Story Summary:

You take the role of Commander Shepard starship Normandy, the last hope for all life in the Galaxy. Saren, a rogue member of the elite and untouchable Spectre agents, has discovered the secret to unleashing an apocalyptic force upon the galaxy, and only you stand in his way. To save the lives of billions, you must do whatever it takes to stop Saren and prevent the return of an ancient force bent on the destruction of all organic life.

Highlights:

Experience a rich and engrossing story where your choices decide the fate of a galaxy
Engage in emotionally charged interactions with the most realistic digital actors ever seen in a video game, using an innovative new dialog system
Immerse yourself in an incredible new adventure from world-famous masters of the RPG BioWare
Stunning high resolution graphics for PC
Optimised GUI and controls for PC gamers
Dominate the battlefield with new individual squad member commandsystem

Excellent game, DRM or not...., 18 Nov 2008
I found Mass Effect to be an excellent game, and it is one of the rare few that actually makes my completion list (BioWare now being the only company to have two completely separate games on that list), due to sheer enthralling storytelling.
The characters are interesting, the gameplay fun, the story well told, and all in all it's one of the best games I've ever played.

As a side note, a lot of reviews, both on Mass Effect and other EA releases have been whining incessantly about the DRM, but since it can be removed without stopping the game from running, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Get rid of it and play the game anyway if you want to, or stop complaining about something you weren't going to play anyway.

EVIL DRM, 15 Nov 2008
Avoid this game unless you dont mind your pc being infected by DRM

EA can keep their DRM infected games.

In contrast there is a software publisher called Stardock (Sins of a solar empire) who have a totally different view on how customers should be treated.. here is Stardock's Gamer's Bill of Rights:

1. Gamers shall have the right to return games that don't work with their computers for a full refund.
2. Gamers shall have the right to demand that games be released in a finished state.
3. Gamers shall have the right to expect meaningful updates after a game's release.
4. Gamers shall have the right to demand that download managers and updaters not force themselves to run or be forced to load in order to play a game.
5. Gamers shall have the right to expect that the minimum requirements for a game will mean that the game will play adequately on that computer.
6. Gamers shall have the right to expect that games won't install hidden drivers or other potentially harmful software without their consent.
7. Gamers shall have the right to re-download the latest versions of the games they own at any time.
8. Gamers shall have the right to not be treated as potential criminals by developers or publishers.
9. Gamers shall have the right to demand that a single-player game not force them to be connected to the Internet every time they wish to play.
10. Gamers shall have the right that games which are installed to the hard drive shall not require a CD/DVD to remain in the drive to play.

If enough people boycott EA (with their pay per play plans) and support companies like Stardock, then our PC gaming future may be something to look forward to..

DRM, Blah, blah, blah. It's a great game!, 14 Nov 2008
This is a great game. If you liked KOTOR and KOTOR2 you'll like this. People moan about the DRM which is strange when you consider that Windows uses DRM.

What a disappointment, sounds good, runds terribly, 24 Oct 2008
When I read about this game, it sounded to be just the sort of game I enjoy the most. However EA Games and Bioware should be ashamed to have issued this game without,seeming to, have really tested and made it suitable for all platforms and the general set-up of PCs. If you read the requirements, most purchasers would be right to think that they have to either nuy a specially constructed PC for the game or build their own. Once you've got past that hurdle, if you bothered in the first place, you will find that the game regularly 'locks-up', the sounds are all un-balanced, it's difficlut sometimes to hear what characters are saying with background noises and music drowning out most conversations. This happens even if you try and asjust sound levels.
The game crashes on a regular basis and sometimes when you wnant to re-start, you get one of those strange 'windows messages', about secuirty being breached or permission not grannted or of a general protection fault.
From a critical point of view, the graphis aren't that good, the old KoToR series had cleaner looking graphics, Oblivion and Quake 4 are far superior.
Basically it could have been a classic game but fails miserably
My advice is don't buy it the are other games just as good

Great game, but don't purchase, 21 Oct 2008
Mass Effect is in essence a great game, with great graphics, great characters, great plot, great playability, long lasting and clever.

