April 1, Monday
Ultima Online planned to merge with Anarchy Online! -{Melissa}
Following the immensely successful launch of {UO: Lord Blackthorn's Revenge}, Norwegian software company {Funcom}, the developer and publisher of highly popular sci-fi MMORPG {Anarchy Online} and EA/Origin have announced a joint effort to combine the worlds of Ultima Online and Anarchy Online.
Sharp-eyed players might have already noticed the obvious similarities between some of the new UO:LBR (especially the Juggernaut and other cyborg monstrosities) and AO models. And indeed, these were added as sort of a test to see how the UO players would react to technological additions to the fantasy world of Britannia. According to our inside source at Origin (who wishes to remain anonymous at this time), despite the fact that some prominent members of the UO player community have protested to the "hi-tech" theme, most of the feedback has been extremely positive.
"The existing accounts of both UO and AO players won't require any special changes but will in fact be fully compatible with the new game world. The details of the merging haven't been completely planned yet, but at the moment the most likely solution will be to add new map files to both games, so that UO players will be able to enter Rubi-Ka with their client and vice versa. The required patches will probably be downloadable for people with broadband connections, but there will also be an expansion pack that will be available at retail stores. Just imagine the possibilities of this project! Ever wanted to blast orcs with a laser rifle or show those filthy Clan Rebels how a Flamestrike whoops just about anyone? Soon you can!", says our anonymous Origin representative.
For more information on this amazing and highly exciting turn of events, stay tuned to Tales of a Traveller and meanwhile check out {OSI's official announcement.}