PC Zone Magazine – July 2005 – Issue 156 – Unreal Tournament 2007, Quake 4 & E3 Special

Original UK PC Zone Magazine, July 2005, Issue 156, featuring an exclusive 10-page preview of Unreal Tournament 2007, extensive E3 2005 coverage, Quake 4, Age of Empires III, World of Warcraft: Battlegrounds, Prince of Persia 3 and more.

A collectable original British PC gaming magazine published by Future Publishing, documenting an exciting period in the history of PC gaming.

This issue is particularly notable for its early coverage of Unreal Tournament 2007, which was subsequently released as Unreal Tournament 3, alongside previews of several major upcoming games.

The magazine features original gaming journalism, exclusive previews, screenshots, reviews, industry news, hardware coverage and period advertisements.

An interesting addition to any collection of classic PC gaming magazines, especially for enthusiasts of Epic Games, Unreal Tournament, Quake, Blizzard Entertainment and mid-2000s PC gaming.

IMPORTANT: This listing is for the original printed magazine only. Any original cover-mounted CDs, DVDs, demo discs, software, promotional gifts, supplements or other additional items are no longer included.

Magazine Details

• Magazine: PC Zone

• Issue Number: 156

• Publication Date: July 2005

• Publisher: Future Publishing

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Original Cover Price: £5.99

• Format: Printed PC gaming magazine

• Genre: PC Gaming / Computing / Video Games

• Condition: Pre-owned, with visible signs of previous handling and storage

• SKU: 1572

Front Cover – Unreal Tournament 2007

The front cover is dominated by a large promotional screenshot from Unreal Tournament 2007, the forthcoming futuristic first-person shooter from Epic Games.

The artwork features a heavily armoured male soldier wearing a green military-style cap and bulky futuristic combat armour.

He holds a large orange and metallic weapon across his body, while the background depicts a dark, industrial science-fiction environment.

The image is particularly striking because of its detailed character modelling, dramatic lighting and futuristic weapon design.

The magazine specifically identifies the artwork as an actual in-game screenshot, highlighting the advanced graphics being demonstrated during the game's development.

The enormous PC ZONE masthead appears across the top in white lettering, while the Unreal Tournament 2007 logo occupies the centre-left of the cover.

Prominent headlines advertise a 10-page exclusive and claim that PC Zone was the only magazine to have played Epic's forthcoming shooter.

Additional cover features include:

• Quake 4

• Prince of Persia 3

• Prey

• Age of Empires III

• Tomb Raider: Legend

• World of Warcraft: Battlegrounds

• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars

• The follow-up to Max Payne 2

The cover also promotes a major E3 2005 special, making this an interesting issue for collectors of gaming history.

Main Cover Feature – Unreal Tournament 2007

Page 34 – Unreal Tournament 2007

The magazine's headline attraction is an exclusive 10-page preview of Epic Games' next-generation arena shooter.

The article is presented as an early hands-on opportunity to experience the game.

The contents page features a large promotional image of the armoured soldier also seen on the front cover, holding a futuristic weapon against a science-fiction environment.

The magazine highlights the game's advanced graphics and the capabilities of Epic's developing Unreal Engine 3 technology.

At the time of publication, Unreal Tournament 2007 was one of the most anticipated forthcoming PC shooters.

The game was eventually released in 2007 under the title Unreal Tournament 3.

This makes the issue particularly interesting as an example of early development coverage, before the game's final title and release.

Collectors of Unreal Tournament, Epic Games and Unreal Engine history may find the original screenshots and contemporary reporting especially appealing.

Massive E3 2005 Special

The magazine includes extensive reporting from the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2005, one of the gaming industry's most important annual events.

The editor's introduction discusses the excitement surrounding new games, advanced graphics technology and major publisher announcements.

The photographed editorial page is titled Show Business and features commentary by acting editor Jamie Sefton.

It discusses the E3 exhibition in Los Angeles, including new games, presentations and developments in PC gaming technology.

The magazine's contents pages show a substantial selection of previews from the event.

This issue provides a fascinating snapshot of how forthcoming games were presented to players during 2005.

Age of Empires III

Page 48 – Age of Empires III

The magazine includes coverage of Microsoft's forthcoming historical real-time strategy game.

The contents page features a colourful gameplay screenshot showing a settlement beside water, with buildings, units, pathways and detailed scenery.

Age of Empires III was one of the major strategy games approaching release in 2005.

The preview provides contemporary coverage of the game's graphics, historical setting and strategic gameplay.

This feature is particularly relevant to collectors of the Age of Empires franchise and Ensemble Studios memorabilia.

