I've been a long time UO player, from '97 to '03, when EA increased the monthly fee from a reasonable price to a not-so-reasonable price (especially considering the game was already six years old). I played primarily on Atlantic, under the name(s) of Soth ('97 persona), Raymond (permanent persona), Desmond, Delekon, Macelleus, and other mules that are not worth remembering. I did spend a short time on Catskills when that shard was new as well, but went back to Atlantic for the rush that Catskills couldn't provide. I was primarily a solo player, the only guild I was ever really involved in was the Knights of Sosaria, an RP guild based out of Trinsic.
A few weeks ago I started having fond Ultima Online focused memories. Running around in full plate, tempting people with my appearance of wealth, and waiting for those mana-dumps, and laughing my ass off when their flame strike hits themselves, and not I. I remember taking mana dumps from three players at once, just to have them all run away from me because they ran dry and had no way to defend themselves against my sword. At this time my level of Magic Resist was nearly unheard of, and I'd regularly wear magic items of 'resist' to deflect spells.
So, about a week ago, I started looking for free servers, and found this one. It's a blast running around Trinsic again, mining in my old mines; I can't wait to be able to actually start soloing in dungeons again.
But I am a little disappointed. Skill gain, on this server, seems to be far easier than it was during release/T2A. Considering the server's mission statement is "Simply The Way It Was", I was hoping to have a more difficult time of it.
A big part of the game, for me, was putting in the time and effort to reach a greater skill level. Feeling proud of reaching GM in a single skill, much less seven. It's the time spent with low skill levels that proves to be the most adventuresome.
Ultima Online set itself apart from every other MMO out there because of the risks that were involved in casual play, and because of its difficulty. If it's too easy to reach the 'End Game', well, all that's left is an E-peen waving contest. I don't play games, or participate in events, because of a possible reward. I play because the journey itself is reward enough.
I only have time to play, on average, 20 minutes a day. And I'm already feeling like I'm far too powerful for being only a week old.
The first day I logged in, I was PK'ed... and I smiled. Deja vu. The first day I ever played UO, I was PK'ed too.
No other game out there gives you that vulnerable feeling. Knowing you need to overcome such disadvantages, and still have a great time doing it.Ah well, I hope I don't get bored with quick advancement and have to find another shard.
Have a great day,
Valendor
