Ultima IX: Ascension shipped amid a flurry of hype and high expectations but was met with general disappointment after gamers experienced slow performance. To alleviate these problems, Origin recently set up a FAQ on the company's web site, which addresses several problems and offers gamers some advice on tweaking the game for optimum performance.

　　This morning, Origin went a step further. In an open letter posted on www.ultima9.com, Origin general manager Jack Heistand stated that all registered owners of Ascension will receive a free installation CD that contains a number of fixes and patches.

　　"Origin has committed to send out new copies of the Ultima IX: Ascension install CD (CD #1 in the box you purchased) to all officially registered customers as soon as development and testing on the patches are complete and we are satisfied with the results," offered Heistand.

　　No word has been given as to when testing on the updated CD will be complete. Origin is extending this offer until March 31, 2000. Owners of Ascension can register their copy through the link on the right.