Unreal Tournament 2003 Mod Guide - Part 2

Last time we discussed the winners from the Best Mod category in the Make Something Unreal Contest. This time we’ll take a closer look at some of the more popular mods that have been released to the general public. So take a seat, kick off your shoes, put your feet up, lean back and just enjoy part two of this guide...

Frag.Ops

Latest version
Alpha 1.35

Website
Frag.Ops homepage






Short description
Frag.Ops is a semi-realistic, team-based mod set in the near future. The world is at war, so you have to fight to survive. The mod features real life weaponry that can be customised with several attachments, such as scopes and silencers. Medals are awarded to players that are able to achieve certain objectives.

Gameplay
The gameplay could be compared to that of Tactical Ops or Counter-Strike. Two teams are put against each other, each with their own objectives. These objectives can range from simply eliminating the opposing team, to hacking computer terminals or planting explosive charges. The player gets awarded for killing enemies, completing objectives, or achieving medals. The better you score, the more money you get for buying new weapons or attachments.

Graphics/Sound
Frag.Ops has detailed and realistic looking maps. The weaponry, animations and skins all look pretty nifty and are a pleasure for the eye. The sounds in the mod are good and have a realistic feeling.

Other stuff
Since Alpha 1.3 it’s possible to drive around in vehicles.
Alpha 1.35 should be the last alpha before the mod reaches beta status. Beta 1.4 is planned for the Unreal Tournament 2004 engine.
For a detailed review, check out this article by FrÉd.

Rating
If you’re looking for a good Tactical Ops or Counter-Strike style mod for the Unreal Tournament 2003 engine, you should definitely check Frag.Ops out. This mod should be enjoyable for any player, from beginners to pros.

Download
Frag.Ops 1.3 Full (Local)

SAS : Into the Lion's Den

Latest version
Beta 1.0

Website
SAS homepage






Short description
SAS is a semi-realistic, team-based modification which focuses on the three main SAS units around the world: the British SAS, Australian SASR and New Zealand NZSAS. The mod features real life weaponry, ranging from pistols to fully automatic assault rifles.

Gameplay
Two teams are put against each other in a round based match system. The team that is the first to accomplish their objectives wins the round. SAS delivers a blend of fast action and realism, with a more slow and tactical gameplay. It’s up to the player to decide how he wants to play, but bear in mind each approach has its advantages and disadvantages.
The mod uses an iron sight system, which means you can aim through the actual sights on the guns. Another feature is the use of a pulse meter, which measures the heart rate of your character. The higher your heart pounds, the harder it will be to aim and move.

Graphics/Sound
The maps in SAS look very realistic and still have a good performance on most systems. The HUD on the other hand could use an overhaul and looks a bit boring. Also, at the moment there are no custom player animations, a “problem” that should be solved in the next release. The sounds are good, but some could use a bit more work to make them sounds less artificial.

Other stuff
In this first release, only Team Deathmatch is available, but later on more modes will be added. Beta 1.1 is on its way, and will feature new player animations, updated maps and a revamped HUD.

For a more detailed look at this mod, read the interview and review by FrÉd.

Rating
A must for players who are looking for gameplay that is a bit more challenging than most other counter-terrorism mods.

Download
SAS 1.0 Full (Local)

Red Orchestra

Latest version
Beta 1.2

Website
Red Orchestra homepage






Short description
Red Orchestra is a modification based on WWII, more specifically the The Great Patriotic War of the Soviet’s Red Army. Red Orchestra aims to recreate the core infantry combat of this war.

Gameplay
Two teams are put against each other in round-based gameplay with a reinforcements system (“waves”). Dieing doesn’t mean that you have to wait out the rest of the round, you simply respawn when the next wave starts. The goal of the game is to capture all objective points on the map, thus repressing the opposing force from the battlefield. To capture these points a certain number of soldiers is needed, so teamwork will be necessary. Red Orchestra also uses an iron sight system, which makes the mod a bit more realistic.

Graphics/Sound
Red Orchestra offers realistic environments and detailed player and weapon models. The skins and animations are detailed and look very nice. The sounds are very good and give the mod a very realistic feel.

