Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about the classic 1998 shooter, Unreal, and wishing you could experience it for yourself? Well, your wish has just been granted. The Internet Archive has made both Unreal and its multiplayer successor, Unreal Tournament, available for free, with the full endorsement of Epic Games.
Unreal Games Now Accessible
The announcement of these beloved titles being offered at no cost first surfaced on the OldUnreal Discord at the end of October. However, it gained significant traction after being shared on Resetera. An Epic spokesperson confirmed to PC Gamer that the games are indeed hosted on archive.org, stating, “We can confirm that Unreal 1 and Unreal Tournament are available on archive.org and people are free to independently link to and play these versions.”
Unreal, with its groundbreaking graphics and immersive gameplay, solidified its place in video game history. Unreal Tournament took things a step further, introducing enhanced online multiplayer features that have stood the test of time. Ironically, despite the legacy of these games, Epic’s attempts to revive Unreal Tournament have not fared well. A new installment was announced in 2014, but the meteoric rise of Fortnite led Epic to shelve the project.
Preserving Gaming History
While the future of Unreal Tournament may be uncertain, its legacy is preserved for all to enjoy. Players can easily download and install Unreal and Unreal Tournament from the Internet Archive. For those who prefer a smoother experience, new installers are available at oldunreal.com, which streamline the process significantly.
Having tried it myself, I can attest to the nostalgia-inducing experience. The installation process may initially seem daunting, with a flurry of text appearing in a DOS window, but a few simple clicks will have you diving back into Unreal Gold in no time.
It’s important to note that these games are relics of their time, and some quirks are to be expected. The default resolution of 640×480 may look peculiar on modern 4K displays, and players will find the mouse controls inverted, a common design choice back in the day. Additionally, movement defaults to the arrow keys, so those accustomed to the WASD configuration will need to remap their controls.
A Step Forward for Game Preservation
Despite the age of these titles, they run smoothly and are now freely accessible. This development comes at a crucial time when game preservation efforts face significant challenges from various companies intent on restricting access to older games. Given that Epic had previously removed these titles from sale, their decision to make them available for free is commendable. It may even serve as a catalyst for other game developers to consider similar initiatives, ensuring that gaming history remains accessible to all.
