Origin's Ultima: Ascension offers plenty of interactive action
(IDG) -- In the midst of the lawsuit that's surrounded Origin Systems like a black cloud, the "Ultima: Ascension" team continues in its hard work and perseverance. Quietly, it has pounded away on every aspect of the game--and from what they showed at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, it's no surprise to anyone why "Ultima: Ascension" will probably be one of the most highly anticipated role-playing titles of the year.

"Ultima: Ascension" is the ninth game in the series and effectively brings to an end the adventures of the entity known as the Avatar. The story will no longer focus on the mighty hero of legend who, in "Ultima IV," retrieved the codex of Ultimate Wisdom from the Stygian Abyss. Instead, it will move toward a new age for Britannia--but at this point, only Origin knows exactly what the future holds for the series.

In "Ultima: Ascension," the Avatar returns to Britannia after an extended stay against his will in the post-Guardian world of Pagan. While there, the Avatar was forced to do many dark and evil things in order to escape--including summoning and manipulating the evil Daemons. Of course, the Guardian was most pleased to point out these deeds to Lord British--a sure form of torture for the monarch who holds virtue and goodness in high regard.

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The Avatar returns using the Black Rock Gate and enters the Nexus of Worlds--having bested the Titans of Air, Fire, Earth, and Water--becoming the Titan of Ether. His greatest desire is to return to his beloved Britannia, but Britannia has been a burned-out shell of its former self since the Guardian successfully and violently entered its domain. Many good folk were killed then, and many more like Lord British were locked away for the Guardian's amusement.

This is the beginning of "Ultima: Ascension," the final story of The Avatar. The game is promising, with lots of decent dialogue, beautiful backdrops and graphics, improved and enhanced gameplay--all rendered in high-end hardware 3D graphics. "Ultima: Ascension" will not feature a party system where old companions such as Iolo, Jaana, Spark, and Shamino can follow you around and help you--this time the Avatar is solo.

"Ultima: Ascension" is scheduled for a fall 1998 release. It's being developed by Origin Systems under the watchful eye of its creator Richard Garriot.

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