The Wing Commander CIC reports that BioWare Mythic is planning on releasing a series of “booster packs” to enhance Ultima Online in new and exciting ways.

The recent Town Hall event was the venue for the new ‘High Seas’ booster pack. What’s a booster pack? It’s a little different than the retail expansion packs released over the last dozen years. The developers acknowledge it’s unlikely we’ll see another boxed UO release anytime soon, but the game universe is being enhanced with a new series of ‘booster’ updates. The first one significantly revamps the sea faring aspect of the game. All players will benefit from the new boats and boat movement system, and for $15, players on the ‘High Seas’ will engage in an expansive ship combat system and marine market. The full digital release should be available in the next few months, and players can participate in the open beta now.

So if, O Dragons and Dragonettes, any of you happens to be an active Ultima Online player, head thee on over to the UO Herald and sign up for the beta!

Update: Cear Dragon also brought to my attention the fact that today, September 28th, is also the kickoff date for Mythic’s “Return of the Legends” celebration/event.

BioWare Mythic has summoned all former Ultima Online, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning and Dark Age of Camelot players to join the Return of the Legends Re-Enlistment Celebration, beginning today, September 28. Returning legends will receive a hero’s welcome with free game time, bonuses, and events for the former players returning to the lands of Britannia, The Old World and Camelot.

Ultima Online’s 14-Day Return to Britannia re-enlistment campaign will be available from September 28 through October 11.

As part of the Return of the Legends celebration, the brand new expansion, Ultima Online: High Seas is being launched on October 12. All returning players will be able to play on the High Seas Beta Test Shard to get a taste of ship to ship combat and piracy on the Sosarian seas.

Returning Ultima Online players can reactivate their account here.