Lars Weilander
Wanderer
UO, Ultima Online:
This game has taken up more or my life than any other activity thus far. So much so that I have quit multiple times to rid myself of the addiction and complete things like college, culinary school, and the latter. However, every time that I quit, I return. And I return with a mission: to 'beat' the game, do everything perfectly, have the greatest character names, obtain a keep, or just get my fix for a couple of good months. Regardless of the mission, I always return and have the greatest time doing so.
This game is unbeatable. An economy that is self-sustained, a pvp system that is so unique that it actually can give you an adrenaline rush, a world that you can explore almost endlessly (I say almost because after 10+ years I know where most things are) and much much much more. Mining, treasure hunting, funny conversations, Orcs, sailing as a pirate, decorating and recently designing a house are all awesome parts of the game. If you do not feel like going to a dungeon or PvPing in Delucia, just pick up a fishing pole and go fish. Having items crafted with your own personal name so that you can go kill people representing your crafter =) is one of my most favorite things. Finding awesome items to rep around the bank and show your steezyness is also a favorite past time. And I hate to say it, but back in the day I enjoyed scamming people with lotto vendors or little tricks I could find on various websites. Now I find little passion in that as I want to keep our player base alive and growing which seems to be nearly impossible with things like WOW and the new Star Wars game grabbing peoples attention. But I've tried those and they simply do not compare.
I have played this game since '97. Through middle school, high school, and college I've been pwning NooBs and speaking "oOOooo's" for years. Always trying to master the game, become a wealthy guild master that can help new players reach their full potential. I received the game on Christmas and immediately avoided all other presents and ran to my computer. My best friend at the time had the game so I knew how awesome it was and could not wait to start my own account. I pinned the awesome map that came with it to the back wall of my desk and studied it as the game installed. My first character names were Sherlock and Lars Weilander on Napa Valley. And what good times those first few years were. Exploring, guilding, sparring, GMing my first skill! My first guild was Generation X run by x-xavier, a goofy man who was way to old to be playing with kids like me.
I cannot say what good this game has done for me in my personal life save for keeping me entertained. Two of my best friends play this game with me and have returned recently to enjoy hybrid. My girlfriend hates the game and gets grumpy when I play in front of her. I think that it helps in some ways to play UO. For instance, instead of going out drinking and wasting brain cells/money I stay at home and remain healthy. Thats not to say it stops me all the time, but it definitly makes me think twice. Not to mention I connect with other people online who enjoy this game and often the same things. It has perfected my typing, kept me happy at lonesome times and been reliable as long as my internet connection wasnt acting up. It has taught me to speak goofy old english, made movies like the Lord of the Rings, Robin Hood and other movies of such genre twice as enjoyable. More importantly is has served as a tool for my imagination.
I love this game. It has made me happy and I enjoy every moment I spend in it. My little brother is playing now and I hope he continues to play so that I can enjoy the game with him.
SJB "Weigraf"
This game has taken up more or my life than any other activity thus far. So much so that I have quit multiple times to rid myself of the addiction and complete things like college, culinary school, and the latter. However, every time that I quit, I return. And I return with a mission: to 'beat' the game, do everything perfectly, have the greatest character names, obtain a keep, or just get my fix for a couple of good months. Regardless of the mission, I always return and have the greatest time doing so.
This game is unbeatable. An economy that is self-sustained, a pvp system that is so unique that it actually can give you an adrenaline rush, a world that you can explore almost endlessly (I say almost because after 10+ years I know where most things are) and much much much more. Mining, treasure hunting, funny conversations, Orcs, sailing as a pirate, decorating and recently designing a house are all awesome parts of the game. If you do not feel like going to a dungeon or PvPing in Delucia, just pick up a fishing pole and go fish. Having items crafted with your own personal name so that you can go kill people representing your crafter =) is one of my most favorite things. Finding awesome items to rep around the bank and show your steezyness is also a favorite past time. And I hate to say it, but back in the day I enjoyed scamming people with lotto vendors or little tricks I could find on various websites. Now I find little passion in that as I want to keep our player base alive and growing which seems to be nearly impossible with things like WOW and the new Star Wars game grabbing peoples attention. But I've tried those and they simply do not compare.
I have played this game since '97. Through middle school, high school, and college I've been pwning NooBs and speaking "oOOooo's" for years. Always trying to master the game, become a wealthy guild master that can help new players reach their full potential. I received the game on Christmas and immediately avoided all other presents and ran to my computer. My best friend at the time had the game so I knew how awesome it was and could not wait to start my own account. I pinned the awesome map that came with it to the back wall of my desk and studied it as the game installed. My first character names were Sherlock and Lars Weilander on Napa Valley. And what good times those first few years were. Exploring, guilding, sparring, GMing my first skill! My first guild was Generation X run by x-xavier, a goofy man who was way to old to be playing with kids like me.
I cannot say what good this game has done for me in my personal life save for keeping me entertained. Two of my best friends play this game with me and have returned recently to enjoy hybrid. My girlfriend hates the game and gets grumpy when I play in front of her. I think that it helps in some ways to play UO. For instance, instead of going out drinking and wasting brain cells/money I stay at home and remain healthy. Thats not to say it stops me all the time, but it definitly makes me think twice. Not to mention I connect with other people online who enjoy this game and often the same things. It has perfected my typing, kept me happy at lonesome times and been reliable as long as my internet connection wasnt acting up. It has taught me to speak goofy old english, made movies like the Lord of the Rings, Robin Hood and other movies of such genre twice as enjoyable. More importantly is has served as a tool for my imagination.
I love this game. It has made me happy and I enjoy every moment I spend in it. My little brother is playing now and I hope he continues to play so that I can enjoy the game with him.
SJB "Weigraf"