Ultima Returns as Browser-Based F2P MMO Strategy Game

By Kevin Parrish
published

EA has released a new Ultima title in the form of a browser-based, free-to-play MMORTS.

Electronic Arts and Aeria Games have jointly announced the launch of Lord of Ultima, a new addition to the Ultima franchise that can be played within a browser.

Following the successful launch of Battlefield Heroes and Need for Speed World, Lord of Ultima is the latest, and third, title Aeria Games has released from its multi-game deal for EA’s portfolio of Play4Free games.

"Set in the legendary Ultima universe, the game transports players to the new world of Caledonia where players aim to grow their capital on the path to glory," reads the description. "By exploring new continents and forging a vast empire, players will master the art of diplomacy and trade as well as the military activities of spying, plundering, and conquering enemy cities. Players can mark their place in history by attaining the mighty and feared status as Lord of Ultima."

As indicated, Lord of Ultima is a browser-based massively multiplayer online real-time simulation game that includes 30 diverse buildings and 18 powerful combat units. Players can choose to become either a peaceful merchant or a feared conqueror, whatever strikes their fancy. The game's social ingredients include an advanced trading system, alliance features, and online chat. EA and Aeria also claim that Lord of Ultima is "easy to learn but difficult to master."

EA says there is no registration required to play, and the game was designed "to be fun for everyone." But given that Lord of Ultima is a free-to-play title, the new MMORTS depends on the micro transaction model to survive. That means creating an account and purchasing virtual funds with real-world cash to build an empire at an accelerated rate.

Lord of Ultima is available to play now on Aeria Games’ network in all supported languages, including English, German, Turkish, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

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Kevin Parrish
22 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Using a familiar IP for an ENTIRELY different game. I don't see the point, other than trying to get old fans . . .but they probably wouldn't like the game just because it has the old name.
    Reply
  • zachusaman
    EA F2P.... more like P2W.
    Reply
  • mhokett
    somehow I doubt this will be worthy of the name
    Reply
  • amdfangirl
    Smells like C&C Tiberium Alliances.

    Gosh EA is good at exploiting IP.
    Reply
  • Benihana
    GTFO EA.
    Reply
  • tamerlee
    This isn't a new game. I played the beta of this game a few years ago. Nothing has changed except for a bit of the UI. It's an awful game.
    Reply
  • knowom
    You can't say Ultima returns when no one wants to play this crap garbage. They have arguably the best and most storied RPG inspired IP in gaming history and yet they EA refuses or is incapable of doing anything worth while with it.

    Here's a better idea for EA to take Ultima Online and turn aspects of it into a real MOBA like DOTA/LOL/HON with characters, items, skill based templates, and spell abilities based on the game franchise.

    They should just can the Warhammer Online MOBA and instead be retooling the Ultima Online game into a separate MOBA.

    It's beyond my comprehension why they haven't jumped on board and used the Ultima IP to do something at least when it's the most rich and storied rpg IP's in game history the series has been around of ages.
    Reply
  • knowom
    This article should have just been written EA once again doing something no one cares about with another confiscated bought out IP they've beaten into the ground. The most pathetic and sad part is that EA is willing to release this onto the public, but they canceled UO2 and UXO for no good reasons both of which crap all over Lord of Ultima.
    Reply
  • knowom
    Dear EA sell or lease the Ultima IP to Bethesda Softworks so a real game company can make a product to do the name justice because you retards don't have the slightest clue what to do with a outstandingly great IP or better yet sell it back to Richard Garriot himself.
    Reply
  • zankuto
    knowomDear EA sell or lease the Ultima IP to Bethesda Softworks so a real game company can make a product to do the name justice because you retards don't have the slightest clue what to do with a outstandingly great IP or better yet sell it back to Richard Garriot himself.Richard Garriot the guy who made Tabula Rasa? Sorry but he quit making games.... a real shame. Least thats why they said on Tabula Rasa as he retired
    Reply