60 Second Preview of…
Ultima Online: Third Dawn
The Specs
A 3D facelift for the massively multiplayer online RPG that
launched the craze and is still played by 200,000 gamers.
Although much abides (i.e., the isometric view), much is changed
(i.e., everything except for buildings is getting the 3D treatment).
Origin will also add new spells, monsters, items, and more
land.
The Speculation
Mark's Comments: I got a chance to play this
in alpha stage at Origin's recent UO Faire and was quite impressed.
It was not only stable, it seemed like a new game to me —
for good reason, since it's been quite some time since I played
it. Origin is still tuning the new graphics, but already they
are quite a bit easier on the eyes than the old look. I talked
to one of the original designers of UO, Raph Koster (Designer
Dragon), who also attended the fair as a fan and benevolent
fatherly figure, and he told me that when they were designing
UO, they hoped it would have a lifespan of 10 years. With
this new upgrade, they've taken a big step towards making
that a reality.
Tom's Comments: When I was in gym class in
sixth grade, some older kids took my pants and wouldn't give
them back. I had to go all the way from the gym to the principal's
office to tell on them. In case you're wondering, briefs,
not boxers. It is my understanding that when you get killed
in Ultima Online, someone can take your pants. I refuse to
relive the pain of another pantless journey. Virtual wedgies
I can handle. Being forced to hand over my lunch gold I can
handle. But I'm just not ready for a pantless trek across
Britannia. No matter how many dawns they have, Ultima Online
will have to do without me.
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Publisher:
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Electronic Arts
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Developer:
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Origin Systems
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Genre:
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Massively multiplayer online roleplaying game
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Release Date:
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2001
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November 28, 2000
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