EA announced before E3 that it would consolidate all their divisions under one name. Interested in preserving some of their heritage, the EA division formerly known as Origin rechristened their Ultima Online 2 project "Origin." This follow-up to Ultima Online gets more than a name change. EA stated Origin is NOT a replacement for UO. Instead, Origin is a new game, one that includes new graphics and creative directions. The graphics are indeed attractive, closer to Ultima IX than the original UO. The Origin world still has a city called Britannia, but there are also completely new cities filled with alien designs, technology, and races.

Origin targets user friendliness in hopes of accommodating new audiences, and EA claims bringing more women into the game is a design consideration. The network code strives for efficiency on 28.8kbps connections, and the game supports strong personalization of characters, from their clothes and appearance to their combat moves, which improve with experience. The oddest feature, yet one likely to appeal to newbies, are the character gestures. Players can greet with waves and bows, and even dance routines.

Developed By: Electronic Arts
Published By: Electronic Arts
Genre: Online RPG
E.T.A: Q4 2000

By
Bernard Dy