It is rare that a video game treats the user like a mature adult and allows him/her to make his/her own descisions regardless of consequence.

But the Securom Encryption on this game means i will never purchase it. For those not in the know, Securom modifies the core kernel(core programming if you like) of your operating system vista or XP. Meaning there is no possible way to remove it (except a complete reformat) and allowing access to god knows what to your computer. Not only is this wrong on any level the debate rages in an American court over its legality.

Only a fool would do this, and will permanently stop you running PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE programs such as Nero, Some slysoft programs and Daemon tools. All essential programs for a PC gamer.

So to sum up, this game is great, one of the best i've played and i have a catalogue of 300+ games, i would quite happily pay £40+ for this if DRM wasn't there, but if you have any sense, play this on a friends PC, on an XBOX if you want about 75% of the enjoyment of the PC game, on a PC you were going to format anyway (even then you only get 3 installs of the game), or like many people out there take the easy option and play a pirated copy of the game without the DRM.

When will EA learn.... and btw the same goes for all new EA games, Crysis, Spore, Farcry 2 and who knows what else

Excellent game, DRM or not...., 18 Nov 2008
I found Mass Effect to be an excellent game, and it is one of the rare few that actually makes my completion list (BioWare now being the only company to have two completely separate games on that list), due to sheer enthralling storytelling.
The characters are interesting, the gameplay fun, the story well told, and all in all it's one of the best games I've ever played.

As a side note, a lot of reviews, both on Mass Effect and other EA releases have been whining incessantly about the DRM, but since it can be removed without stopping the game from running, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Get rid of it and play the game anyway if you want to, or stop complaining about something you weren't going to play anyway.

EVIL DRM, 15 Nov 2008
Avoid this game unless you dont mind your pc being infected by DRM

EA can keep their DRM infected games.

In contrast there is a software publisher called Stardock (Sins of a solar empire) who have a totally different view on how customers should be treated.. here is Stardock's Gamer's Bill of Rights:

1. Gamers shall have the right to return games that don't work with their computers for a full refund.
2. Gamers shall have the right to demand that games be released in a finished state.
3. Gamers shall have the right to expect meaningful updates after a game's release.
4. Gamers shall have the right to demand that download managers and updaters not force themselves to run or be forced to load in order to play a game.
5. Gamers shall have the right to expect that the minimum requirements for a game will mean that the game will play adequately on that computer.
6. Gamers shall have the right to expect that games won't install hidden drivers or other potentially harmful software without their consent.
7. Gamers shall have the right to re-download the latest versions of the games they own at any time.
8. Gamers shall have the right to not be treated as potential criminals by developers or publishers.
9. Gamers shall have the right to demand that a single-player game not force them to be connected to the Internet every time they wish to play.
10. Gamers shall have the right that games which are installed to the hard drive shall not require a CD/DVD to remain in the drive to play.

If enough people boycott EA (with their pay per play plans) and support companies like Stardock, then our PC gaming future may be something to look forward to..

DRM, Blah, blah, blah. It's a great game!, 14 Nov 2008
This is a great game. If you liked KOTOR and KOTOR2 you'll like this. People moan about the DRM which is strange when you consider that Windows uses DRM.

What a disappointment, sounds good, runds terribly, 24 Oct 2008
When I read about this game, it sounded to be just the sort of game I enjoy the most. However EA Games and Bioware should be ashamed to have issued this game without,seeming to, have really tested and made it suitable for all platforms and the general set-up of PCs. If you read the requirements, most purchasers would be right to think that they have to either nuy a specially constructed PC for the game or build their own. Once you've got past that hurdle, if you bothered in the first place, you will find that the game regularly 'locks-up', the sounds are all un-balanced, it's difficlut sometimes to hear what characters are saying with background noises and music drowning out most conversations. This happens even if you try and asjust sound levels.
The game crashes on a regular basis and sometimes when you wnant to re-start, you get one of those strange 'windows messages', about secuirty being breached or permission not grannted or of a general protection fault.
From a critical point of view, the graphis aren't that good, the old KoToR series had cleaner looking graphics, Oblivion and Quake 4 are far superior.
Basically it could have been a classic game but fails miserably
My advice is don't buy it the are other games just as good

Great game, but don't purchase, 21 Oct 2008
Mass Effect is in essence a great game, with great graphics, great characters, great plot, great playability, long lasting and clever.

