[UO Herald] Ask & Answer No. 3

[UO News]

The Ultima Online team has received another set of questions last week. Here are the answers.
The Rustic and Gothic theme packs can not be bought together, as they could from uogamecodes.com, are there any plans to make that possible? (Snyder330)
When the change was made to Origin Store that was left out, we will add it back in next time we go to put something up on the store.

Some Origin stores outside of the US don't all have the full range of items - when the High Seas booster will be available in EMEA region? (Sir Z), - Stygian Abyss is still not available in Brazil store (Bealank). Will the missing items become available?
We have reported this to my contact, also inquiring when the items from the Korean store will be back, when we hear something definite we will let you guys know.

Is there a reason to keep town loyalty up other than for the banners and the town titles? (Ingame Question)
Mesanna: Yes there is, we have another reason that will be revealed very soon. Sorry don’t want to spoil anything.

Will there be more and new casino games added in the future? (Ingame Question)
Phoenix: Yes! We are planning another dice game, plus a card game. Both will be in the style of the casino table games.

While I appresiate the good new new player guide you made for the "Playguide" section on herald.. is there any particular reason you removed alot of valid pages that people frequently used as a look up guide, such as the material bonus page? And why is the new new player guide in PDF? It is terrible to navigate for specific info. (Knuckleheads.dk)
Mesanna: We are moving over to a new site named UltimaOnline.com and it is in a html format, no more PDF.

Here's my question: With everyone asking for new content and revamps for old dungeons like Doom, etc, would the DEVs consider re-instating imbuing artifacts/replicas as long as the item caps remain the same for non-exceptional items, meaning all artifacts/replicas would be imbueable to 450 property cap? I mean its a huge undertaking to come up with new artifacts/properties, think about the balance required, and most of the stuff will probably be a rehash of older items anyhow. Why not let us have some fun with it? I think it would really invigorate older lesser/minor artifacts without making anything overpowered, considering how some reforged/new shame loot is insanely good now. (Arcades)
Kyronix: This is a really interesting idea, but one that would need to be tread upon very carefully. What we’ve talked about is trying to incorporate allowing players to revitalize outdated artifacts via traditional crafting means and at the same time revitalizing the crafter class.

Hello Mesanna and Dev Team, because of the all-time discussion about the UO graphics I like to ask if there are any plans for the 2D/Classic Client to get better a screen resolution? We still have 800x600 max, this is quite outdated for today's games. (Medea, Ultima Online Bibliothek Forum)
Kyronix: There are draw issues associated with the world building when increasing the size of the client window in the 2D/Classic client. We’ve experimented with it, but unfortunately the results were not aesthetically pleasing. You can always come over to the dark side and switch to the EC….*evil grin*

Hallo Mesanna and UO Dev Team, are there any plans to have the small, round Radar Map in the 2D/Classic Client replaced by a zoomable/bigger version of it or even a real map like the Enhanced Client has now? (Ultima Mapper works not on my system so I have no really usable solution at the moment.) And if a new map would be built in, is there a possibility to add Towns, Dungeons and important points too? (Waldschrat and MeneTekel, Ultima Online Bibliothek Forum)
Phoenix: Currently we are not very likely to make any significant changes to the Classic client. The Enhanced client has a much-improved map. Since that client’s UI can be completely customized, player-created user interfaces for the EC offer greater improvements still.

Dear UO Team, what about completing the house- and roof house building tiles? There are some of them and it would be fantastic to have with every set the complete (small) walls, windows, archs and for the roofs all directions of them. (Medea, Ultima Online Bibiothek Forum)
Mesanna: We do know there are missing directions of certain tiles but if you could email me the wall tiles and roof tiles you would like to see in the customization gump that would help us with adding the tiles you guys want.

