Ultima's graphics engine takes a step sideways

Hellogamer is reporting that Ultima's graphics engine has been retooled and scheduled to launch in 2007. While this is leaps and bounds from the present engine, its NOT going to look as good as a next-gen title. The reason? The refreshed graphics are using the existing platform, so if you're playing right now you'll be able to enjoy this and still keep all of your existing stuff. I'm curious if Ultima fans will be excited to keep their wares or dissapointed that the game is making a lateral move instead of evolving into a next-gen title. The new screens do look significantly better (before and after pictured), but if you compare this to the upcoming Tiberium Wars you have to wonder what kind of meager budget they've been given, as "Kingdom Reborn" will look dated the instant it hits the shelf. More screenshots