It is rare that a video game treats the user like a mature adult and allows him/her to make his/her own descisions regardless of consequence.

But the Securom Encryption on this game means i will never purchase it. For those not in the know, Securom modifies the core kernel(core programming if you like) of your operating system vista or XP. Meaning there is no possible way to remove it (except a complete reformat) and allowing access to god knows what to your computer. Not only is this wrong on any level the debate rages in an American court over its legality.

Only a fool would do this, and will permanently stop you running PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE programs such as Nero, Some slysoft programs and Daemon tools. All essential programs for a PC gamer.

So to sum up, this game is great, one of the best i've played and i have a catalogue of 300+ games, i would quite happily pay £40+ for this if DRM wasn't there, but if you have any sense, play this on a friends PC, on an XBOX if you want about 75% of the enjoyment of the PC game, on a PC you were going to format anyway (even then you only get 3 installs of the game), or like many people out there take the easy option and play a pirated copy of the game without the DRM.

When will EA learn.... and btw the same goes for all new EA games, Crysis, Spore, Farcry 2 and who knows what else

Deluxe, 06 Jul 2007
The Sims 2 Deluxe is nightlife and the sims 2 in one and they are the best out of all the sims games so far 10/10 also look out for the sims 3 in 2009 the 10/10 is for the sims 2 deluxe.

Normally Monolith are better known for licensing their Lithtech 3-D engines to other developers for their games, but they've brought it back in-house and are riding the current bandwagon of 3-D engine games with a third-person view for Aiken's Artifact.

The storyline revolves around a cop with psionic abilities known as Cain, who has to take down a horde of other psionics in order to restore public confidence in these genetically enhanced super-beings, with the chief baddie being his brother, Abel.

Despite its futuristic setting, the way you collect other facets of your powers, graded into talents and detail stored in on-screen talent cards, reveals a more conventional role-playing game angle. This helps break up some of the action, and it doesn't reflect badly on the excellent graphics--and as the makers of the original engine are programming the game, you would expect nothing less.

It is here that the problems begin. Once you've mastered the quirks of the control system, going out and taking down your foes gets repetitive, as does wading through the responses of non-player characters (NPCs) to help you solve single puzzles.

Getting more powerful spells heightens the interest, but this game doesn't have the pulling power of either Diablo games, whose longevity of play make them chief challengers to this game. The plot would be less clichéd if The X-Men hadn't been a blockbuster movie with exactly the same themes. American Rapper Ice-T supplies the main voice of Cain's character and also helps the game's overall package, but not enough to make the game a sure-fire purchase. --Kenneth Henry

Excellent game, DRM or not...., 18 Nov 2008
I found Mass Effect to be an excellent game, and it is one of the rare few that actually makes my completion list (BioWare now being the only company to have two completely separate games on that list), due to sheer enthralling storytelling.
The characters are interesting, the gameplay fun, the story well told, and all in all it's one of the best games I've ever played.

As a side note, a lot of reviews, both on Mass Effect and other EA releases have been whining incessantly about the DRM, but since it can be removed without stopping the game from running, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Get rid of it and play the game anyway if you want to, or stop complaining about something you weren't going to play anyway.

EVIL DRM, 15 Nov 2008
Avoid this game unless you dont mind your pc being infected by DRM

EA can keep their DRM infected games.

