“UT2004 demo” can mean either the standalone game demo or a recorded match file. For UMark’s timedemo benchmark, you need the retail game and a .demo4 recording in UT2004Demos; its documented workflow is not established for the standalone game demo. If you only want to watch a recording, use the console command DEMOPLAY instead.
First, identify which kind of demo you mean
- Standalone game demo: a limited release of Unreal Tournament 2004. UMark documents its UT2004 timedemo support for retail versions only, so do not assume its benchmark workflow works in the standalone game demo. UMark’s instructions specify the retail limitation; Unreal Archive’s UT2004 downloads page describes the separate game demo release.
- Recorded gameplay demo: a file recording a match, such as a
.demo4file. You can play one back with a console command, or select one for UMark’s benchmark if you have the retail game.
Run UMark’s UT2004 timedemo benchmark
UMark describes timedemos as prerecorded matches played back as fast as the computer can render them. Its UT2004 benchmark feature is documented for retail versions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Unreal Tournament 2004 - PC | $24.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Unreal Tournament 2004 | $48.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Unreal Anthology - PC | $50.99 | Buy on Amazon |
- Use a retail version of UT2004.
- Place the recorded
.demo4file in the game’sUT2004Demosfolder. - In UMark, choose the resolution and detail level for the test.
- Check Timedemo, then choose the recording from the map list.
- Click Benchmark to start the run. UMark reports minimum, average, and maximum FPS.
For a meaningful comparison, keep the game build, recording, resolution, detail settings, and benchmark method the same. UMark notes that there is no official set of timedemo recordings, so results based on different files are not standardized. Record those settings alongside any score you share.
Play a recorded demo from the game console
- Start UT2004 and open the console. The tilde key commonly opens it, but the key can vary with keyboard layout or configuration.
- Enter
DEMOPLAY <demo-name>, replacing<demo-name>with the recording’s name. The legacy Unreal console reference documentsDEMOPLAYas the command to play a recorded demo: Unreal console reference.
That console reference predates UT2004. It also lists playback URL options ?noframecap (play as fast as the machine can render) and ?timebased (for smoother playback when the playback system is significantly slower than the recording system), and says noframecap is assumed when timedemo 1 is enabled. Treat these as historically documented Unreal syntax, not confirmed behavior in every UT2004 build or the standalone game demo.
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#1 Best Overall
- Editor's Choice Edition
Why timedemo scores are not universal
A timedemo score reflects the selected recording and test settings, not just the computer. UMark reports minimum, average, and maximum FPS, but says there are no official recordings to provide a standard test. A 2005 Principled Technologies report documents one historical setup using Patch 3355, supplied assault.demo4, bots.demo4, and flyby.demo4 files, and selected resolutions; those details describe that report’s procedure, not universal requirements for current installations. Principled Technologies’ 2005 report.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Unreal Anthology contains the original Unreal with the Return to Na Pali expansion pack , Unreal Tournament GOTY edition, Unreal II, and UT2004 Editors Choice.
- From the ruthless artificial intelligence of the original UNREAL, the death gladiator chaos of UNREAL TOURNAMENT and beyond, the Unreal franchise is the king-of-the-hill in multiplayer carnage.
- Using the most advanced 3D engines ever created, mind bending worlds of mayhem and destruction await.
- Defining the first person shooter genre for the last decade, UNREAL has set the standard for the worlds ultimate multi-player experience.
- The entire smorgasbord of frag-dealing weaponry from Unreal Tournament returns for the experienced player to wield masterfully against new contestants.
Rank #2
- First-person shooter
- Handle tanks and other war machines; 40 new arena maps
- Create mods, movies, and even full games with the included UnrealEd toolset
- Includes hours of expert video tutorials
- Single player and online multiplayer modes
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
