Unreal Tournament 2004

About

Unreal Tournament 2004 is a science fiction shooter game with delightful mechanics, phenomenal graphics, and fantastic music. It offers both single-player and multiplayer options, including team-based and free-for-all modes. Popular modes include Assault, where teams defend and attack bases, and Onslaught, which involves capturing and holding strategic points to attack and destroy the enemy. With its high replayability, it promises hours of intense combat for hardcore gamers.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,109 reviews

gameplay71 positive mentions

character development3 negative mentions

Unreal Tournament 2004 is a timeless classic that still holds up today, offering fast-paced gameplay and a variety of game modes.
The game features a vast array of weapons, vehicles, and maps, providing endless replayability and customization options.
The AI is surprisingly good, making single-player matches enjoyable, and the modding community has created a wealth of additional content.

The online multiplayer community has significantly dwindled, making it difficult to find active servers.
Some players experience technical issues, particularly with running the game on modern systems like Windows 10.
The single-player campaign can feel repetitive and lacks the depth of modern story-driven games.

gameplay
155 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
52%
2%
The gameplay of Unreal Tournament 2004 is widely praised for its fast-paced, skill-based mechanics and extensive variety of weapons, vehicles, and game modes, making it a standout in the arena shooter genre. Players appreciate the smooth controls, engaging movement techniques, and the balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for competitive players. Despite its age, the game remains highly regarded for its addictive gameplay, rich content, and the ability to customize experiences through mods and mutators, often being compared favorably to modern shooters.
- “The gameplay is fast-paced and intense, with a wide variety of weapons and vehicles to choose from.”
- “The gameplay still feels as buttery smooth as ever and is perfectly paced, not too fast, not too slow, with the ability to dodge out of trouble in a pickle.”
- “Fast-paced, no holds barred gameplay with a large roster of levels, weapons, and characters to choose from.”
- “Gameplay-wise, UT99 is still better in every way; it has too much time-to-kill (TTK) and weapon imbalance.”
- “The general presentation and sound effects lack impact, and there are just a lot of annoying, boring things in the way of the experience, despite the big scope of content and variety of new gameplay.”
- “Gameplay generally feels a bit floaty, but it's still very fun.”
graphics
148 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
61%
7%
The graphics of Unreal Tournament 2004, while dated by modern standards, are generally regarded as impressive for their time, with many players noting that they still hold up well today, especially when played at higher resolutions. The game features vibrant environments and character models that enhance the fast-paced gameplay, although some users feel that the visuals lack the polish of contemporary titles. Overall, the aesthetic remains appealing, blending nostalgia with a colorful art style that complements the action.
- “The game's graphics are fantastic, with detailed environments and character models that immerse the player in the action.”
- “Almost 18 years later and this game still holds up for both graphics, sound, and gameplay.”
- “The graphics are so timeless that I never even get the feeling of playing an old game.”
- “The graphics are far less than I expected; the game is not like the first games. As much as they tried to up the game with new stuff, it just was not the same thrill as the older games for me.”
- “Graphically challenged in modern times but will play well.”
- “The graphics are bad by today's standards, but it is still an outstanding game.”
music
66 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
47%
5%
The music in the game is widely praised for its energetic and immersive quality, with many reviewers highlighting the soundtrack as a standout feature that enhances the overall gameplay experience. While some players feel that certain tracks may not match the iconic compositions of earlier titles in the series, the majority agree that the music is engaging, fitting well with the fast-paced action and contributing to the nostalgic feel of the game. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant asset, with many players still enjoying it long after their initial playthroughs.
- “The game's sound effects and music are also noteworthy, adding to the immersive experience.”
- “Fantastic music, and very fast paced.”
- “The soundtrack alone is enough to make me recommend this game.”
- “For that matter, both the original UT and to a lesser extent UT3 have much better music.”
- “Weapons are weaker as is the gunplay itself, and the soundtrack is mostly pretty forgettable.”
- “Maybe I haven't played enough of this game yet, but I already like Unreal Tournament 1 way better... the graphical style and music seem way more generic to me, and the map design seems kinda thrown together.”