In contrast there is a software publisher called Stardock (Sins of a solar empire) who have a totally different view on how customers should be treated.. here is Stardock's Gamer's Bill of Rights:

1. Gamers shall have the right to return games that don't work with their computers for a full refund.
2. Gamers shall have the right to demand that games be released in a finished state.
3. Gamers shall have the right to expect meaningful updates after a game's release.
4. Gamers shall have the right to demand that download managers and updaters not force themselves to run or be forced to load in order to play a game.
5. Gamers shall have the right to expect that the minimum requirements for a game will mean that the game will play adequately on that computer.
6. Gamers shall have the right to expect that games won't install hidden drivers or other potentially harmful software without their consent.
7. Gamers shall have the right to re-download the latest versions of the games they own at any time.
8. Gamers shall have the right to not be treated as potential criminals by developers or publishers.
9. Gamers shall have the right to demand that a single-player game not force them to be connected to the Internet every time they wish to play.
10. Gamers shall have the right that games which are installed to the hard drive shall not require a CD/DVD to remain in the drive to play.

If enough people boycott EA (with their pay per play plans) and support companies like Stardock, then our PC gaming future may be something to look forward to..

DRM, Blah, blah, blah. It's a great game!, 14 Nov 2008
This is a great game. If you liked KOTOR and KOTOR2 you'll like this. People moan about the DRM which is strange when you consider that Windows uses DRM.

What a disappointment, sounds good, runds terribly, 24 Oct 2008
When I read about this game, it sounded to be just the sort of game I enjoy the most. However EA Games and Bioware should be ashamed to have issued this game without,seeming to, have really tested and made it suitable for all platforms and the general set-up of PCs. If you read the requirements, most purchasers would be right to think that they have to either nuy a specially constructed PC for the game or build their own. Once you've got past that hurdle, if you bothered in the first place, you will find that the game regularly 'locks-up', the sounds are all un-balanced, it's difficlut sometimes to hear what characters are saying with background noises and music drowning out most conversations. This happens even if you try and asjust sound levels.
The game crashes on a regular basis and sometimes when you wnant to re-start, you get one of those strange 'windows messages', about secuirty being breached or permission not grannted or of a general protection fault.
From a critical point of view, the graphis aren't that good, the old KoToR series had cleaner looking graphics, Oblivion and Quake 4 are far superior.
Basically it could have been a classic game but fails miserably
My advice is don't buy it the are other games just as good

Great game, but don't purchase, 21 Oct 2008
Mass Effect is in essence a great game, with great graphics, great characters, great plot, great playability, long lasting and clever.

It is rare that a video game treats the user like a mature adult and allows him/her to make his/her own descisions regardless of consequence.

But the Securom Encryption on this game means i will never purchase it. For those not in the know, Securom modifies the core kernel(core programming if you like) of your operating system vista or XP. Meaning there is no possible way to remove it (except a complete reformat) and allowing access to god knows what to your computer. Not only is this wrong on any level the debate rages in an American court over its legality.

Only a fool would do this, and will permanently stop you running PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE programs such as Nero, Some slysoft programs and Daemon tools. All essential programs for a PC gamer.

So to sum up, this game is great, one of the best i've played and i have a catalogue of 300+ games, i would quite happily pay £40+ for this if DRM wasn't there, but if you have any sense, play this on a friends PC, on an XBOX if you want about 75% of the enjoyment of the PC game, on a PC you were going to format anyway (even then you only get 3 installs of the game), or like many people out there take the easy option and play a pirated copy of the game without the DRM.

When will EA learn.... and btw the same goes for all new EA games, Crysis, Spore, Farcry 2 and who knows what else

Deluxe, 06 Jul 2007
The Sims 2 Deluxe is nightlife and the sims 2 in one and they are the best out of all the sims games so far 10/10 also look out for the sims 3 in 2009 the 10/10 is for the sims 2 deluxe.

Although old, still addictive and varied!, 26 Apr 2003
Aiken's Artifact is, quite simply, too enjoyable to miss. It's a top-down 3D up-down-left-right shoot-'em'up featuring the voice of the ever hip Ice T. You play agent Cain, a policeman with telepathic powers (called Talents - read these as modern spells), fighting the forces of evil with his pistol and whatever he can conjure up with his talents.

