Ultima X: Odyssey Interview, Part One

MMORPGDot begun a new series of interviews with Origin's Jon "Calandryll" Hanna in order to learn more about the upcoming Ultima X: Odyssey. In today's first installment, they ask the lead designer quite a few general questions about the game. A snippet:
Q: Is there an (end game) feature for those who advance more rapidly?

A: Sure. UXO has a very robust ladder-based Player vs. Player combat system for both duelling and guild combat. The great thing about our ladder system is that you don't have to play 40 hours a week to advance up the ladder. Because it's based on ratings (rather than straight win/loss ratio) all you have to do is fight players in and around your rating and as long as you win some of those fights your rating will improve. On top of that, there will be quests that only the most advanced characters can undertake and players will always want to acquire better and more powerful (and cooler looking) items.

Additionally, as players progress through quests they can advance to the level of the Avatar, almost a God-like status, which will involve overcoming some very intriguing challenges which when overcome allows the players to acquire even a higher level of power. Attaining this status could also be seen by players as an (end game). But even after you become an Avatar there is still plenty to do.