story
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
81%
8%
The story aspect of the game is generally viewed as minimal and not a primary focus, with many players appreciating the straightforward premise of competing in a tournament rather than a deep narrative. While some enjoy the light backstory and character details available in the menus, others find the campaign modes lackluster compared to traditional story-driven games. Overall, the game is celebrated for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic value, appealing to those who prefer action over intricate storytelling.
- “There's actually a plot behind all of that, and the big variety of game modes all make an appearance while taking this into account.”
- “Another nice thing to see is that there is quite a bit of backstory of the characters and arena worlds available, but presented as texts in the menu so those that want to delve into the story behind everything can do so, while those that don't care can simply choose not to bother with it.”
- “The excuse plot is short, sweet, and to the point: you want to win the tournament, kick some ass!”
- “One of the missions is just 'you hate the non-alcoholic beer, attack the brewery to make it alcoholic.'”
- “You're not saving humanity or following a long story of character development and exploration of the human condition in a gaming context, just guns, guns, guns... would recommend for those days when you just want to blast everything.”
- “The campaign 'story mode' was a real let-down; UT04's single player is entirely a ladder-based traditional style of Unreal Tournament, whereas UT3 is more of a story-mode 'in-depth' cinematic experience; the two, for me, are poles apart.”
replayability
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
36%
14%
Unreal Tournament 2004 is praised for its exceptional replayability, bolstered by a diverse range of game modes, a vibrant modding community, and active player bases. Users highlight the game's extensive content, including numerous maps, characters, and community-created additions, which contribute to an almost infinite replay value. Even years after its release, players continue to find enjoyment and new experiences, making it a standout title in terms of replayability.
- “The game also offers a variety of game modes, from traditional deathmatch to capture the flag, and the modding community has created a wealth of additional content, adding even more replay value to the game.”
- “With all the community-created content online, Unreal Tournament is bound to bring plenty of replayability, and there are still very active player communities to be found to play with.”
- “Unreal Tournament 2004 takes the cake, having more playable characters than classic Unreal Tournament.”
- “This hurts the replayability of the single player mode.”
- “Still a lot of replay value and the maps and various game modes still feel like they can compare with some of the best shooters today.”
- “These two games got me into PC gaming, not just because of the gratuitous violence or the simple way the game is laid out to you, it was the fact that they have almost endless replay value.”
optimization
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
31%
23%
Overall, the optimization of the game is generally well-received, with many users reporting significant performance improvements after applying patches, allowing for smooth gameplay at over 100 fps on modern systems. However, some players note that high resolutions require file editing and that certain settings may lead to stuttering or crashes, particularly on Windows 10. Despite these issues, the game remains playable on a wide range of hardware, showcasing its enduring optimization for older titles.
- “It also drastically increases the performance of the game; I went from averaging a stuttering 30-60 fps to well over 100 fps after properly adding this patch to the game (this is because UT2004, being from 2004, was originally designed to run on then-current 32-bit systems, not the modern 64-bit systems most people use nowadays).”
- “Graphics and performance are both really good for a game so old, getting 100+ fps with a modern computer is a piece of cake, showing it is well optimized.”
- “The game will run smoothly on all but the most basic of computers and has been a staple of LAN parties ever since its launch.”
- “While Proton does technically allow UT2004 to run on Linux, it's not the most optimized experience.”
- “Performance is okay, but high resolutions aren't supported without file editing, and to achieve perfect mouse control, you have to tweak some files due to the game crashing on Windows 10 if you select raw mouse input.”
- “After applying the patch, I went from averaging a stuttering 30-60 fps to well over 100 fps, but the game was originally designed for 32-bit systems, which causes issues on modern 64-bit systems.”
humor
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the humor in the game, often reminiscing about the fun and camaraderie of LAN parties filled with laughter and playful banter. The game's various modes and mutators contribute to its comedic elements, allowing for entertaining and sometimes absurd gameplay experiences. However, some users find the AI's performance to be so poor that it becomes a source of unintentional humor.
