...I felt like I was joining about 10 years too late - everyone knew everything, everyone had everything, and I basically felt like I was just messing about whilst everyone else had already done it all.
If you play alone, you'll basically be exploring new areas because then you do not have anyone tell you "been there, done that", but then, why play an mmo
If you start playing with a friend(s) then it's like above unless you read about everything on the internet.
If you start playing, join a guild then you'll be joining the old timers club where people makes you feel welcome because YOU are new and fresh to them, unlike the rest of the game.
And I agree with jocan. Nostalgia tripping. I got the title screen music (stones) on my player and even then i feel the nostalgia every time.
Yeah, despite my post above. Playing alone you'd definitely feel a lot of discovery. But for me, Ultima Online and MMOs in general are best as a social experience.
I don't really get a sense of discovery, because I joined a guild and the guild leader has given me a lot of info and advice/help. But, it is true. The guild (and community in game) really do make me feel welcome. There isn't any "GO AWAY NOOB" or anything like that. Everyone is actually really friendly and happy to help. If someone offers items or whatever, can always respectively decline and say you'd like to earn them yourself. They won't be offended or anything, so no harm in declining.
But in general, I think how awesome the community is in UO is my favorite part. Which is (for me anyway) the most important part about an MMO. Never been a fan of playing on an MMO or server with a bunch of rude people. Plus the game is pretty fun as well. A lot of ways to play.