Customer Reviews

Ultima Online: Samurai Empire Expansion Pack

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The sixth expansion pack for the 7 year old Ultima Online series is at hand. What does this mean for the many citizens of shattered Sosaria? In a word: More.

More culture. Some people have criticized the addition of an Asian themed facet claiming it doesn't fit with the primarily medieval feel of the game. I disagree. Each facet *should* have its own identity and Tokuno certainly achieves uniqueness.

More exploration. The Tokuno Islands offer a wide range of terrain from grasslands to deserts to frozen wastelands to active volcanoes. Some areas are fairly barren (no doubt intended for new housing developments), while others are rich with detail and variety.

More character customization. The addition of the Ninjitsu and Bushido skills allow players greater variety in play style. Aspiring Ninjas and Samurai will have access to many new abilities.

More creatures. The new enemies found in Tokuno are primarily based upon Asian mythology. Most are designed to be challenging even for experienced players - even powerful well equipped characters will have a hard time fighting toe to toe with some of these new creatures.

More items. A wide array of new clothing styles, weapons, armor, collectibles, etc. The ability to dual-wield certain weapons is a particularly welcome addition.

More housing. In addition to the added housing areas in Tokuno, players will have access to new tiles and add-ons when customizing their homes.

More other stuff... Various other game mechanics (such as the guild system) have also been improved. Even the much neglected virtue system has received some attention.


So yes Samurai Empire is very much about making UO more than it was. But are any of the new additions truly earth shattering? Not particularly. If you are happy with UO as it is now you will no doubt be very happy with SE. If you are looking for vast changes to UO however, you won't find them here. As far as UO expansion packs go SE lives up to expectations. No more, no less.

In spite of all the additions and improvements however UO still fails to achieve one important thing: purpose. This is a failing with the vast majority of MMOGs however and not limited to UO. You are given massive worlds to explore, thousands of players to interact with, and a wide variety of options... But no purpose. Nothing you do in the game has a lasting effect, there is no epic storyline that progresses in any significant way, the virtual world and people of Sosaria remain unchanged regardless of your actions. Instead of actively challenging you, the game merely exists and expects you to amuse yourself.

It is high time for MMOGs to begin incorporating the epic nature of traditional RPGs. UO in particular has a great legacy to live up to. The original Ultima series (now 25 years old) remains the finest example of RPG gaming. Ever. Ultima X promised to bridge the gap between the genres... With UXO's untimely demise UO more than ever needs to strive for something greater.


Bottom line:

Is it worth checking out for new players? Yes - as long as you don't rely on high end graphics for your gaming pleasure. There is a reason UO has been around for 7 years - there is a LOT to see and do. Whether this is your first massively multiplayer online game or you've been playing them for years UO is worth experiencing. Unlike some MMOGs UO doesn't require you to buy all the previous versions separately - every release includes ALL previous expansions. At the very least it offers you good value for your money.

Is it worth getting for current players? If you enjoy UO there is no reason not to get SE. If you've experienced the addition of previous expansion packs you already know what to expect. New landmass, new monsters, new items, new skills.

Is it worth returning to for former players? I suppose it depends on the reasons you left. If you originally quit in frustration over technical issues, SE runs with far more stability than AOS did upon release. If you quit because you felt unfulfilled with the game, SE probably won't be enough for you to return for.

It's not perfect, but it IS good.

The game is fine, but the soulstone issue is really annoying. Amazon did not send the soulstone code with the box. Instead, Amazon put it into an unreadable video format in the Digital Locker.

No software known to man can read Amazon's video format so you can't get the soulstone. Amazon customer service tells you to use the Digital Locker. The locker is the whole problem.

I bought this game 2 weeks ago. There is no game codes in the box. I contacted the manufactory (Electronic Art) via email, website support, phone, and mail... They basically treats you like a scammer and keep you in a loop of email and website. I sent them the copy of receipt and barcode but got no answer. Buy this game at your own risk.