The game features 20 massive levels with sub-plots, which all follow and gradually reveal an overall story (complete with surprises, twists and turns). There are 80 different (and they are actually quite varied and interesting) talents to use (you start with a mere couple of them, but build them up by beating up bad guys, buying them, winning them, and whatever).

The game uses the now-aged LithTech engine which was used to render the (disappointing) Blood 2, and even though the game is over 3 years old, it still draws you in with it's simplicity and variety. Ice T does a very good job with the voice-overs.

Overall this game is fun, surprisingly addictive, varied, and at under a fiver for a used copy you have no excuse. Buy it now!

Great Game, Great Concept, 15 Nov 2000
There's a real buzz in the States about a game called Sanity. Well it's over here but called Aikens Artifact (don't ask me why).

The Story in brief is that you play Agent Cain a Psionic working for the DNPC chasing down rogue psionics. To assist in this you have your trusty gun (almost entirely useless) and pick up Psionic talents as the game goes on (far more fun).

Agent Cain is voiced by Ice T and the script is good fun. The game is a mix of puzzles, fights and deck building done in a lovely animated interface.

My main niggle with the solo game is the camera angles are occasionally unhelpful which can create problems.

The multiplayer game is a different kettle of fish. Here the game has taken the booster pack idea to the next level with talents to add to your multiplayer arsenal available online or on magazines so there's always something new out there.

Hartily recommended

Ultima Online has long been the closest rival to MMORPG phenomenon EverQuest, similar in form--you choose a character and then roam freeform over the persistent universe of Britannia, undertaking quests and killing enemies.

The latest expansion pack sees you returning to a world under siege by the evil Lord Blackthorn who is trying to rid the world of all that is good and virtuous. Blackthorn has encamped on centre of Ilshenar and is planning his dark invasion as you enter the fray.

There are loads of new monsters and the whole thing has a darker outlook. Possibly so that it can compete with new kids Anarchy Online and Dark Age of Camelot where players have free run to kill anything, everything and each other.

To cater for the more aggressive player there is also a player versus player zone, as well as the safe zone. There are also over 30 new creatures which are based on designs by legendary comic artist Todd McFarlane which are gradually unlocked as you progress throughout the game. Might just be the expansion pack that will bring Ultima back into online gamers' hearts.--Sylvia Henshaw

Excellent game, DRM or not...., 18 Nov 2008
I found Mass Effect to be an excellent game, and it is one of the rare few that actually makes my completion list (BioWare now being the only company to have two completely separate games on that list), due to sheer enthralling storytelling.
The characters are interesting, the gameplay fun, the story well told, and all in all it's one of the best games I've ever played.

As a side note, a lot of reviews, both on Mass Effect and other EA releases have been whining incessantly about the DRM, but since it can be removed without stopping the game from running, I really don't see what all the fuss is about. Get rid of it and play the game anyway if you want to, or stop complaining about something you weren't going to play anyway.

EVIL DRM, 15 Nov 2008
Avoid this game unless you dont mind your pc being infected by DRM

EA can keep their DRM infected games.

In contrast there is a software publisher called Stardock (Sins of a solar empire) who have a totally different view on how customers should be treated.. here is Stardock's Gamer's Bill of Rights:

1. Gamers shall have the right to return games that don't work with their computers for a full refund.
2. Gamers shall have the right to demand that games be released in a finished state.
3. Gamers shall have the right to expect meaningful updates after a game's release.
4. Gamers shall have the right to demand that download managers and updaters not force themselves to run or be forced to load in order to play a game.
5. Gamers shall have the right to expect that the minimum requirements for a game will mean that the game will play adequately on that computer.
6. Gamers shall have the right to expect that games won't install hidden drivers or other potentially harmful software without their consent.
7. Gamers shall have the right to re-download the latest versions of the games they own at any time.
8. Gamers shall have the right to not be treated as potential criminals by developers or publishers.
9. Gamers shall have the right to demand that a single-player game not force them to be connected to the Internet every time they wish to play.
10. Gamers shall have the right that games which are installed to the hard drive shall not require a CD/DVD to remain in the drive to play.

If enough people boycott EA (with their pay per play plans) and support companies like Stardock, then our PC gaming future may be something to look forward to..