Quake 4

Page 58 – Quake 4

The magazine includes an early preview of the forthcoming science-fiction shooter.

The contents page features a screenshot showing a futuristic soldier confronting an enemy inside an industrial environment.

Quake 4 was developed by Raven Software using id Software's Doom 3 technology.

The game continued the conflict between humanity and the Strogg, combining science-fiction combat with atmospheric environments.

The preview was published several months before the game's October 2005 release.

This makes the issue an interesting example of original pre-release coverage of the Quake franchise.

World of Warcraft: Battlegrounds

Page 102 – World of Warcraft: Battlegrounds

The magazine includes coverage of Blizzard Entertainment's hugely successful online role-playing game.

The contents page features a colourful World of Warcraft screenshot depicting fantasy characters engaged in combat in a snowy outdoor environment.

The article focuses on the game's Battlegrounds content and player-versus-player gameplay.

World of Warcraft had launched in Europe earlier in 2005 and was rapidly becoming one of the most influential online games of its era.

This original magazine coverage provides an interesting look at the development of the game's early multiplayer systems.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars

Page 13 – Enemy Territory: Quake Wars

The magazine promotes an exclusive feature about the forthcoming science-fiction multiplayer shooter.

The contents page highlights the game with a large promotional screenshot featuring a heavily armoured futuristic character.

Enemy Territory: Quake Wars was being developed by Splash Damage and would eventually be released in 2007.

The game combined team-based multiplayer combat with the science-fiction setting of the Quake universe.

The original 2005 preview is particularly interesting because it documents the game during its early promotional period.

Prince of Persia 3

Page 70 – Prince of Persia 3

The magazine includes a preview of the forthcoming third instalment in Ubisoft's Prince of Persia trilogy.

The contents page features a promotional illustration of a character wearing Middle Eastern-inspired clothing and carrying weapons.

The game was subsequently released as Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones.

The article provides contemporary coverage of the franchise before the final game was released.

Additional Game Previews

The photographed contents pages confirm numerous other previews, including:

• Page 44 – Battlefield 2: Coverage of the forthcoming military shooter.

• Page 48 – Age of Empires III: Historical real-time strategy.

• Page 54 – Stubbs the Zombie: An unusual action game featuring an undead protagonist.

• Page 56 – Bet on Soldier: Futuristic first-person shooter.

• Page 58 – Quake 4: Science-fiction combat.

• Page 61 – Tomb Raider: Legend: Lara Croft's forthcoming adventure.

• Page 62 – The Movies: Lionhead Studios' film-making simulation.

• Page 64 – The Regiment: Tactical military shooter.

• Page 66 – TOCA Race Driver 3: Motorsport racing simulation.

• Page 68 – Fahrenheit: Cinematic adventure game.

• Page 70 – Prince of Persia 3: Ubisoft's forthcoming action-adventure title.

Together, these previews offer a detailed snapshot of the major games being developed and promoted during the summer of 2005.

PC Game Reviews

The magazine includes a dedicated reviews section covering a wide range of PC releases.

The photographed contents page lists:

• Page 74 – Psychonauts

• Page 78 – Sacred: Underworld

• Page 80 – Close Combat: First to Fight

• Page 82 – Virtually Jenna

• Page 84 – Imperial Glory

• Page 88 – Stolen

• Page 88 – CustomPlay Golf

• Page 89 – Omar Sharif 3D Bridge

• Page 89 – CT Special Forces: Fire for Effect

• Page 90 – Indie Zone

The inclusion of Psychonauts is particularly interesting.

Developed by Double Fine Productions, Psychonauts became a cult favourite thanks to its imaginative characters, unusual environments and distinctive humour.

The magazine's original review captures the game during its initial release period.

Other reviews cover strategy, adventure, sports and action titles, reflecting the diversity of the PC gaming market in 2005.

Gaming News and Industry Features

The magazine contains regular news and editorial sections covering developments throughout the PC gaming industry.

The photographed contents page includes:

• Page 10 – Prey

• Page 12 – Alan Wake

• Page 13 – Enemy Territory: Quake Wars

• Page 14 – Special Report

• Page 16 – Search for a Game

• Page 18 – Freeplay

• Page 22 – Bone

• Page 28 – Hot Shots

These articles provide a contemporary look at game announcements, development news and industry trends.

The early coverage of Alan Wake is particularly notable, as the game would not be released until several years later.

Additional Features and Editorial Content

Page 32 – Living in an Immaterial World

A feature discussing online gaming culture and the growing importance of virtual environments.

Page 140 – Games That Changed the World

A retrospective feature examining influential games.

