Hello!
I've played UltimaOnline for some time until 2009.
Started a customized shard in POL back days... But a nolstagia is hitting me for the last weeks. And like many says: No one ever leave UO.
I've working out a idea to start a heavily customized Ultima Online server...
And i've decided to start looking for some information.
The idea is to create a server based on survival.
I know the idea is overused lately. But mostly by action games... I want something slower and more tactical. So why not UO?
I'm in doubt ( for lack of information ) about the server i should use. Sphere or UOX.
My heart is open here. I don't know wich one is better, and not interested in that, i just want to know who will be better for the project.
Can someone help me out? My considerations are:
1) World Building:
Back in 2003 there was a good world forge tool. This will be essencial now...
Theres still a good tool around? Is it possible to create a world from scratch?
The world will not be large as original Brit, it will more of a small island, more fitted for the possible low population ( if any ).
2) UO Client and server:
What can i do nowdays with UOX?
2.1) 2D or 3D?
2.2) Enhanced Client?
2.3) Weather ( simple rain or snow )?
2.4) Considering the use of IRIS, is it possible?
3) Graphics customization:
Besides HUE, is it possible to add new graphics for houses, items, menus?
4) The skill system:
I will probably change it... a lot. Since the server will be based in resource deprivation i cannot use the classic "craft x things" system.
Will UOX allow me to change that?
5) Housing system:
Will be something based on "land claiming".
With UOX i will be able to let the player "own" a portion of land without the need of placing a house?
6) Any tips or opinions?
Common, shot.
Thanks very much for reading!
Ease in
I don't have a lot of time to post, but if you have a lot of time, you can do most of what you want with UO as it is now.
I can't remember the tools I've used, but I've dabbled in map-building. Usually you have to do a pixel-mapped bit map and it gets translated to the land. Then you flesh it out. It is a PAIN IN THE REAR. I believe the map is something like 24MP, yeah, that's 24 MILLION pixels you get to flesh out. After doing the crude work, the fine-tuning become tedious.
I went back to Britannia. You seriously would need a team to work it out in order to do it right (or just do a small world). The expansions have some worlds that might work for you?
As for Graphics, same type thing. Draw/edit in photoshop, save to a MUL file and then make sure everyone runs the same MUL file as you. I've done some minor stuff like changing the look of swords and armor in the paper doll. It works quite well.
Where it falls apart is the sprites. I've never edited the sprites, so I'm not sure if that can be done and how?
So basically you can edit paperdoll and world tiles, but editing the actual character stuff and animations might be a bit more complicated.
Unless you base your shard in Britannia, it's going to be a TON of work, but possible.
Good luck though!
I can't remember the tools I've used, but I've dabbled in map-building. Usually you have to do a pixel-mapped bit map and it gets translated to the land. Then you flesh it out. It is a PAIN IN THE REAR. I believe the map is something like 24MP, yeah, that's 24 MILLION pixels you get to flesh out. After doing the crude work, the fine-tuning become tedious.
I went back to Britannia. You seriously would need a team to work it out in order to do it right (or just do a small world). The expansions have some worlds that might work for you?
As for Graphics, same type thing. Draw/edit in photoshop, save to a MUL file and then make sure everyone runs the same MUL file as you. I've done some minor stuff like changing the look of swords and armor in the paper doll. It works quite well.
Where it falls apart is the sprites. I've never edited the sprites, so I'm not sure if that can be done and how?
So basically you can edit paperdoll and world tiles, but editing the actual character stuff and animations might be a bit more complicated.
Unless you base your shard in Britannia, it's going to be a TON of work, but possible.
Good luck though!