Everybody Back In The Britannia

Ultima Online celebrates its 12th birthday by inviting everyone who has ever played back to rediscover the joys of getting killed over and over again while trying to chop wood.

Sure, there are other good things about Ultima Online as well. It’ll run on your toaster, and there isn’t any of that third-person camera view you get in today’s MMORPG titles that makes you feel uncomfortably semi-immersed. No, Ultimate Online is old school, and EA hopes that lapsed players are feeling a little nostalgic about old Britannia. At least nostalgic enough to take advantage of a little free game time.

“We’re hoping that, as part of the Return to Britannia Campaign, former players will once again rediscover the joys of Ultima Online,” said Jeff Hickman, Executive Producer for Mythic Entertainment. “UO was the first love of many MMORPG players, and it still holds a special place in their hearts after 12 glorious years. I think returning players will be pleasantly surprised to find a thriving and vibrant community from around the world ready to welcome back their former compatriots and include them in their ongoing adventures.”

Returning players will have access to all expansions through Mondain’s Legacy, so they’ll be able to create elves and hunt for mailboxes to dance naked near. Those wanting a taste of the new Gargoyle race recently introduced in the Stygian Abyss expansion are welcome to pay for it.

Visit the game’s official site to hop back onboard. The free play time runs from now until October 16th.