14 DAY TRIAL // Ultima Online was released by Origin Systems on September 30, 1997, a popular graphical massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was instrumental to the development of the genre. Game servers are still running today as proof of its success that inspired the creation of many MMOGs that hit the market over the years. With over a million paid accounts ever to be created in the game, the isometric fantasy role-playing game is set in the Ultima universe. It is also known for the extensive timing-based player versus player combat system.
The official website, titled Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn, reveals that a complete graphical makeover and easier to use user interface is due in 2007. Producer Aaron Cohen revealed the development team has been secretly working on the Ultima Online client for the past eight months, in an attempt to revitalize the already longevous title. According to the announcement, graphics will feature major improvements but will still run properly on low PC system specs. "They will be higher than what UO launched with in 1997, but will still be far lower than almost any other MMORPG on the market" said Cohen. Since it is an upgrade, UO players will keep everything they have acquired over the past, including characters, items and experience. According to the producer, an official announcement is due out before the end of the year, thus many more surprises have yet to be revealed.