PC Gaming Graveyard – Ultima Worlds Online: Origin

Wondering why Ultima Worlds Online: Origin (UO2) was cancelled? Want to know what we all missed out on? Well, GameSpot has put together a huge article that depicts just that. Here’s a taste:

What sort of game was Ultima Worlds Online: Origin intended to be? Early in its development, the developers anticipated just building a bigger, better version of Ultima Online. Since EverQuest and Asheron’s Call had proven that it was possible to use 3D graphics in an online RPG, the Ultima Online sequel would also use a 3D engine, which would allow the game to feature graphics as beautiful as those in Ultima IX: Ascension. The social aspects of Ultima Online’s gameplay had proven to be hugely popular, so they would be further emphasized, as players would be given additional opportunities to customize their characters’ actions and emotes. A powerful motion-capture system would make character animations more realistic, and acclaimed comic book artist and toy creator Todd McFarlane was retained to assist the development team in designing unique creatures and characters for the game, as well as promote the game through the creation of an affiliated line of action figures.