UT2004 Patch #3
Epic Games sends along the third Unreal Tournament 2004 patch, updating the game to v3270. The update offers changes/fixes related to the Onslaught gamemode, general gameplay, networking, engine and mods among other things. As before this patch is compatible with the retail version and previous patches. Here are some of the network changes
- Fixed "weapon not firing" bug, caused by reliable bunches from client getting queued up on server under certain packet loss conditions. - Improved low net bandwith (modem) client net performance: [...] - Made super shock beams not bNetTemporary (so you always see your shots even w/ packet loss) - Improved server performance by removing some expensive (and never tripped) checks - Fixed network jitter at low game speeds (gamespeed mutator) - Speed hack checks enabled when flying redeemer - Colored names exploit fixed again - Fixed Web Response exploit - Fixed server crash exploit
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Best. Game. Ever. Just more support on the part of Epic, with an Editor's Choice/Bonus Pack on the way to support what is IMO the multiplayer GOTY. This folks, is why Epic>id>Valve.
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I respectfully disagree. I find that ut2k* gameplay is very poor, no wonder more people play ut99 ctf than ut2k* ctf, and more quake3 dm than ut2k* dm. Aand although onslaught hides the dud on-foot gameplay well with all the trendy vEhiCals, it's still very shallow. Onslaught pubs have in my mind undoubtebly the least teamwork of any teamplay games.
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While it's possibly true (i'm not interested enough to verify your assertions) that there are more ut99 ctf players, q3 dm players, etc, I find that UT2k4 shines over many other FPS games for a variety of reasons:
1) Community support. If you're not a fan of the original game, that's fine...but seeing what types of mods are already released so close to launch demonstrates that epic has clout when it comes to releasing games. Check out Alien Swarm, Deathball, etc, for some great mods already released.
2) New/revised gametypes. While onslaught definitely has its downsides (its one-sidedness, pub uselessness, etc), it's a throwback to gameplay like tribes where people have to perform specific tasks in order to help their team. This makes organized competition much more exciting than a game of CS or BF.
3) Variety and number of built-in gametypes and maps: pretty self-explanatory, but I'm finding that mods and downloaded maps aside, I love having the ability to go play TDM, switch to ONS, then play a round of bombing run, assault, or invasion without having to load a different game. The game is pretty comprehensive, allowing for people to take a change of pace if they so desire.
4) Game physics: You can surely choose to disagree or not find it of any value, but I love the concept of being able to dodge, double-jump, and wall-jump in a shooter. The tight control over movement options makes shot prediction somewhat difficult, evading shots or aggressive attacking more of a skill, and the gameplay more of a challenge overall. Some may not like it, but I love it.
Best game ever? I don't know if I can say that. I WILL say that it's the most comprehensive game I've ever played and that it is extremely fun to play (at least TDM and ONS) in organized competition.
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