The legendary first-person shooter from 1998 that brought us the Unreal-Engine. Developed by Epic MegaGames, now known as Epic Games, and published by GT Interactive. Unreal originally launched with support for 3DFX Voodoo cards, but D3D and OpenGL were later added via patches. The current Steam and GOG version, Unreal Gold, comes pre-patched and includes the "Return to Na Pali" expansion. The game runs perfectly well on modern systems, but the graphics which were revolutionary in 1998, are not exactly revolutionary today. Adding HD textures and skins makes the game much more appealing, even though it still lacks object detail and have very simple level design compared to today's games.

     Original Graphics                                                                                       With HD Textures & Skins
    

REQUIREMENTS

A fully updated version of Unreal (Original/Classic/Gold)

INSTALLATION

1: Download the Oldunreal's 227i patch (LINK)
*Download "Classic" if you have the regular version. Download "Gold" if you have the Gold version.

2: Unpack the file anywhere and run the exe.

3: Download HD texture files (LINK)
Download the following packages:
URP_S3TC_HighEnd_Package_01.zip
Unreal_Missing_HighEnd_Texture_Packages_01.zip
Unreal_S3TC_HighEnd_Texture_Package_01.zip
Unreal_S3TC_HighEnd_Texture_Package_03.zip
Unreal_S3TC_HighEnd_Texture_Package_05.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_Crypt.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_DecayedS.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_GenEarth.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_GenFX.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_GenTerra.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_HubEffects.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_JWSky.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_Mine.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_NaliCast.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_ShaneDay.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_ShaneSky.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_SkyBox.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_SkyCity.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_SpaceFX.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_Starship.zip
Unreal_ExtremeEnd_NaliFX.zip (LINK)

4: First unpack the 5 "HighEnd" files into the "Textures" folder inside the Unreal game folder. Overwrite existing files.
Then, unpack the 16 "ExtremeEnd" files into the "Textures" folder inside the Unreal game folder. Overwrite existing files.

5: Download HD skins (LINK)

6: Unpack the file into the Unreal game folder. Overwrite existing files.

7: Start the game. At the first launch you get to choose graphical and audio driver. I recommend choosing OpenGL or D3D9, with OpenAL 3D Audio.

    

8: After game launch, enter the menu and go to Preferences. Enable Pawn Shadows, Decoration Shadows, Mesh Flat Shading & Curvy Meshes.



9: Start a new game. At the selection window click the "Mutators" button. Now add all 3 items, so it will look like the images below.
*Also check "Always use this Mutator configuration", so you don't have to do this every single time.

         

Unreal is ready to launch

SCREENSHOTS

SUPPORT MAYHEM-7 MODS

                              

                              

GAME INFO

Unreal was the first game to use Tim Sweeney's game engine, which he named he Unreal-Engine. He developed it in his garage for about 3 years before development of the Unreal game started. Unreal was developed by Epic MegaGames, Digital Extremes and Legend Entertainment. It was released in 1998 by GT Interactive. The expansion, Return to Na Pali, was released a year later in 1999. Today the two are bundles together under the name "Unreal Gold" and sold on Steam and GOG, fully updated and with D3D and OpenGL support for newer PC systems.
Plot (Spoiler lert): The player takes control of "Prisoner 849" who wakes up inside a broken prison onboard a cargo spaceship. After escaping, the prisoner learns that the ship has crash-landed on a foreign planet (Na Pali). The planet is being attacked by a reptilian humanoid race, that is hostile to the player as well. The reason for the invasion is the rare mineral, Tarydium, which is found in large quantities on Na Pali. The player helps the local four-armed humanoid race to fight back the reptilians throughout the game. No other living humans are found, but the player stumbles upon dead ones here and there. Even another human spacecraft, but no one is alive. At the end of the game the player finds the reptilian mother-ship, and have to face the reptilian queen. After destroying the reptilian queen the player finds an escape pod and drifts into space.
The expansion, Unreal: Return to Na Pali, starts with the player being found by a human military starship. They force the player to return back to Na Pali to locate another ship by the name Prometheus, and retrieve some weapons research. Of course things don't exactly go according to plan, and the player once again have face hostile aliens while looking for a way to get escape the planet Na Pali.

Unreal Gold is a first-person shooter game developed by Epic Games and Digital Extremes, originally released in 1998 for PC. The game features a single player campaign as well as multiplayer modes, set in a science fiction universe with advanced technology and hostile alien races.

The gameplay of Unreal Gold is fast-paced and action-packed, with players taking on the role of a prisoner stranded on a hostile planet. The player must fight their way through various levels, using a variety of weapons and items to defeat the alien enemies and complete various objectives. The game features a wide range of weapons, including the iconic Unreal rifle, a powerful energy weapon that can shoot through walls, and the eightball gun, which fires explosive rounds. Players can also use a variety of items such as health packs, shield belts and power-ups to help them in their quest.

The story of Unreal Gold follows the player character as they try to find a way off the planet and return home. Along the way, they discover a mysterious ancient civilization, and must uncover the secrets of their technology in order to survive. The game features a variety of characters, including the player's fellow prisoners, the alien races they encounter, and the mysterious beings that inhabit the ancient ruins.

The graphics of Unreal Gold were highly praised upon release, with the game's use of lighting and textures creating a immersive and believable world. The game's engine was also highly advanced for its time, allowing for large, open levels and detailed environments.

The development of Unreal Gold was led by Epic Games, with Digital Extremes providing additional support. The game was originally developed as a standalone expansion for the original Unreal game, but was eventually released as a standalone title. The game received positive reviews upon release, and is still considered a classic in the first-person shooter genre.

In conclusion, Unreal Gold is a classic first-person shooter game that offers a thrilling single player campaign and a variety of multiplayer modes. Its fast-paced gameplay, immersive story, diverse characters, and advanced graphics make it a game worth playing for fans of the genre. With its release in 1998, the game has stood the test of time and still hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers.