This latest expansion of the original ground breaking MMORPG, Ultima Online is a success on a number of levels. Expanding a game which already has a large player base is never easy. There are many who don't want any new things, don't want any changes... and there are those who clamor for the newest changes and newest items, lands, and quests in the game. To meet these challenges, EA has to deliver an expansion with a minimal number of bugs (which are inevitable in any MMO expansion), with a few perks for new and old players. To rate the game as a whole, one must consider the job of the developers to fix bugs and add new content. In recent months, the UO teams have done a much better job than in the past. The game (aside from the outdated graphics) is in a good place for the future. This expansion is little more than adding perks and new places to explore... a low-key expansion which will presumably make way for a large and significant upgrade the next round. (Rumors include a client and graphics overhaul). With that in mind, UO:SE is a successful expansion to a game with a devoted player base. The gameplay additions with guild updates and alliances (including PvP kill tracking) is a much welcome upgrade. The new lands offer monsters which are formidable to most player templates... including some areas which will need teamwork to survive in. New tameable creatures add depth to the tamer class and give new perks to miner characters. The new lands offer housing in a style that is not a trailer park.. but a tastefully designed housing space with housing borders with colorful landscaping. New players will find sufficient tutorials in the game to help a player become used to the interface. Also, the current subscriber base is generally friendly enough to show new players around. The PvP system is still in need of some work. But the devotion of the developers is promising in this area. The new sounds and graphics are interesting and a favorable upgrade. The colors in this Japanese themed land are vivid and bright, without becoming gawdy. Of course, these upgrades have to be made within the restraints of the outdated graphics system. But given those restraints, the graphics are good. Overall, for old players, this expansion will likely keep them around for a little longer, while attracting new players who are interested in Asian themed roleplay. In the US and Europe, it is unlikely that the subscriber base will increase significantly with this less than ambitious expansion. But at this time, this is what the game needs - a smoother expansion with fewer bugs than past expansions.
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