Dear Dev Team, I am thinking about new instruments for bards - what about a bagpipe? It would fit quite perfectly for some of the races/classes! (Raknar Skarsol, Ultima Online Bibliothek Forum)
Mesanna: First off before I answer this question, are you JP in disguise? *grins* I think bagpipes would be different, but since the instruments are not equippable some of the magic would be lost don’t you think? Of course if you just want some for display and sound that would not be as difficult.
If you have something you want to know about Ultima Online and the team, post your questions on your fansite. All interesting questions will be collected and send to our team, so we can continue to answer them.

Continue reading...

 

[SirZ]

Very sad to hear about screen resolution in CC.
But anyway it's a best client and nobody will force me to move from it.

 

[Woodsman]

These are getting better but

Mesanna: We are moving over to a new site named UltimaOnline.com and it is in a html format, no more PDF.

Hello? UO.com?

Glad they are putting an emphasis on the EC.

 

[Parnoc]

Man, I'm impressed, this is great, getting a new Five on Friday but improved. Kudos Mesanna, Devs and Petra!!!!! It's great!! Keep it comin'.

 

[Salivern_Diago]

It isnt just Petra thats organising this.. all offical UO Fansites have a voice now!!

 

[Storm]

Great questions and answers Thats three in a row . Good job!

 

[startle]

I am very, very, very pleased with the new level of communication here ! Keep it up people!

YEA - YEA - YEA

 

[Ron Silverbeard]

These are getting better but
Hello? UO.com?

Both Domains and others are in their pool of domainnames and actually redirecting to uoherald.com - so no worries

Domain Name: ultimaonline.com

Created on..............: Wed, Feb 19, 1997
Expires on..............: Thu, Feb 20, 2014
Record last updated on..: Mon, Jul 09, 2012
Domain Name: uo.com

Created on..............: Mon, Mar 01, 1999
Expires on..............: Sat, Mar 01, 2014
Record last updated on..: Thu, Oct 27, 2011

 

[Vor]

The EC has some great things in it, no doubt about it. But it's so ugly. I can't stand even looking at pictures taken in it, let alone playing it. Shame really.

 

[MalagAste]

I'm with you on the Dark Side Kyronix. Trust me... as long as you all keep working on the updates and such improving the EC more and more I think we may eventually convince more folk to convert.

As for that list Mesanna I did email you a VERY large set of lists if you want it more "detailed" with specifics on facings and such of specific tiles let me know and I'll get WAY more specific. Also would it help if I did screenshots??? Because I can do that too.... if it would mean we might actually get some of those things added to the housing and crafting Menu's I'm all for it... and if nothing else perhaps you could ask Petra about adding a stickied spot on the house deco/design forum that we could post to with screenshots and all showing you exactly what is missing what needs fixed and what needs more facings and such. If it would help I'd certainly do all I can to get you what you need.

 

[Storm]

Well like my sig says we have cookies to.

 

[BeaIank]

I moved to the EC a few months ago, when I finally figured a way to solve the non-maximizing window problem I was having and never looked back.
It surely look as ugly as I am, but it works sooooo much better than the CC, and has a much more intuitive UI.
In this case, usability beats graphics.

 

[Lord X]

I moved to the EC a few months ago, when I finally figured a way to solve the non-maximizing window problem I was having and never looked back.
It surely look as ugly as I am, but it works sooooo much better than the CC, and has a much more intuitive UI.
In this case, usability beats graphics.

Funny thing tho that UO classic client is already considered by most to be horrid graphically wise, now youre basically saying theres worse! ack. I still love UO tho, just saying. The graphics are ... unique.

 

[Lady Tia]

As for that list Mesanna I did email you a VERY large set of lists if you want it more "detailed" with specifics on facings and such of specific tiles let me know and I'll get WAY more specific. Also would it help if I did screenshots??? Because I can do that too.... if it would mean we might actually get some of those things added to the housing and crafting Menu's I'm all for it... and if nothing else perhaps you could ask Petra about adding a stickied spot on the house deco/design forum that we could post to with screenshots and all showing you exactly what is missing what needs fixed and what needs more facings and such. If it would help I'd certainly do all I can to get you what you need.

Do it, it will help!

 

[MalagAste]

Do it, it will help!

