kAoS

First Details on Next-Gen UT
by RaptoR at 12:00 AM EST (Future Unreal Titles)


The May 2005 issue of Computer Gaming World Magazine contains the first screenshots and information on the next, Unreal Engine 3 powered Unreal Tournament game, including incredible revelations about the massive new Conquest gametype.

The article refers to the game as "the next Unreal Tournament", suggesting that the game's full title is as yet undecided. Midway have previously confirmed that no new UT titles will be shipping in 2005, so it's likely that this game will bear the name "Unreal Tournament 2006" or "Unreal Tournament 2007". It's also possible that Epic have ditched the yearly naming convention altogether... only time will tell. Scans from the article currently doing the rounds on IRC show a silver and black Unreal 'U' logo on the magazine's cover, and a rather detailed Necris character standing outside next to some sort of vehicle on the first page of the article itself. Other screenshots reportedly include UE3-powered Malcolm, as well as next-gen versions of the Goliath tank, Scorpion buggy and armor concept art.

Details of the game are sketchy at the moment, however we can report that Epic programmer Steve Polge is the game's Lead Designer, with Jim Brown filling the role of Lead Level Designer. The article also tells of Epic's desire to put gameplay above graphics with the next UT, as demonstrated by the fact that the title's programming is currently "ahead" of its art.

Unfortunately we cannot post scans of the article here on BU (for fear of provoking the wrath of the killer zombie lawyer army of doom), so don't ask, however we will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

Update - 27 Mar 05 9:45PM EST by RaptoR: As promised, here are some more details from the article, courtesy of BU forumer placebo and drboom...
The next UT will feature 11 weapons. No specific details on these yet.
The game will focus on AI, specifically voice-controlled AI.
As with many UT2004 levels, the layout of maps in the next UT is being finalized before artwork is incorporated.
The game will feature a global ratings system that will allow clans to compare scores.
Gametypes include Onslaught, DM, TDM, CTF, and the all-new Conquest mode. No mention of Assault or Domination.
Further info on the Conquest gametype:
Features eight teams, each with unique armor.
Conquest maps are "potentially as large as three onslaught maps with assault-like objectives and even a form of limited resource management planned"
"there may be the option to treat a conquest match like a long term war, so you can play, take a break, and then go back and play more later"
"you can use your stats to find similarly abled opponents"
"pre-game lobbies" will be present in some form
"clan pages and other sites will be able to be viewed from within the game"
"conquest will take advantage of the Unreal Engine 3's ability to seamlessly stream maps by putting you in a battlefield the size of several maps stitched together"
"players will battle on one of two teams, each sides terriroty will look physically different, as you take a territory it will convert to the otherteams structures and physical surroundings"
"conquest should appeal to a wider gaming audience and provide a place where longer-term strategy, teamwork, and face-to-face fragging all meet"
Update - 28 Mar 05 9:40AM EST by RaptoR: Not directly related to the CGW article, however a high-resolution render of the Malcolm character from the next UT has surfaced on the Atari Forums.