DRM, Blah, blah, blah. It's a great game!, 14 Nov 2008
This is a great game. If you liked KOTOR and KOTOR2 you'll like this. People moan about the DRM which is strange when you consider that Windows uses DRM.

What a disappointment, sounds good, runds terribly, 24 Oct 2008
When I read about this game, it sounded to be just the sort of game I enjoy the most. However EA Games and Bioware should be ashamed to have issued this game without,seeming to, have really tested and made it suitable for all platforms and the general set-up of PCs. If you read the requirements, most purchasers would be right to think that they have to either nuy a specially constructed PC for the game or build their own. Once you've got past that hurdle, if you bothered in the first place, you will find that the game regularly 'locks-up', the sounds are all un-balanced, it's difficlut sometimes to hear what characters are saying with background noises and music drowning out most conversations. This happens even if you try and asjust sound levels.
The game crashes on a regular basis and sometimes when you wnant to re-start, you get one of those strange 'windows messages', about secuirty being breached or permission not grannted or of a general protection fault.
From a critical point of view, the graphis aren't that good, the old KoToR series had cleaner looking graphics, Oblivion and Quake 4 are far superior.
Basically it could have been a classic game but fails miserably
My advice is don't buy it the are other games just as good

Great game, but don't purchase, 21 Oct 2008
Mass Effect is in essence a great game, with great graphics, great characters, great plot, great playability, long lasting and clever.

It is rare that a video game treats the user like a mature adult and allows him/her to make his/her own descisions regardless of consequence.

But the Securom Encryption on this game means i will never purchase it. For those not in the know, Securom modifies the core kernel(core programming if you like) of your operating system vista or XP. Meaning there is no possible way to remove it (except a complete reformat) and allowing access to god knows what to your computer. Not only is this wrong on any level the debate rages in an American court over its legality.

Only a fool would do this, and will permanently stop you running PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE programs such as Nero, Some slysoft programs and Daemon tools. All essential programs for a PC gamer.

So to sum up, this game is great, one of the best i've played and i have a catalogue of 300+ games, i would quite happily pay £40+ for this if DRM wasn't there, but if you have any sense, play this on a friends PC, on an XBOX if you want about 75% of the enjoyment of the PC game, on a PC you were going to format anyway (even then you only get 3 installs of the game), or like many people out there take the easy option and play a pirated copy of the game without the DRM.

When will EA learn.... and btw the same goes for all new EA games, Crysis, Spore, Farcry 2 and who knows what else

Deluxe, 06 Jul 2007
The Sims 2 Deluxe is nightlife and the sims 2 in one and they are the best out of all the sims games so far 10/10 also look out for the sims 3 in 2009 the 10/10 is for the sims 2 deluxe.

Although old, still addictive and varied!, 26 Apr 2003
Aiken's Artifact is, quite simply, too enjoyable to miss. It's a top-down 3D up-down-left-right shoot-'em'up featuring the voice of the ever hip Ice T. You play agent Cain, a policeman with telepathic powers (called Talents - read these as modern spells), fighting the forces of evil with his pistol and whatever he can conjure up with his talents.

The game features 20 massive levels with sub-plots, which all follow and gradually reveal an overall story (complete with surprises, twists and turns). There are 80 different (and they are actually quite varied and interesting) talents to use (you start with a mere couple of them, but build them up by beating up bad guys, buying them, winning them, and whatever).

The game uses the now-aged LithTech engine which was used to render the (disappointing) Blood 2, and even though the game is over 3 years old, it still draws you in with it's simplicity and variety. Ice T does a very good job with the voice-overs.

Overall this game is fun, surprisingly addictive, varied, and at under a fiver for a used copy you have no excuse. Buy it now!

Great Game, Great Concept, 15 Nov 2000
There's a real buzz in the States about a game called Sanity. Well it's over here but called Aikens Artifact (don't ask me why).

The Story in brief is that you play Agent Cain a Psionic working for the DNPC chasing down rogue psionics. To assist in this you have your trusty gun (almost entirely useless) and pick up Psionic talents as the game goes on (far more fun).

