreal II is a welcomed edition to the series. At the time it introduced so much to the industry with it's gorgeous visuals and flexable engine. This is definitly a welcomed edition to the pack.

Unreal Tournament 2004 is a step away from the feel of the original, but not without it's perks. The vehicle gameplay is outstanding and is in itself like have two games. You can do classic deathmatch or bring in vehicles for a totally different experience. The perfect part about the pack is if you miss the original feeling of oldschool UT action you can just switch back to the original game. The engine is also perfect for modding which tons of dev teams have taken advantage of by making free add ons to UT2k4.

EXTRA PERKS: I am a laptop gamer. I love not having a full desktop in front of me which is another reason I love Unreal. No unreal, be it UT, Unreal, unreal 2, UT2k4, and now UT3 has ever needed a CD to play. You click the icon and litterally click the box art for whatever you play. Its a nice feeling

Second perk is a music CD that comes free with the game with some outstanding tracks on it. Any true modder into game development already has the tools to get all the songs off the game files anyway though ;). You know who you are!


Stop reading this dribble and buy the game for crying out loud.

Bought this new at a bargain basement price and it was well worth it!! I have played almost all of the 3D FPS games since they were first "invented" in the 90's (Wolfensteins, Dooms, Quakes, Hexens, ROTTs, Duke Nukems, Unreals, Nerfs, Half Lifes, Deus Exs, Far Crys, System Shocks, Bio Shocks, Star Wars Jedis, Tribes, Descents, Portals, Team Fortresses, Call of Dutys, Halos, Americas Armys, Urban Terrors, Smokin' Guns, blah blah blah...well, you get the idea). The newer games of the last decade have added better graphics and more play styles and story lines, and the genre has really grown and come a long way since the early 90's. But without a doubt, the pinnacle of FPS 3D fun is the 1999 edition of Unreal Tournament with the Unreal Forever Mod, followed extremely closely by Quake 2 with the old Weapons Factory Mod (before they "balanced" the classes, which ruined it) [Yes, yes, I know all about Quake III, but it didn't really add anything but improved graphics to Quake 2...]. Everything, and I do mean every FPS 3D game since those two, UT 1999 with UF Mod and Q2 with WF Mod, is just another fancy copy them, with the exception of maybe the Portal series which sort of added a newer dimension (System Shock had already intro'd the problem solving aspect to FPS games). UT 2004 from this Unreal Anthology adds vehicles and new game types to the UT 1999 game style reviving the newness of the old stalwart. The younger gens now indulging themselves in the "photo realism" of the new games on PC and Consoles would be well served to load up a copy of UT 1999 with Unreal Forever, and play CTF with or without player classes and with more than 50 different weapons and defenses (my favs were the Katana, Drunken Master and Quantum Singularity Generator).

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.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

this is a good deal you get 4 games for a cheap price . i agree after playing unreal-2004 and unreal 2. you really woudnt want to try the other 2 games due to their outdated graphics. but then unreal 2004 is a lovely game for which alone i feel the price is a good deal.
i really wanted the unreal2004 for its online play. so i went for this package and its totally worth it.

The 4 games in this pack are classics.

Unreal - original single player game. Really good game, with good story. The expansion comes with it.

Unreal 2 - the sequel to one of the best single player FPS made. Story isnt that good.

Unreal Tournament - Unreal Tournament is the first online FPS in history. You can not go wrong playing this.

Unreal Tournament 2004 - Awesome game. This game is the youngest prequel to Unreal Tournament 3. It is also Epic's first attempt on vehicles in an FPS and does it better then anyone else has.

The 2nd disc is something special. A History of Unreal Music. This disc is a compilation album of 23 songs from Unreal, Unreal's expansion pack, Unreal Tournament, and Unreal Tournament 2004.

All games included in this collection support linux. The box has tux on it, however this collection repackages things and does not support it anymore.

This should be considered false advertising and someone should sue at some point. Maybe a class action where we can all get our money back?