3DO added to its "massively multiplayer" Meridian 59 universe on Thursday as it announced an upgrade to the title.

　　Current players in 3DO's Meridian 59 game will automatically get the upgrade, called Renaissance, when they log-on or purchase a US$9.95 collector's disk. New users can download the Meridian 59 world (95MB) from the company's Web site.

　　"When we first began work on Renaissance we looked at what we had done in the past and realized that the Meridian engine had yet to be exploited to its fullest extent. As a result, we went crazy adding all sorts of fantastic graphical enhancements as well as adding to the ever-growing intrigue and story Meridian 59 is known for," said Nicholas Beliaeff, Executive Producer, The 3DO Company. "And, we remain committed to updating the product with new releases and additions."

　　3DO reports that the Meridian world has gone through a "visually pleasing face-lift" with new buidlings, new non-player characters, and new monsters. Most of the enhancements occur in the players area (Raza/Hazar) where members first enter the game, and in Meridian's oldest and most populated city Tos. New to the game is a new section of the world called Necropolis that includes nine new areas as well as a darker plotline.

　　Another new addition to the Meridian world is the inclusion of Sacred Haven, an area set aside for those who would prefer no player-killing in their RPG world. Haven looks and functions just like the rest of the universe except that killing other players isn't possible. Both new players and current players will be able to access Sacred Haven.