Lord of Ultima officially launches

EA’s newest venture in the world of free-to-play MMOs, Lord of Ultima, is launching worldwide today. It is produced by EA studio Phenomic, and created by Volker Wertich (known particularly for Settlers).

Lord of Ultima is a browser-based strategy game, set loosely in the Ultima universe – after the world has been shattered into islands. Offering quests and kingdom-building strategy, there are over 20 building types. Although it doesn’t follow the Ultima series very strongly, the game offers the amazing graphics and in-depth game play that you’d expect from EA.

[Show slideshow]

The Original Press Release:

EA’S PHENOMIC INTRODUCES STRATEGY GAME ‘LORD OF ULTIMA’

Free-To-Play Web-Based Game Transports Players to Legendary Ultima Universe

Guildford, UK – April 20, 2010 – Phenomic™, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio, announced today Lord of Ultima™, a new browser-based online strategy game is available worldwide for free* starting today. Lord of Ultima immerses players in a brand-new, deeply-rich strategy game set within the Ultima universe. The game introduces innovative social features, such as advanced trading, alliance creation, online chat and community forums, which make for an endlessly entertaining experience.

“Lord of Ultima was designed to ensure that everyone, from strategy newcomers to diehard fans, can make it to the top of the leader board,” said Volker Wertich, Creative Director at Phenomic. “Phenomic is committed to building dynamic communities that delight players as they interact with the game, each other and the legendary world of Ultima.”

To become the Lord of Ultima, players will master the arts of diplomacy and trade, as well as the military activities of spying, plundering, and the takeover of enemy cities. Set in the new world of Caledonia, players start the game as eager conquerors in the early stages of raising an empire, and then move from developing a humble village and evolving it into a prosperous, highly customized capital. Players can flourish as peaceful merchants by trading resources over land or sea and using diplomacy. They can also become feared conquerors, by creating mighty armies of knights and mages to crush enemies.

Lord of Ultima is a free-to-play MTX browser-based game. No download or installation is needed and players do not need to register to play. Lord of Ultima is available in English and German and is playable now by visiting www.lordofultima.com.

*Internet Connection Required