- “I miss the LAN parties, getting together under one roof, yelling profanities and laughing it up... flak cannon/low grav go brr!”
- “Bought this game on retail at least 3 or 4 times already, because I lost the copies (or gave it away ¯\_(ツ)_/¯), I finally decided to buy the Steam digital version. Funny enough, I also bought this on GOG.com.”
- “So many different game types (DM, team DM, 1 on 1 arena DM, CTF, vehicle CTF, onslaught, and more)... and mutators - which allow you to tweak and alter the game in interesting and sometimes hilarious ways.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Reviews indicate a general dissatisfaction with the current state of monetization in games, highlighting a preference for experiences that prioritize fun over microtransactions and manipulative tactics. While some hope for a return to simpler gameplay without excessive monetization, there is an acknowledgment that popular titles often include skins and microtransactions. Overall, players are seeking a balance between enjoyable gameplay and fair monetization practices.
- “A trip back to when arena shooters prioritized fun over microtransactions.”
- “No ads, no sprinting, no quickscopes, no obnoxious little children.”
- “If a game isn't chock full of microtransactions, FOMO, or other manipulative tactics, I guess it isn't worth keeping around anymore.”
- “But this is Epic we are talking about, so it will probably have skins and microtransactions, and the engine is kind of unstable on new systems anyway.”
stability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Overall, the game is praised for its stability, running smoothly on both Linux and Windows with minimal issues, making it accessible even for modest PCs. However, some users have reported glitches or crashes, suggesting that launching the game with a CPU affinity locked to one core may help mitigate these problems.
- “An absolutely timeless classic multiplayer twitch shooter, and it runs great on both Linux and Windows with very little effort. Definitely worth picking up!”
- “For anyone looking for a great FPS that's cheap and runs great even on a modest PC, this one is a must-have.”
- “If you are experiencing glitches or crashes, please consider launching the game with a CPU affinity locked to one core.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The atmosphere of the game is described as a compelling blend of dark and enlightening elements, contributing to an impressive overall experience. While some users find it captivating, others suggest it may not suit those seeking a strong narrative or immersive scenario. The modding community enhances the atmosphere further, adding to the game's appeal.
- “The gameplay was fast and balanced while the atmosphere was both dark and enlightening.”
- “Impressive atmosphere =)”
- “The modding scene was incredible, the fluidity was incredible, the guns, the atmosphere, just about everything.”
- “If you're looking for an FPS with a compelling scenario or atmosphere, then I do not recommend it for you.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development in this game is minimal, focusing more on action than on narrative depth or exploration of the human condition. While the voice acting varies in quality, it generally aligns with the game's unique and bizarre aesthetic, which includes a team of grotesquely designed undead characters. Overall, the game prioritizes chaotic gameplay over meaningful character arcs.
- “You're not saving humanity or following a long story of character development and exploration of the human condition in a gaming context, just guns guns guns ... would recommend for those days when you just want to blast everything.”
- “Voice acting is hit or miss, but tends to mesh with the character design and the overall aesthetic of the game.”
- “I suppose in terms of being equally weird about sexualized character designs, to the game's credit, there is an entire team in the game that consists of freaky undead people dressed up in strange and gory BDSM outfits, looking like something out of a Hellraiser film.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate that while there are no abilities unlocked through XP grinding, the diverse maps enhance gameplay across various modes without becoming repetitive. For players who enjoy grinding, "Invasion RPG Online" is recommended, offering a multitude of servers to explore.
- “No abilities that unlock with XP grinding.”
- “If you're into grinding, check out Invasion RPG Online... tons of servers to choose from.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, feeling a sense of empowerment and excitement despite their skill level. The immersive entertainment experience elevates their enjoyment, making them feel like top performers through engaging gameplay and dynamic audio feedback.
- “I can tell you I was one of the worst players, but the awesomeness of the entertainment made me feel the opposite!”
- “Cranking up the settings and hearing the announcer say 'holy sh*t!!!' made me feel like my Pentium 4 2.4GHz and Radeon were the greatest gaming combo in history... screw the Pentium 3.0 GHz CPU and the extreme edition for $1,000...”