Graphics

Real, Unreal

Haha, sorry, had to bring that ad spoof back up. Yes, even all these years later, the Unreal engine can hold its own (though with serious modifications.) Wheel of Time is a great looking game and the designers took full advantage of their graphics engine. Textures, effects, lighting and the like are all done exquisitely.

these things come outta nowhere

nothing can stop the MIGHTY AIR PULSE

Levels

The level designers then took these basics and created some spectacular levels. Look at the screenshots. These levels are huge and so lifelike. While you might expect something like that from TRIBES or another game who's engine is designed for outdoor area, those games tend to lose some detail as the distance increases to cut down on polygons and improve performance. Not so with WoT. While maybe not quite as vast as TRIBES, the levels are far more detailed and just amazing. They also have a kind of 'real life' feel to them, as in they make sense, and just aren't obviously designed to make things difficult.

dark and foreboding

encouraging isnt it

Critters

Monster and character textures and models are done great, not quite UT/Q3A caliber but still top notch. Motion is smooth, with dedicated animations to different tasks - ie, a monster jumping aside to dodge a fireball will look like he's doing it. Pretty standard stuff I guess, but it's good to have it there.

absolutely fantastic lighting and textures

I'd say something but thats a spoiler

Weapons

Weapon effects have broken the Unreal mold for the most part and are really nicely done. Fireballs have the expected oomph - first, you launch this slightly glowing rock (looks like a cinder) which ignites after 20 feet or so. Cool stuff. The 'weak and pathetic' weapon you start off with is weak and pathetic enough to make the Doom pistol proud! Man oh man, the Air Pulse ter'angreal (default weapon) is the saddest excuse for firepower I've seen in my life! It looks and sounds nice though.