Unreal II: The Awakening

 PC
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 134 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 134
  2. Mixed: 59 out of 134
  3. Negative: 24 out of 134
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  1. Skizzzo63
    Dec 24, 2015
    2
    Wow. This was bad. It's one of the few games I left unfinished - and it happened at the beginning, no less!
    Ok, I loved Unreal (the first), I even liked the "Return to Na Pali" expansion (although way less good than Unreal), so maybe I had high expectations, but IMHO this is just plain awful: boring, uninspired, repetitive, soulless. I played user created maps/levels that were way more    Wow. This was bad. It's one of the few games I left unfinished - and it happened at the beginning, no less!
    Ok, I loved Unreal (the first), I even liked the "Return to Na Pali" expansion (although way less good than Unreal), so maybe I had high expectations, but IMHO this is just plain awful: boring, uninspired, repetitive, soulless. I played user created maps/levels that were way more fun and entertaining than this.
    There's no "awakening" here, the game is fast asleep, and most likely so will be you ;-)
    In the few hours I spent playing it, I had no fun at all: and for a game, that's the death knell.    … Expand
  2. Kirase
    Jan 1, 2012
    5
    After the first unreal was one of the best games of its time with a brilliant atmospheric singleplayer campaign unreal 2 was a real huge disappointment. Basicly this game was only about its singleplayer which wasnt really good, too short and could not keep up to the high expactations at all. Personally it felt like the IP was supposed to get used as a kind of graphic-demo for marketingAfter the first unreal was one of the best games of its time with a brilliant atmospheric singleplayer campaign unreal 2 was a real huge disappointment. Basicly this game was only about its singleplayer which wasnt really good, too short and could not keep up to the high expactations at all. Personally it felt like the IP was supposed to get used as a kind of graphic-demo for marketing purposes with this game. The fact that there is no unreal 3 speaks for itself, a once very good ip got wasted with this title.… Expand
  3. hansen1981
    Sep 15, 2013
    6
    Nice graphics for 2003. But gameplay is very slow. Primitive tasks, predictable and boring story makes this game very dull. Your marine have too slow walk speed. Sometimes i was sleepy from this game. No matter what i complete Unreal 2 and i want to say Unreal 2 the mediocre shooter for 2 or 3 evenings.
  4. DerekYu
    Sep 27, 2009
    0
    What a steaming turd. Unskippable cutscenes, obviously scripted events (including forced failed missions). Who the fuck takes 10 bullets with them to a fucking mission where you know you'll be doing sniping? Unnecessary bullshit levels. (One of which completed itself without player intervention) NPCs which I wished I could kill, strangle or otherwise silence. Fuck these guys.
  5. PithHelmet
    Jun 29, 2017
    3
    I gave this a play through again in 2017 and yeah...it's still pretty bad. It's disappointing because Legend Entertainment made Return to Na Pali, which I think took everything about Unreal and made it better. You can definitely tell they wanted to port this later to the Xbox because the level size and number of NPCs per map is extremely limited. My biggest complaint about the actualI gave this a play through again in 2017 and yeah...it's still pretty bad. It's disappointing because Legend Entertainment made Return to Na Pali, which I think took everything about Unreal and made it better. You can definitely tell they wanted to port this later to the Xbox because the level size and number of NPCs per map is extremely limited. My biggest complaint about the actual gameplay is movement speed, since by default it is excruciatingly slow compared to other Unreal games. Type "BeMyMonkey" and then "Setspeed 2" in the console to fix this.

    Gameplay aside I am most disappointed by the atmosphere. There is absolutely no sense of wonder anywhere like in the original Unreal. Not a single memorable music track, and often the maps will have no music playing and little to no environmental sounds.

