Ultima Online

 PC
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 6
  3. Negative: 2 out of 6
  1. All Game Guide
    90
    An extremely addicting game, especially since it is possible to become part of an online community. Player run guilds and towns, and even larger cities are becoming a common occurrence. Unfortunately though, as with many online games, technical problems tend to hinder gameplay. Complaints about bugs and rampant player killing are frequent on newsgroups and several web pages but Origin, for the most part, has been responsive to feedback, and updates the game via online patches.
  2. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    Yes it's expensive, and it has some serious problems that need immediate attention, but it can't be denied that Ultima Online is a unique, intriguing, thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience -- once you learn how to play, and accept it for what it is.
  3. Gamezilla!
    73
    Designing an environment that can keep up to 5,000 people happy at once is a formidable task, and I'm not sure that Origin has succeeded. At this point, Ultima Online rates a 73 for a great idea whose time has not yet come.
  5. PC Gamer
    55
    Ultima fanatics might stick with it, but most players will give up in frustration. [Jan 1998, p.262]
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  6. GameSpot
    49
    Playing now will give you a sampling of the game's potential, but unless you are incredibly patient, can tolerate constant lag and design changes, and you have the time to devote considerable attention to your characters, chances are you will simply find Ultima Online extremely frustrating...In its current form, Ultima Online is a major disappointment. [17 Dec 1997]
  7. Computer Games Magazine
    40
    This is one game that might become a classic, but it isn't one now, despite a New York Times story on the front page of the business section. A game that requires a credit card and Internet access before the player can get even a glimpse of what's going on had better be incredibly engrossing or at least immediately accessible. Ultima Online is neither. The "undoubted future of interactive entertainment"? God forbid. At best, it might eventually grow into a solid, mature game that delivers the goods, but for now, caveat emptor.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 65 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 65
  3. Negative: 8 out of 65
  1. nightshark
    Oct 25, 2012
    0
    It seems this game has generally favourable reviews, and I would guess the reason is that the only people still reviewing it are people whoIt seems this game has generally favourable reviews, and I would guess the reason is that the only people still reviewing it are people who have been playing it the most part of 15 years and still enjoy it. 13-15 years ago, I would've given this game a 10/10, ironically this was also when the game suffered from more bugs and lag that you can imagine.

    UO was one of a kind but opted to become a clone of more modern, graphically superior, grind-type MMOs. Give the players "content" to complete, with very large rewards, rather than making it a complete sandbox that people lived and breathed in. Where true friendships were formed and for every friend you had, there were another 5 people scheming your demise.    … Full Review »
  2. LickedySplit
    Dec 28, 2021
    0
    A Shadow of what it used to be. Steer Clear of this Mess!
    Populated by racist homophobes and development does nothing to stop this.
    Economy    A Shadow of what it used to be. Steer Clear of this Mess!
    Populated by racist homophobes and development does nothing to stop this.
    Economy so broken no new/returning player has a chance to succeed.
    Housing system broken by scripters/cheaters and development does nothing to stop this.
    Game run by incompetent imbecilic developers who's answer to any issue you bring up is "We have tried everything already" which basically means "We don't care, go away".

    Everything far to overpriced, new/returning players will have to use the numerous RMT websites to get anywhere.
    Impossible to get house as Scripters/Cheaters have taken over a market in this and you will have to purchase this through Paypal.

    if I could give this game less than 0 I would.

    Could've been a great all time game that lasted through the ages but the developers have decided to give up on it and it has become a steaming pile of garbage.    … Full Review »
  3. Sumarius
    Oct 23, 2013
    9
    This is my all time favorite MMORPG. UO is very addictive, even with it's dated graphics. I've come across no other game which gives youThis is my all time favorite MMORPG. UO is very addictive, even with it's dated graphics. I've come across no other game which gives you the amount of items to collect and things to do. I've been playing since 2000 and don't plan on closing my account anytime soon.

    Just to name a few features, there is custom housing, player run towns, guilds, player vendors, boats, quests and lots of places to explore and things to do. UO holds a place in my heart that no other game will be able to replace!    … Full Review »
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