Easing into the mechanics, minutiae, and overall obscurity of the game is a different beast entirely, but a lot of things in there, while worn out over time, have a handworn feel like none other, which itch just the right niche.
Oh, yes. A greenfield game can just decide on mechanics, but UO is of course a continuous title with evolving technology and capabilities over decades! I never played the classic OSI (Official) server in the 90's or early 2000's and was introduced to freeshards directly nearly 15 years after the original launch. It feels a bit like digital archeology or anthropology from that perspective.
I was interesting in the scriptable clients, and endlessly tunable character development, as well as the idea of risk vs reward gameplay. To my great surprise, there seemed to be a vibrant and thriving social community in this thing that I and everyone else would have pointed to as a Dead World. Recommended.
For sure. Significant strides to be had with Razor, the accompanying script utility.
> as well as the idea of risk vs reward gameplay.
Be wary of the old heads that happen to stick with their solo thieves and PKs. For all intents and purposes, see where the biggest clans are raiding.
> To my great surprise, there seemed to be a vibrant and thriving social community in this thing that I and everyone else would have pointed to as a Dead World. Recommended
Many a legend even poured over from back in the day, with guys like Funeral, a player killer. Though, deco people are less notorious.