    Some actual good things about the game: The three cheesy members of the crew actually grew on me as time went on. The ending surprisingly actually stirred up a little bit of emotion. The "holdout" portions of gameplay were actually pretty fun. It is a bit like when you set up turrets from Half-Life 2, except more dynamic and strategy based. The story while basic has an interesting twist on the Dorian Grey.    … Expand
  6. Didacticus
    Oct 17, 2013
    2
    No, this game isn't short. I wish it was short. When I was playing this I only want the game to end. I really liked Unreal 1 because of the strange, beautiful and original atmosphere. No place in Unreal II has that atmosphere. It has no atmosphere! The levels are also very small.
  7. Jok`RdeMo
    Feb 12, 2003
    3
    Why so BIG weapons? Where tale from first unreal? What happened to that prisoner? In Awakening is just not enough scenario. Just 1st person shooter, which looks like console game, nothing more. After first UNREAL I am very disappointed.
  8. ParmsS.
    Feb 12, 2003
    0
    Nothing at all like its predessesor. It has completely no overlap with the unreal1. Why was such a good game used to market a crap game like unreal2. Very very disappointing.
  9. Jok`RdeMo
    Feb 12, 2003
    3
    Why so BIG weapons? Where tale from first unreal? What happened to that prisoner? In Awakening is just not enough scenario. Just 1st person shooter, which looks like console game, nothing more. After first UNREAL I am very disappointed.
  10. [Anonymous]
    Feb 12, 2003
    5
    Short...short... short.
  11. Jok`RdeMo
    Feb 12, 2003
    4
    Why so BIG weapons? Where tale from first unreal? What happened to that prisoner? In Awakening is just not enough scenario. Just 1st person shooter, which looks like console game, nothing more. After first UNREAL I am very disappointed.
  12. BlackAcidDragon
    Aug 28, 2010
    10
    loved it on the pc, on xbox looked a bit robotic and graphics werent as good as pc and im sure some bits were missing in places like it was cut short. but overall think it is a good game.
  13. DalekC
    Jun 10, 2009
    10
    Ignore the bad reviews, this game is very fun. It isn't to difficult and the AI is a bit crap but the briefing and voice is great and the graphics are shiny. Explosions are nice, the weapons aren't so good but they are full of led.
  14. Draclif
    Feb 13, 2003
    0
    Wow...I'm very disappointed with this title. I am a huge fan of the other Unreal series titles including UT2003, but the system specs for this game border on deceptive practice. Simply, the system requirements on the box are outright wrong - they are way too low. I have the exact system in their 'recommended' settings and the game crawls from the very first firefight even Wow...I'm very disappointed with this title. I am a huge fan of the other Unreal series titles including UT2003, but the system specs for this game border on deceptive practice. Simply, the system requirements on the box are outright wrong - they are way too low. I have the exact system in their 'recommended' settings and the game crawls from the very first firefight even with the very lowest graphic and sound settings. It was simply unplayable. Other titles similar to this (Like UT2003, C&C Generals, Ghost Recon) work very well. I hope through high returns that Legend Entertainment is is in for an Awakening of its own.… Expand
  15. Draclif
    Feb 13, 2003
    0
    Wow...I'm very disappointed with this title. I am a huge fan of the other Unreal series titles including UT2003, but the system specs for this game border on deceptive practice. Simply, the system requirements on the box are outright wrong - they are way too low. I have the exact system in their 'recommended' settings and the game crawls from the very first firefight even Wow...I'm very disappointed with this title. I am a huge fan of the other Unreal series titles including UT2003, but the system specs for this game border on deceptive practice. Simply, the system requirements on the box are outright wrong - they are way too low. I have the exact system in their 'recommended' settings and the game crawls from the very first firefight even with the very lowest graphic and sound settings. It was simply unplayable. Other titles similar to this (Like UT2003, C&C Generals, Ghost Recon) work very well. I hope through high returns that Legend Entertainment is is in for an Awakening of its own.… Expand
  16. BitBurn
    Apr 21, 2003
    5
    Well, I must say. I'm disappointed. This game don't even come close to the Unreal 1. Without getting into details I wanna say this: Don't hold high hopes!
  17. MikeU.
    May 13, 2008
    10
