Ultima Online

Genre: Roleplaying Game (RPG)
Christian Rating: 2 of 5
   (offensive)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 2 of 5
   (heavy)
Adult Content: 4 of 5
   (barely present)

I suppose you can find a million things wrong with this game. But I'll start with the right.

Graphics are a mixed bag. With the addition of the 3D client, UO tried to keep up with the ages, but the 3D models ended up looking blocky, with muddy textures and lots more slowdown. Thankfully, 2D is still availible, which looks a lot cleaner and runs much faster. Depends on preference.

Gameplay is wonderful. You start out as either a Warrior, Mage, Smith, or a custom class. You pick a starting town, and away you go. Ultima Online allows you to do nearly anything, from crafting items, opening shops, battling monsters, and just hanging out in town squares. Of course, this freedom is where things begin to turn wrong.

Freedom to do anything. Including murder, steal, cheat, scam, and decieve. UO used to consist of only one facet, Felucca. This world was open to player killing, and in some instances, encouraged. By joining a faction (Shadowlords, Council of Mages, True Britannians, or the Minax,) your player becomes caught in the middle of a huge, never ending war. Slaughtering opponents from enemy factions rewarded you with a better rank and loads of valuable silver, not to mention the equipment and supplies of your poor foe. There is a second facet, however, called Trammel. Safe for everyone, killing is not allowed. Also, trying to murder NPCs in town will get you killed by the guards.

Other aspects of the game can be found offensive, too. For instance, the aspect of Mages. This game, in my opinion, deserves the title 'MAGE Online.' If you're not a mage, it's almost guaranteed you will fail in whatever quest you decide to pursue. Mages are packed to the gills with power. Spells allow you to hurl fireballs, shape the earth, and even summon daemons to do your bidding (which takes a huge chunk off your karma, the aura of good or evil around you. Summoning daemons does come with a large penalty, but their power might still encourage you.) Mages are capable of killing a crowd of warriors, if their user is skilled enough.

Some monsters are VERY satanic. An area of the game, 'Fire Island,' is a popular meeting spot for adventurers. At the center is a giant temple with bloody symbols and broken bodies, infested with huge lumbering daemons to battle. The highest point of the temple is the altar, a bloody pentagram surrounding an ankh (egyptian cross) in the center. However, keep in mind, you do not HELP or WORSHIP these daemons in any way. Slaying them brings great rewards like jewels, gold, and new weapons.)

Players are also encouraged to practice socialization skills. Making friends in UO is a HUGE, HUGE bonus. By working together you can accomplish goals faster, wether it be conquering a dungeon or raising funds to build your own castle.

Helping players is a bonus to skills too. Offering to repair other's armor and weapons for free, for example, will boost your skills quicker.

All in all, while there is lots wrong with UO, almost everything can be counterbalanced with a good aspect. Mature children/teenagers that can tell the difference between right and wrong will most likely enjoy this very much, if you can get past the steep learning curve (jumping into this game right away is basically suicide.)

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Year of Release—2002

Review supplied by Christian Spotlight™ Guide2Games™, a ministry of Films for Christ®. Copyright © Films for Christ®. Spotlight's URL: http://ChristianSpotlight.com E-mail us • Mailing address: PO Box 200, Gilbert AZ 85299, USA • “Christian Spotlight’s Guide to Games” and “Guide2Games” are trademarks of Films for Christ®.