Ultima Online is primed for an Asian fantasy makeover, now that Ultima Online: Samurai Empire has gone gold. Electronic Arts announced the expansion pack to the popular massively multiplayer online game has been sent to the factory, and it will ship as scheduled on November 2.

　　“We are right on track to deliver this exciting new experience to our fans next month,” said Samurai Empire producer Anthony Castoro. “We’re thrilled because we’re giving players everything they ask from a new expansion--new professions, lands, skills, and housing options. Beyond that, we’ve also added a unique locale and culture to Ultima Online, the exotic Tokuno Islands, a land of Samurai and Ninja.”

　　In addition to the gold announcement, EA also announced an in-game preorder incentive for the Ultima Online: Samurai Empire. Anyone who preorders the game will receive a Soulstone, an in-game artifact that will allow the storage and transfer of skill points between characters. Further information on the Soulstone can be found at the official Ultima Online Web site. More lore on Ultima Online: Samurai Empire can be unearthed in GameSpot's previous coverage of the game.