    What is so bad about this game? I don't get it. Yes it is linear, just like half-life 1 and 2, so stop thinking HL is so great, its linear too. I don't exactly see the cliche in the story, I thought it was very original and creative. The weapons were really fun and the voice acting was ok. some parts really scared me quite a few times. This game is probably really cheap now, so What is so bad about this game? I don't get it. Yes it is linear, just like half-life 1 and 2, so stop thinking HL is so great, its linear too. I don't exactly see the cliche in the story, I thought it was very original and creative. The weapons were really fun and the voice acting was ok. some parts really scared me quite a few times. This game is probably really cheap now, so get it! But If you can get your hands on the special edition, get that. It has some great multiplayer. Underrated game!… Expand
  18. Montanker
    Aug 20, 2010
    9
    This is a severely under rated game. It is not a direct sequel to Unreal 1 (play Return to Na Pali), but it is a very worthy addition to the unreal series. The action and graphics are excellent and the story, while tedious at times, is very well written and acted, and makes you want to know more about your crew. The only disappointing thing is not having the Unreal 1 weapons, but itThis is a severely under rated game. It is not a direct sequel to Unreal 1 (play Return to Na Pali), but it is a very worthy addition to the unreal series. The action and graphics are excellent and the story, while tedious at times, is very well written and acted, and makes you want to know more about your crew. The only disappointing thing is not having the Unreal 1 weapons, but it makes sense since you have military weapons, opposed to the weapons left by crashed ships and aliens on Na Pali. This game is a must for action/ sci-fi fans.… Expand
  19. Jerad_2142
    Aug 22, 2013
    10
    I loved this game, everything from the weapons to the lame humor. The game offers a mixture of both linear and non-linear missions, with a cool plot that continues a few twists which will really get to you. All the missions are on different plants, which allows them to make some very cool environments for the player to explore. As for your arsenal, you have everything from turrets andI loved this game, everything from the weapons to the lame humor. The game offers a mixture of both linear and non-linear missions, with a cool plot that continues a few twists which will really get to you. All the missions are on different plants, which allows them to make some very cool environments for the player to explore. As for your arsenal, you have everything from turrets and laser fences, to sniper rifles and flamethrowers. All in all an amazing single player game with great atmosphere.… Expand
  20. Lokeszl
    Jun 20, 2005
    9
    Comment 2005: Bought it few days ago for 5 euro. What is bad about the game? I think it just as good as HL2. About the same gameplay. (No replay value that is.) Unreal 2 underrated, HL2 overrating. HL2 graphics are somewhat better.
  21. GlerkH.
    Mar 4, 2003
    2
    Short, expensive, pretty to look at, boring and the story was just awful. I finished this game quickly and found few challenges. I like the other games in the series and was addicted to UT but this is not worth the money. Save yourself some money and replay Half-life is my advice. It may not be as pretty but it tops this game in so many ways!
  22. DanielL.
    Oct 15, 2003
    9
    What was so bad about this sequel? It was a bit short bit I kept up high expectations of it for a long time. Every level design(except Na Koja Abad) was great. You guys suck and I don't. How could you not think it was good? A let down from the first Unreal and a little graphics demanding but Unreal2 was a brilliant game. I hope there's an Unreal3 in the near future.
  23. AndrewH.
    Feb 23, 2003
    2
    I have played through a large chunk of this and not really enjoyed any of it, the only motive I have to continue is so I can complete it and get this colossus off my hard drive. If they had to ditch multiplayer to get it this good, I shudder to think what it would have been like otherwise.
  24. TylerDurden
    Mar 6, 2003
    3
    Ok the only good thing is the graphics. The story is lame, the overall game time is very short, at the start there is 3 "helpful" characters, which are really just a decoy and a little softcore porn to get you to stall and think that the game is longer than it is. The objectives are just find a artifact and return it. Very bad game.
  25. Ptaccho
    Mar 31, 2004
    3
    This is one of the most disappointing games I´ ve played. The visuals look nice, but the level design is so extremely linear and flat that it is almost insulting.
  26. ChrisS.
    Aug 7, 2004
    4
    Graphics are nice. voice acting is very, very bad. gameplay is annoyingly slugish, which is odd considering newer games like painkiller perform quite nicely on my system. overall an uninspiring and sad to say kinda of boring letdown.
