The new House Design Tool has sparked an incredible response from the UO fan base breaking the series' expansion pre-order records. The tool enables players to custom design and build homes from scratch or modify existing ones with compelling new structures, spatial elements and textures. Additionally, the tool makes it easier for players to place houses inside the world of Britannia(TM).
"Age of Shadows is truly a collaboration of Origin's and UO players' ultimate `wish list' of new features and enhancements," said Ben Noel, vice president and chief operating officer of Origin Systems. "Pre-sale orders for this expansion have been higher than any other UO package in the history of the franchise. The multitude of new features, particularly the House Design Tool, will allow players to further unleash their creativity and immerse themselves into the UO world."
Ultima Online: Age of Shadows includes two new professions for players to master: a Paladin and a Necromancer. The chivalrous Paladin is a courageous holy warrior fortified with awesome abilities such as "Consecrate Weapon" that allows him to instill weapons with special powers. Additionally, he possesses "Noble Sacrifice" that enables him to cure, heal and simultaneously resurrect multiple players. The Paladin's natural enemy is the Necromancer, who wields dark magic to his benefit and has magic powers like the "Animate Dead" spell enabling him to summon the undead to his side during battle. Necromancers can also transform themselves into powerful creatures of evil never before seen in UO. As players role-play either of these two opposing forces they will discover Malas, a new land that floats above Britannia with room for more than 40,000 new houses game-wide and Britannia's largest new dungeon, Doom.
As players explore Malas, they will be drawn deeper into the game through the new magic items system, making every adventure a quest for new powers and abilities that can be leveraged during battle. Items will be enhanced with a variety of magic powers that will change the face of combat in as yet to be discovered ways.
Players will be able to fend off dozens of unique monsters with the game's innovative combat techniques and weapons. Additionally, more than 20 new monsters will appear throughout the game providing new challenges and opportunities for players who like to hunt for loot and rewards.
Ultima Online: Age of Shadows carries a suggested retail price of $29.99 and a monthly subscription fee of $9.95. New players will receive the first month free. Additionally, any player upgrading or activating a new account before February 28, 2003 will be eligible for "Early Settler's Rewards*" that includes a mini-house sculpture collectible and a Bless Deed, which allows players to lock an item to their character so that it can never be taken from them. For more information on this product or Ultima Online go to www.uo.com.