Next time I catch Mesanna I'll ask her about it... If she thinks it would help to have screenshots and all I'm thinking that having something on the housing forum would be easier... and that way everyone can help.

 

[Parnoc]

It isnt just Petra thats organising this.. all offical UO Fansites have a voice now!!

Well, you think your way, I'll continue down my road. The other so-called fansites don't hold a candle to Stratics in my opinion. Seems I remember all others had to filter their questions thru Petra, huh?

 

[Salivern_Diago]

Wow.. didnt realise it was a competition, guess I'll leave the playground and sit in the bus shelter instead.

 

[Petra Fyde]

This a collaborative effort by all fansites. Yes they all come through me, that's just to keep it tidy and not have the same question coming at the Devs from several different sides. I am merely a conduit.

 

[Warpig Inc]

Nag Nag Nag. Take the very first live A&A. Like the 4th question asked was "can we have an arrow/bolt dye tub?" There needs to be a ref for the flood of questions. To many refs and get another Packers game call. I agree the filtered out questions list with maybe a reason. Just for future A&A weeding out from being asked again. Could be touching on the don't want to ruin the surprise to a list of epic fails questions " Are there no baby centuars in the game with them all being male?"

Dorthy, sometimes it is best to not see behind the curtain. Why ruin the magic?

 

[Olahorand]

The classic client resolution problem isn't really a problem: If zoom is not possible due to potential ugliness, so why not make simply more of the area visible in same quality to match the screen resolution? So the content size remains the same, but the screen is still better filled (you would see the borders of the castle instead only a small cut ...) - could require a bit more bandwidth ...
Regarding the music instruments - I always wondered, why these cannot and must not be carried ...

*Salute*
Olahorand

 

[cazador]

I don't know if there already is...on my mobile..but can we have stickies to ask questions for the future ...

 

[MalagAste]

Regarding the music instruments - I always wondered, why these cannot and must not be carried ...

*Salute*
Olahorand

This is something I'd like to see as an option..... being able to carry the instrument and see my character with it... I would love to see my character hold his lute or harp... or even flute. But I don't think it needs to be necessary for using it... it's still nice to hold a spellbook and shield.... but when I want to RP in my Tavern it would be nice to have him sitting there with the instrument.

 

[Arcades]

Thanks for answering my question!!! Really appreciate the feedback! I guess my next question might be a little more controversial:

In regards to LRC, one of the biggest memories of the "old" UO was having to use reagents as a caster. Would it ever be considered to cap LRC at 80% and introduce something like a reagents pouch/bag? Similar to a Quiver of Infinity but can only store a finite amount of reagents?? It would really bring back that feeling of really costing something each time you cast a spell. Have it play tested, rigorous testing on TC for potential bugs, but have it capped by weight, and only accept reagent types: Black Pearl, Blood Moss, Garlic, Ginseng, Mandrake Root, Nightshade, Spider's Silk, Sulfurous Ash, Bone, Dragon's Blood, Daemon Bone, Fertile Dirt, Grave Dust, Nox Crystal, Daemon Blood, Batwing, and Pig Iron. Most people may know the more popular ingredients include Black Pearl and Mandrake Root, thus will require more of those in your pouch than the others. I dont think the original DEV team from AoS ever intended 100% LRC to be something other than reducing the cost of training magery and necromancy.

 

[Kyronix]

The classic client resolution problem isn't really a problem: If zoom is not possible due to potential ugliness, so why not make simply more of the area visible in same quality to match the screen resolution? So the content size remains the same, but the screen is still better filled (you would see the borders of the castle instead only a small cut ...) - could require a bit more bandwidth ...
Regarding the music instruments - I always wondered, why these cannot and must not be carried ...

*Salute*
Olahorand

We experimented with increasing the size of the CC window but what happened was that the terrain became out of range of the draw radius and as a result you get filler terrain (it's ugly and brown) instead of grass, water, etc etc. I think this is what you mean by making more of the area visible? Unfortunately that tech just isn't built into the CC. The EC on the other hand can draw out those distances, properly scale up the terrain textures and prevent showing all the mobiles you'd see...imagine being able to cast an e-bolt on a target from a great distance away, not a good thing.