  27. LeighW.
    May 10, 2006
    9
    I bought this about 2 weeks after it was released, based purely on the sucess of it's predecessor. I wasn't totally blown away, but I did find this to be noe of the more enjoyable FPSs I've played. Personally, I think it's very underrated. Storyline aside (I don't really care for them, but this at least had one that was mildly engaging), this is an excellent FPS I bought this about 2 weeks after it was released, based purely on the sucess of it's predecessor. I wasn't totally blown away, but I did find this to be noe of the more enjoyable FPSs I've played. Personally, I think it's very underrated. Storyline aside (I don't really care for them, but this at least had one that was mildly engaging), this is an excellent FPS with a lot of unique level concepts and weapon designs. If I were to describe how this game plays, I'd simply say it was 'fun'. It's enjoyable to play, simple as that. And with today's technology the graphics are still nice and run incredibly well. All you HL2 fanboys should realise that this game is no more or less linear than HL2, and there are more weapons and enemies. It's a good game.… Expand
  28. LaneT.
    Feb 22, 2008
    8
    Not the greatest game in the world, but has more positives than the reviews lead you to believe. For all the (deserved) praise Half-Life 2 received for keeping things fresh and constantly introducing new ways to interact with the world, Unreal 2 did the same a year prior. Nearly every mission introduces something new for the player to do or use. Graphics are fantastic, particularly now Not the greatest game in the world, but has more positives than the reviews lead you to believe. For all the (deserved) praise Half-Life 2 received for keeping things fresh and constantly introducing new ways to interact with the world, Unreal 2 did the same a year prior. Nearly every mission introduces something new for the player to do or use. Graphics are fantastic, particularly now that today's PCs are capable of running it at full detail. My only complaints are that the load times are ridiculous, AI could definitely be better, and while the stories around the characters may be interesting, they are told in a very mundane way.… Expand
  29. Osckar
    Mar 21, 2008
    7
    I like it because it take me into the game (it´s the best recreation i never saw of a marine with an armor with 40 or 60 kgs. fighting in the middle of a battle). By other hand it´s true that not have the quality of Unreal 1, and it´s absolutely linear, but others game are too, as Half Life (one of the best games for PC). I´m stay playing now with the offer of I like it because it take me into the game (it´s the best recreation i never saw of a marine with an armor with 40 or 60 kgs. fighting in the middle of a battle). By other hand it´s true that not have the quality of Unreal 1, and it´s absolutely linear, but others game are too, as Half Life (one of the best games for PC). I´m stay playing now with the offer of Steam platform, so I´m enjoy again!… Expand
  30. JB
    Apr 8, 2008
    3
    Slow load times after deaths. Caching anyone? Some levels were poorly designed. Got stuck and had to reload in numerous places. Very poor. The original Unreal was better.
  31. SzilardB.
    Aug 22, 2008
    3
    I'd loved it, if i hadn't played Unreal 1 before... nice graphics, but boring gameplay.
  32. TimH.
    Jun 24, 2005
    10
    Why is it that every game MUST break new ground in gameplay? Solid gameplay is solid gameplay, why must devolopers "reinvent the wheel" every time they produce a game? Do we expect novelty because of the high price we pay for games? Perhaps. Or do we expect more bang for our buck from larger developers? Whatever the case, Unreal II has a fine story, the graphics are simply extraordinary, Why is it that every game MUST break new ground in gameplay? Solid gameplay is solid gameplay, why must devolopers "reinvent the wheel" every time they produce a game? Do we expect novelty because of the high price we pay for games? Perhaps. Or do we expect more bang for our buck from larger developers? Whatever the case, Unreal II has a fine story, the graphics are simply extraordinary, and the gameplay is certainly on par with any game deserving of a 9 out of 10. Plus, I picked up a new copy for $2.75, it's a pretty sweet game on a 6800 Ultra for that price! Think I'll quit complaining and look for some extra levels for this bad boy.… Expand
  33. iddqd4
    Feb 11, 2018
    9
    Удивлен столь прохладным оценкам, в свое время игра дико нравилась, это был один из лучших сюжетных шутеров 2003 года.
  34. EasternUNO
    Mar 12, 2022
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. +soundtrack
    +funny characters and conversations
    +the last mission: the environment, singularity weapon, plot
    +enemy npcs can dodge

