For years there was a great argument on which of the twitch shooters would reign supreme between the Unreal and Quake series. Well for now it seems as if that answer comes in the form of Unreal Tournament III as the Quake series has gone off into a totally different direction. What fans of the series get is the same fast paced killing spree you love, with no real evolution in game design. Sure there is some expansion, like extra meat in the story modes, new features, new weapons and vehicles, but honestly the series remains stagnant in creativity and originality. Is this a good or bad thing? I guess that all depends on the side of the spectrum you prefer. I for one think this is a formula that is greatly missed and since the market isn't flooded with this style of shooter, it actually is a refreshing change of pace, even though the premise is so 8 years ago.

Visually UT3 is stunning, runs blistering fast, the frame rate is smooth as ice, and has beautifully detailed level designs. Fans of Gears of War will recognize some of the character and weapon designs as the same developers are responsible for both titles. Where UT3 benefits from is a deeper color pallet and better physics engine than in Gears. Oh and the fact that this is a ballsy shooter verses a duck and cover fest will either appeal to shooter fans or turn Gears-like fans away. The map sizes fit the style of game mode you are playing in, so you never feel as if the levels are too large or too small.

UT3 like past versions of the series is fast and relentless. Either you have the jewels to hang with the big boys or you don't. This is not a series for the methodical or strategically fan based gamers. You are victorious when you've taken out the most opponents. Your bragging rights come in the form of frags and how much you HAVEN'T been fragged. Your reaction time and aiming skills are your best friends or worst enemy so you best bone up on your play time if you are to take your game online.

Speaking of online, this is where UT3 really gets cooking. With a ton of multiplayer modes to choose from you'll give your Xbox 360 a great workout. Game modes you have to choose from are Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Duel Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Vehicle CTF, and Warfare (destroy enemy's power core), all complete with various maps, character creation options, and ridiculous variety of weaponry at your disposal. You even have the option to toss some bots into the mix if things are light on the friend's side. For the Xbox 360, you will find all the updates, patches, and tweaks that took place from the game's launch on the PS3 and PC to now. What you won't find is user created map features which is a big let down to say the least, but is understandable if Microsoft is to keep Xbox Live's integrity intact. To make up for this omission, you will find 5 exclusive maps for the Xbox 360 and a split screen feature not seen on the PS3 or PC. Let's not forget those achievements!

While UT3 isn't going to reinvent the FPS wheel, it does supply what has been greatly missing in FPS as of late, which is just a straight forward, fun as hell, experience that is endless as long as you have friends to play with. This is old school shooting at its best with a brand new coat of paint to enjoy. Fans of UT or even Quake with realize what they've been missing for a couple years now and will be happy that it is has returned in its purest form. UT3 is pure bliss.