Other stuff
Version 2.0 has been delayed. The Red Orchestra team has made plans for the Unreal Tournament 2004 version instead. The new version should be released somewhere around mid-April, in time for Phase 3 of the Make Something Unreal contest. If you want to learn more about this mod, read this review.

Rating
Not everyone will enjoy this mod, mostly because off the high level of realism. If you like a WWII setting, and if you aren’t afraid of some realistic action, try out Red Orchestra. You won’t be disappointed.

Download
Red Orchestra 1.2 Full (Local)
Community Mappack (Local)

Troopers: Rise of the Rebellion

Latest version
Beta 2.1

Website
Troopers homepage






Short description
Troopers is a fast-paced action modification set in the Star Wars universe. The battles take place in many of the well-known and recognisable locations from the original Star Wars trilogy. And be honest now, who doesn’t know the Star Wars universe created by George Lucas?

Gameplay
Troopers features team-oriented, round-based gameplay. Players will be able to use weapons from the original Star Wars trilogy, all with characteristics maintained from the movies.

Graphics/Sound
The mod looks very good and is true to the Star Wars universe. The weapons are detailed and fans of the original trilogy will instantly recognize the locations used in the maps. The sounds have an authentic feel, which immerses the player into the game.

Other stuff
Vehicular combat can be expected in one of the upcoming releases. Players will be able to use many of the vehicles from the Star Wars universe, ranging from the speeder bike to maybe even the AT-AT. A single player version of Troopers is planned for Unreal II and will be released after the multiplayer part of the mod is done.

Rating
Fan of the Star Wars universe will have lots of fun with this mod. Even if you aren’t a “hardcore” fan, you should give Troopers a go.

Download
Troopers 1.2 Full (Local)

Domain 2049

Latest version
Alpha 1.6

Website
Domain 2049 homepage






Short description
Domain 2049 is a tactical, team-based modification set in the year 2049, in a totalitarian world of a dominant global government, underground rebellion and sinister corporations. The mod features four unique teams, which will be able to confront each other in several game modes.

Gameplay
The mod features objective-oriented gameplay, which focuses on teamwork and intensive action. Two teams fight to achieve a number of objectives in order to win the match. The first team to accomplish their objectives wins the round.

Graphics/Sound
The maps in Domain 2049 are very detailed and look very good. The player and weapon models on the other hand look a bit amateurish and could use a bit more work. Overall the sound is good, but some more ambient sounds could add a bit more to the atmosphere. The music is excellent and fits the theme of the mod perfectly.

Other stuff
In the upcoming releases, more game modes will be added, including some modes where up to four teams fight at the same time. Also special effects, destructible objects, actionable objects and a special "online" karma system are under development.

Rating
Domain 2049 should be enjoyable by anyone.

Download
Domain 1.6 Full (Local)

UT2k3 Assault

Latest version
Beta 1.0

Website
Assault homepage






Short description
This game mode from the original UT wasn’t included in Unreal Tournament 2003 and many players were a bit disappointed. But Assault is back and kicking serious ass!

Gameplay
The gameplay is fairly simple and straight-forward. Two teams fight against each other and try to complete a number of objectives. Each map is played in two rounds. One round you attack and try to complete the objectives, while in the other round you defend those same objectives, on the same map.

The game is limited by time. On each map you have a certain amount of time to accomplish the objectives. When the round ends, you switch teams and then try to prevent the enemy team from accomplishing the objectives in less time than your team did.

Graphics/Sound
The graphics are almost the same as in Unreal Tournament 2003. The maps are detailed and look good (especially the conversions from some of the Assault maps from the original Unreal Tournament). There are no new weapons or other items.

Other stuff
Unlike in Unreal Tournament 2003, Assault is back as a standard game mode in Unreal Tournament 2004.

Rating
Assault should be enjoyable by anyone who liked the game mode in the original Unreal Tournament. Even if you’re new to Assault, you should have lots of fun with it.

Download
Assault 1.0 Full (Local)

This concludes part two of this mod guide. Next time we’ll take a closer look at some of the more inventive mods in terms of gameplay.

Till next time.