Origin Systems and Electronic Arts have announced that the often-delayed, highly anticipated finale to the Ultima series, Ultima IX: Ascension, has been released.

　　The latest installment brings gamers into a detailed world filled with more than 200 characters, full speech, and a script that is said to be long enough to fill an 18-hour movie. When you become the game's hero, known as the Avatar, you'll have to rid the land of the Guardian, an enemy who is tearing up the once-peaceful land of Britannia with eight massive columns that churn upward from dark dungeons below. As the columns grow, they wreak havoc on the land. On your quest, you'll battle more than 60 creatures, and you'll have the ability to conjure more than 45 spells.

　　"We want people to feel complete immersion when they play Ultima IX," says Richard Garriott, Origin's executive designer and the creator of the Ultima series. "From the music to the sound effects, from the people you meet to the adventures you encounter, this Ultima puts you in a virtual world like you've never seen before."

　　Sticking to its roots, Ascension features the Ultima Code of Virtues, which are based on your actions and decisions. The eight Virtues you can follow in the game include honesty, compassion, valor, justice, sacrifice, honor, spirituality and humility.

　　"The Virtues have always separated the Ultima series from other games in our industry," says Garriott. "It gives players something to ponder and forces them to make choices that reflect their true personality, just as in real life. Uphold the virtues and you'll save Britannia. Ignore them and you'll suffer the consequences."

　　For audiophiles, Ascension supports Creative Labs' EAX environmental audio along with Lucasfilm THX-certified audio. The sound track for the game also features a 60-piece orchestra.

　　Ultima IX: Ascension for Windows 95/98 should be available immediately for about US$49.99.