The installation is a standard install, that takes a LONG time. It took over 15 minutes to install all 650 MB worth of stuff on my supped up G3. At some times, it seems like the installer has stalled, but it's not, just keep waiting, it will eventually finish.

Well, the first thing you notice when opening the game is that there is no big manual. In fact, the dinky manual included in the cardboard CD case contains more storyline than game information. I found it more helpful to visit RuneGame.com and Mac Rune than to read the manual. Even the read me file is incredibly short.

Luckily, the missing manual is offset by in game subtleties. When you are training, playing, and even setting up the options, it gives you hints and tips on what to do to interact with the environment. And while most of the game is played using only a few main keys, you will have to remember a boat load of keys to play well, especially in multiplayer. That is nothing new to veteran First Person Shooter gamers, but the beginner will have a hard time with this.

However, you can customize the keys to your liking, as well as the graphics detail, sounds, game controls, and more. In fact, there is so much customization, combined with a nonexistent manual, that makes for confusion while setting up the game the way you like it. The only real way to learn what each setting does is by modifying it, and playing for a while. However, all these options combine to make a highly configurable experience for personal play preferences, and machine speed.

On the topic of machine speed, you will need something with real power to play this game. Don't be fooled by those system requirements. Anything but a G3, with graphics acceleration, 700 MB of free hard drive space, and anything under 256 MB of RAM will not cut it. Sure, you could run it without any of the cool effects on, but that kind of defeats one of the best points of the game, the graphics.

Because this game is based on the Unreal Tournament engine, you know the graphics are going to be awesome. The only thing I did not like was the "World Lighting" option, which is detailed in the problems section of the review. Other than that, everything down to the trees, looked great. In fact, when you hit something with your weapon, it will get blood on it (you can choose to turn off gore), just like in real life.

But, graphics aren't everything. Like most First Person Shooters, this game lacks a true storyline (unless you read the tiny manual). You are a young Viking, who has been sanctioned to help guard Rune stones. These stones (which you can use for special powers in multiplayer games), are essential to the well being of your home town. If you do not protect them with your life, your friends and family will not survive.

The way the game creators chose to attempt to keep a storyline going, is by placing very high quality movies in between some of the levels. These movies do relay somewhat of a story, but don't always seem to fit the levels. On the same note, the levels are quite short, and the puzzles a little too easy for my taste. It seems as though you don't have a choice to affect the outcome of the game, but rather must follow the path laid out before you.

At any rate, where the single player lacks, the multiplayer excels. You can play multiplayer games via GameRanger, which integrates well with the game, or via the hundreds of servers people set up. This means that you can play against both Mac and PC users with ease, something that can't be said for most games these days. There always seems to be someone playing, no matter what time of day or night, so you can always have some fun.

And I really do mean have fun. The melee hand-to-hand combat which this game rides on is perfect for multiplayer. No longer can you have campers sitting in a dark corner, quietly destroying people who run past. You are forced to go out in the open, and hack your enemies to an early death. Quick reflexes and a fast connection are key to this. Lacking in either department can severely handicap your chances for being successful.

Multiplayer games bring you new weapons, shields, and special powers not easily found in single player mode. Learning how to use each of these weapons, their strengths and weaknesses, and their rune powers is essential. You will be at a distinct disadvantage until you learn how to use the weapons properly. As Worf of Star Trek: the Next Generation said "You must not think of your Bat'leth as a tool, but rather as a part of you." While you may not have Bat'leths here, this is the exact mentality you must have while playing Rune.

Also borrowing from the Klingons is the concept of honor. To be respected, and to respect others, you must have honor. Such things as killing your enemies when they are talking (indicated by a bubble over their head), don't have a weapon, and on certain maps before the get a good weapon, are just not acceptable. Also, don't figure that everyone is a cheater. Some people are just very good, and have had the game much longer than you, making them appear invincible. If you maintain a certain level of honor, I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield, just look for the man they call Giant.

Everything worked as planned. Not a single freeze, crash, or noticeable problem. The only thing that was kind of goofy for my Voodoo 3 card (it may be different with other video cards), was the way "World Lighting" worked. With it enabled, it was very difficult to navigate, see, and sometimes keep your bearings straight. Also, it made the background seem washed out, and put an extra tax on the system. But once I turned that off, everything was crisp, and looked great.

I feel this game could have been much more than it turned out to be. The Unreal Tournament engine has unlimited possibilities, and this game didn't seem to take advantage of most of them. It's fun to play, but the same old hack and slash tactics can get boring. If it wasn't for the multiplayer, this game would be a bust.

Pros	Cons
Great graphics Viking era is something different Nice assortment of weapons/armor Character movements are cool Multiplayer is a blast Mac vs PC multiplayer capabilities Great cinematics Sounds integrate perfectly Hand-to-hand combat works well	Too much Hack and Slash Repetitive monsters are easy to "figure out" Puzzles were too linear/easy Not much of a story line Small manual A ton of keys to remember
7/10 stars