The photographed contents page specifically references The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, making this feature particularly interesting to collectors of Bethesda's Elder Scrolls series.

Online Zone

The magazine also contains a substantial online gaming section covering:

• Online news

• Face of Mankind

• World of Warcraft: Battlegrounds

• Fight Club

• Guild Wars

• The Saga of Ryzom

• Mod developments

• Community features

• Neverquest

These sections capture the growth of online PC gaming during the mid-2000s.

Hardware and Computing Coverage

The magazine includes a dedicated hardware section featuring PC technology, product reviews and advice.

The photographed contents page confirms:

• Page 120 – Hardware News

• Page 122 – Hardware Reviews

• Page 124 – Dear Wandy

• Page 126 – Watchdog

• Page 128 – Buyer's Guide

These features provide a useful period reference for collectors interested in computer hardware, graphics technology and PC gaming equipment from 2005.

Original Cover-Mounted Discs – Not Included

The photographed editorial page contains illustrations of the original cover-mounted software discs and their printed sleeves.

The magazine originally advertised PC gaming demos, movies and other software content.

The photographed page references material associated with:

• Psychonauts

• Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30

• Project: Snowblind

• Pariah

• Cossacks II

• Call of Cthulhu

IMPORTANT: The original cover-mounted discs and their packaging are no longer included.

These are shown only as part of the original printed magazine content.

No CDs, DVDs, software, game discs, promotional gifts or additional accessories are supplied.

Original Back Cover Advertisement – Juiced

The back cover features a colourful full-page advertisement for Juiced, the street-racing video game published by THQ.

The artwork depicts two modified sports cars racing through a brightly illuminated urban environment.

A vivid green sports car dominates the foreground, with a red vehicle positioned behind it.

The background includes city buildings, palm trees and dramatic evening lighting.

The advertisement uses the slogan "Juice Your World" and promotes the game's June release.

Additional graphics display examples of modified cars and the original game packaging.

This advertisement is a particularly interesting piece of mid-2000s gaming promotional artwork.

Collectors of classic racing games, THQ memorabilia and original video game advertisements may appreciate this feature.

Condition Report – Please Read Carefully

Condition: Pre-owned – showing visible signs of age, storage and previous handling.

This is an original PC Zone magazine from 2005 and should not be considered new or mint.

Front Cover

The original Unreal Tournament 2007 front cover remains present and visually attractive.

The main character artwork, magazine masthead and headlines remain clearly visible.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light surface scratches and scuffing.

• Minor rubbing to the glossy finish.

• Small marks associated with handling and storage.

• Light edge wear.

• Slight wear around the corners.

• Minor bending and curvature of the cover.

• Some light creasing, particularly near the edges.

The cover retains strong colours and clear printed detail.

Spine and Binding

The spine remains present and shows the original issue identification.

The side-view photograph shows light rubbing and wear along the spine.

There is some minor bending and general age-related handling wear.

The photographed interior pages remain attached, although the complete magazine has not been inspected individually page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages appear generally clean, colourful and readable.

Visible signs of previous handling include:

• Slight curvature near the centre folds.

• Light page-edge wear.

• Minor corner bending.

• Small surface marks.

• Some light creasing around the page margins.

The photographed editorial and contents pages retain their printed detail.

No major tears are apparent in the interior pages shown.

Back Cover

The original Juiced advertisement remains present.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light surface scuffing.

• Minor handling marks.

• Slight edge and corner wear.

• Some curvature and bending from storage.

The advertisement remains colourful and clearly recognisable.

Overall Assessment

A presentable original copy of PC Zone Issue 156 with visible but generally moderate signs of previous ownership.

The magazine retains its distinctive Unreal Tournament 2007 front cover and original Juiced back-cover advertisement.

The photographed pages appear readable and the magazine retains its overall shape.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

The magazine has not been checked individually page by page, so absolute completeness cannot be guaranteed.

Important – Missing Original Extras

MAGAZINE ONLY – NO COVER-MOUNTED DISCS OR ORIGINAL EXTRAS INCLUDED.

Any CDs, DVDs, game demos, software discs, supplements, promotional inserts, vouchers, free gifts or other detachable items that may originally have accompanied this issue are no longer included.

The listing is for the original printed magazine shown in the photographs only.

No games, software licences, activation codes or additional promotional accessories are included.

Packaging and Postage

UK Orders

The magazine will be carefully packaged and dispatched in a protective hardback envelope to help reduce the risk of bending or damage during transit.

International Orders

International orders will be packaged in a sturdy cardboard mailing-size box for additional protection during shipping.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered for sale.

Please review the photographs and condition information before purchasing.

SKU: 1572