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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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November 28, 2000