    -crashes
    -very long loading times even on NVME SSD
    -graphical settings offer up to 85 Hz refresh rate, but can be overriden under Preferences
    -your character move too slow. walking speed can be configured in user.ini file
    -weapon changes take too long time    … Expand
  35. Dutch_Shaefer
    Oct 22, 2017
    10
    Simply brilliant!!!

    This is the best first person shooter in the history of the genre and for me is the best game ever. And why is that? Because I can make a comparison with a lot of other FPS games. I've played and finished Far Cry 1,2,3, Unreal 1, Quake 1,2,3, Delta Force, Half Life 1,2, Doom, Halo, Serious Sam, and nothing is better than Unreal 2 The Awakening as far as to plot,    Simply brilliant!!!

    This is the best first person shooter in the history of the genre and for me is the best game ever. And why is that? Because I can make a comparison with a lot of other FPS games. I've played and finished Far Cry 1,2,3, Unreal 1, Quake 1,2,3, Delta Force, Half Life 1,2, Doom, Halo, Serious Sam, and nothing is better than Unreal 2 The Awakening as far as to plot, various missions, great weapons, awesome story, different and interesting mobs, great characters and voice of the characters, the fascinating briefings before almost every mission, moving and thrilling OST in every single mission, the super cool graphics at this time (Now I play it and it still looks great even in comparison with games like Tomb Raider 2013) and last but not least the great ending.

    I even read in the Liandry Archives that they thought of making one more mission - a whole underwater level, which would've made the game even more epic, but it still looks and feels pretty great.

    So my rating of the game is 10/10 without nay remorse!

    Bottom line - The best FPS ever.    … Expand
  36. Genek13
    Nov 19, 2019
    6
    For me it was a decent game with unique atmosphere and story (average story).
    Never played a first one so I can't compare this two games.
  37. storygamer
    Sep 2, 2020
    7
    Well, Unreal II: The Awakening had an insurmountable hurdle upon its release. The predecessor was nearly perfect. Unreal II is very disappointing regarding this aspect. Sure, the action is fine and the graphics look marvellous but the game was too short, repetitive and quickly became boring. If you haven´t played the first entry, it will satisfy your shooter desires. Otherwise it´s justWell, Unreal II: The Awakening had an insurmountable hurdle upon its release. The predecessor was nearly perfect. Unreal II is very disappointing regarding this aspect. Sure, the action is fine and the graphics look marvellous but the game was too short, repetitive and quickly became boring. If you haven´t played the first entry, it will satisfy your shooter desires. Otherwise it´s just good average.… Expand
  38. BenzoSt
    Jul 12, 2022
    5
    After the amazing first Unreal game, this was a big disappointment. The action is slow and lethargic, the weaponry is conventional, and the story is dull with dull characters and dull dialogue. The graphics are pretty good for the time, though. And there is plenty of variety to the levels, each of which occurs on a separate planet. Nevertheless, I must emphasize that Unreal 2 was a prettyAfter the amazing first Unreal game, this was a big disappointment. The action is slow and lethargic, the weaponry is conventional, and the story is dull with dull characters and dull dialogue. The graphics are pretty good for the time, though. And there is plenty of variety to the levels, each of which occurs on a separate planet. Nevertheless, I must emphasize that Unreal 2 was a pretty boring game.… Expand
  39. xcale
    Dec 13, 2022
    8
    Not thrilling and entertaining as the first game but still a good one for me.

Awards & Rankings

84
#84 Best PC Game of 2003
30
#30 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
67
#67 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. GameSpot
    73
    It has the look and polish of a great shooter, but the gameplay of a merely good one. It's also a fairly short game with no multiplayer support to speak of.
    Read full review
  2. Armchair Empire
    87
    Only the lack of a rich multi-player section and some odd design decisions keep Unreal 2 from being one of the best FPS’s in recent memory.
    Read full review
  3. GamePro
    100
    It speaks like no other game in the genre, loud and with feeling, and tells a story worth telling among all the explosions.
    Read full review
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