User Rating: 7.3 | Ultima Online: Age of Shadows PC
This release of Ultima Online introduces some very good features that focuses on the strengths of the game in contrast to other MMORPGs. The graphics client has not been given any upgrade - though new images have been added to the game. However, the biggest changes are found in the addition of a new land mass (Malas), combat changes, customizable housing, and a new dungeon - that comes with new items. The combat changes are liked by some and hated by others. It can be argued that the changes make combat more item based than skill based. Also, with the introduction of the new dungeon, Doom, artifacts (uber items) have been introduced that can cause some combat balance problems. However the strength of the game has long been in communtiy style gameplay. With the addition of the new land mass, though it has become like a trailer park, the opportunity for most players to own houses allows all players to experience that side of the game. And customization of the buildings gives a player the ability to immerse him/herself into the game. Overall, the Age of Shadows is a solid expansion. Though many will argue over the value due to the changes in the combat system, the developers are frequently making changes to ammend some of the unbalanced issues. so, this game, in my opinion is still of solid value.