Agent Cain is voiced by Ice T and the script is good fun. The game is a mix of puzzles, fights and deck building done in a lovely animated interface.

My main niggle with the solo game is the camera angles are occasionally unhelpful which can create problems.

The multiplayer game is a different kettle of fish. Here the game has taken the booster pack idea to the next level with talents to add to your multiplayer arsenal available online or on magazines so there's always something new out there.

Hartily recommended

My fave MMORPG gets ANOTHER expansion, 04 Sep 2003
Ok, i realise this is a rather late review but I thought I would give it a shot anyway.

From all my gaming experiences UO remains my favourite online role playing game. I had been playing for a number of years before I got this expansion and I was kind of disappointed.

The 3d graphics are not as useful or as easy to follow I find as the 2d originals - this may well be just my own personal preference but I guess that is what reviews are all about! As for new features yeah you get ANOTHER new land continent to explore with a few more beasties but overall I am beginning to feel that they are milking this title now and its time to move on. It was (and still is) great in its hey-day but that day is gone, lets invest the time and money in something new.

If you STILL adore UO then by all means its worthwhile but times change.

Most dissapointing gaming world ever., 13 Apr 2003
This seemed like it would live up to all its claims on the box.

Sadly it does not. Lag is always a big factor and its a very connection dependant game. Earning money if difficult, labour intensive and often tedious. Spending it however is not only easy but the amount of items needed to enjoy this game is unbelievably extreme.

There are several long term bugs and the developement team are slow to react. Add to this online support in the form of Gamemasters that seem to know nothing of the rules of this game make it a frustrating experience.

As a long time online gamer I am disgusted with the undelivered promises of this game.

Great Game, 24 Jul 2002
This is an excellent expansion for Ultima Online unlocking the huge land of Ilshenar to users of the 2d client.

It also includes all new art for the 2d client and fantastic sounds and music for both clients.

But be warned, this game is addictive.

Great for new players, nothing for existing players, 07 Apr 2002
I would agree with the original reviewer for new players to Ultima Online, but for existing players, Lord Blackthorn's Revenge reeks of profiteering on the part of EA/OSI. Something of a slap in the face for people, like myself, who bought Third Dawn because they were told that it was the only way to get to Ilshenar, the only truly new thing that the expansion brings is new art and music for the game.

Players who did not get Third Dawn will no doubt appreciate being able to have access to Ilshenar in the 2d client and although it is moderately priced, there is very little in the way of new material for those existing players who already hand over their money monthly to EA. A good deal for players new to the game, but only for the most avid existing fans.

Dungeons & Dragons For The Internet Generation, 16 Mar 2002
I only started the Ultima Online games a matter of weeks ago but already I am hooked. Ultima Online is a great game for fans of dungeons and dragons and newbies to role playing alike. You create a character and "live" in a world, where you can get a job, make friends (and enemies), battle, go on quests.... there are endless possibilities and I am doing the game no justice by listing only these because this is only the very basic things you can do.
Lord Blackthorn's is suitable for both beginners and long-time users of UO. For beginners you get to enter the world of UO and experience all of the above and much more. You get to enter a world where battles are fought and won, friendships are made and broken and where ANYTHING can happen. The only limit is your imagination.
For current users, you can get 30 new monsters (designed by Comic artist Todd McFarlane) as well as a new emphasis on the virtue system. It also unlocks to 2D players for the first time the facet of Ilshenar as well as a complete update of the 2D artwork. Music files will now be stored as MP3's also, allowing the user to customise their game even further.
The only complaints I have is that the lag time can be quite bad at times, and I really think that something needs to be done about this. Also the support for UK users is not as good as elsewhere, and if you don't have a credit card it can be quite hard to pay the montly charges by buying GameTime because you have to pay in $ and you have to buy it from the USA. Please note that there is a monthly subscription you have to pay to use the game. The first month's subscription is free (it is included in the price of the game).
However, despite these, the game is still highly enjoyable and should not be shunned.