Ultima Online's main client still uses art from its original version, 7+ years ago. However with a secondary 3D client available, the game doesn't seem as dated. The game isn't however a graphics game. If you want flashy new, break your video card graphics, try another game.

However, UO does have a lot of factors that make up for its age. Community is a big one. With thousands of devoted fans who have built a thriving world that has survived some dubious expansion lauches, there is always someone for you to play with. With player-vs-player combat, crafting, commerce, and champion monsters that require a group, there is no limit to the possible interactions you will have with other players.

The character design system is flexible as well, and for someone who hates being pigeonholed by a class, I enjoy this system. You get around 700 skill points (every year you play gives you a few more up to 720) to spend on 40+ skills.

With custom housing, your character can run a business, start a library, or choose to be a hermit in a quiet villa. With armor, clothing, dyes, and tons of in game items, no two characters ever need look alike.

Origin, the company owned by EA that makes this game, had the motto "We create worlds." UO is a perfect example of what they meant.

If your looking for an mmorpg then this is still the best title out there.

The Samurai expansion has a ton of new items and 2 new skillsets - Ninja and Samurai. This expansion has breathed new life into an old favorite. Now they've even introduced new housing changes (including roof tiles!) Crafters also get a bunch of new weapons, clothes, and items to create.

This MMORPG also has the best community I feel. They are always out to helping the new player. When I started playing I was helped with not only game style, but with in game gold, items, armor, and weapons. So... I didn't feel lost like I have in some other MMO's I've tried out there.

For $29.99 you just can't beat the experience.

Game is great... However, I was promised a soulstone with the game. I am a hardcore UO fanatic and as fanatics do, I bought two games so I could have twice as much fun! Well, no, actually so I could have two soulstones. I placed my order for not one but two games. I even paid for 2-day air. I spent a whopping $71.00. I finally got my game on Friday, November 5, after having to drive to the UPS central location because it had been loaded on the wrong truck. This of course was 3 days after it was available at Best Buy. Then I find that my order only included one code for a single soulstone. I immediately sent an e-mail to Amazon.com and they said "I'm sorry, but we will need to research this situation further." At this time, I still only have one soulstone and a $30.00 box sitting on my desk that I can't help but wonder why did I buy that. No satisfaction yet. No soulstone. No cash. No gift certificate. Nothing but an "I'm sorry"...

Ultima Online: Samurai Empire heralds the introduction of Ninjas and Samurai into the world of Sosaria. It features a new facet (named Tokuno) which consists of three large islands and myriad smaller ones. There are lots of new features: tamers get several new and exotic pets, crafters can challenge themselves with new Asian-themed craftables, and there are new decorative rares to be found in dungeons. People who enjoy designing and creating their own houses have their options expanded with paper walls and several different types of roofs! Not to mention tiles for creating your own Zen garden. People who enjoy adventuring and killing monsters are in for a pleasant change. Monster AI is significantly buffed. For once, I was not bored when trying to kill monsters...I was struggling to stay alive! The Ninja and Samurai classes add some nice variety, without being overpowered in PvP. The new guild system facilitates making allies and declaring war, and it lets you know when your allies are online. Good stuff.

In case it was not obvious before, I am buying the expansion.

Nearly a decade for Ultima Online and its still going strong its often imitated but cant be duplicated.
Thats the point so many games use UO for a measuring stick but only UO can be UO.

The game is ok its just the company that puts it out..I ordered several CD.s had to retreive the darn soul stone from Amazon Locker and then....only one code showed up!!!!!! suppose to be a code for each game that one orders..what a rip off..I dont think its worth it to get the expansion pack..save your money!!!

The developers of UO really seem bent on getting tons of new content into the game with this latest expansion. I was quite impressed with the sheer amount of new art and new craftables alone. Coupled with the addition of new lands and difficult new monsters within the new lands, it makes for a very aggressive expansion to Ultima Online. Anyone who has been holding out from buying a UO title in the past, get in on it now!