As far as the musical instruments, this was actually one of the first questions I asked the Team back in 1999, although I wanted to be able to carry a bottle of ale at the time*snickers* Anything that requires animation sets takes a tremendous amount of time (every frame, facing every direction...I can already see Misk cringing in the corner) to get done. Not saying it's impossible, maybe one day!

 

[Tazar]

Off Topic posts have been removed.

 

[Heimi]

Thanks for answering my question!!! Really appreciate the feedback! I guess my next question might be a little more controversial:

In regards to LRC, one of the biggest memories of the "old" UO was having to use reagents as a caster. Would it ever be considered to cap LRC at 80% and introduce something like a reagents pouch/bag? Similar to a Quiver of Infinity but can only store a finite amount of reagents?? It would really bring back that feeling of really costing something each time you cast a spell. Have it play tested, rigorous testing on TC for potential bugs, but have it capped by weight, and only accept reagent types: Black Pearl, Blood Moss, Garlic, Ginseng, Mandrake Root, Nightshade, Spider's Silk, Sulfurous Ash, Bone, Dragon's Blood, Daemon Bone, Fertile Dirt, Grave Dust, Nox Crystal, Daemon Blood, Batwing, and Pig Iron. Most people may know the more popular ingredients include Black Pearl and Mandrake Root, thus will require more of those in your pouch than the others. I dont think the original DEV team from AoS ever intended 100% LRC to be something other than reducing the cost of training magery and necromancy.

Alternatively: Don't wear an LRC suit?

 

[Olahorand]

We experimented with increasing the size of the CC window but what happened was that the terrain became out of range of the draw radius and as a result you get filler terrain (it's ugly and brown) instead of grass, water, etc etc. I think this is what you mean by making more of the area visible? Unfortunately that tech just isn't built into the CC. The EC on the other hand can draw out those distances, properly scale up the terrain textures and prevent showing all the mobiles you'd see...imagine being able to cast an e-bolt on a target from a great distance away, not a good thing.

As far as the musical instruments, this was actually one of the first questions I asked the Team back in 1999, although I wanted to be able to carry a bottle of ale at the time*snickers* Anything that requires animation sets takes a tremendous amount of time (every frame, facing every direction...I can already see Misk cringing in the corner) to get done. Not saying it's impossible, maybe one day!

Appreciate for answering my comments.

In other games that grey ugly area - isn't it called fog of war then? I could imagine this sufficient, until you run around to reveal a certain territory. With nowadays hardware it should also not be a problem to build up a generous cache for the most used areas of a player, so that areas like his home, his most loved dungeons, even the center of Luna, are covered well.
That there is already a kind of cache, is known, experienced usually due to this annoying bug, which makes walls from Trammel bleed to the same position in Felucca or between different shards, if you don't close the client between.
Casting on a target from far instance? This argument shows, that you do not play the game very often. It's often enough the case, that if player casts, the still visble target (assuming a lich) is too far away, but the lich on other hand can cast on the player.

Yes, those animations with the instruments would be some tedious work for you developers - so if Mesanna needs to punish a bad boy for the bug of the month - wouldn't that the right task?

*Salute*
Olahorand

 

[Ludes]

Hey are we gonna keep doing these?

I have a question.. Can we get seahorses?

 

[Larisa]

Hey are we gonna keep doing these?

I have a question.. Can we get seahorses?

Make them ridable! That would be awesome!

Nice set of Q&A, thanks!

Ohh and this:

Is there a reason to keep town loyalty up other than for the banners and the town titles? (Ingame Question)
Mesanna: Yes there is, we have another reason that will be revealed very soon. Sorry don’t want to spoil anything.

ARGH! I don't have alot of time to spend in game but I'm SO glad to hear that all work won't be wasted. I just knew there had to be something more..VERY excited about this!

 

[Ludes]

They were ridable and they were already coded.. that's why I ask..