Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: DOS, FM Towns, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PC-9800 Series
- Developers: Looking Glass Technologies
- Publishers: Origin Systems
Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds (1993)
A Deeper Dive into the Dungeons of Britannia
Released in 1993, Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds is the sequel to the groundbreaking Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss. Developed by Looking Glass Studios and published by Origin Systems, UU2 is a first-person role-playing game that takes place in the fantasy world of Britannia, one year after the events of Ultima VII: The Black Gate.
Story
In UU2, the evil Guardian has encased Castle Britannia and its occupants in a giant blackrock gem. The Avatar, the hero of Britannia, must travel to other worlds in order to free the castle from the Guardian’s spell.
The game begins in the sewers of Castle Britannia, where the Avatar discovers a blackrock gem that serves as a teleporter to other worlds. The Avatar must travel to these worlds in order to find the eight Elemental Shards, which are the key to defeating the Guardian.
The eight worlds of UU2 are each unique, with their own environments, creatures, and puzzles. The Avatar must use all of his or her skills to survive in these worlds and find the Elemental Shards.
Gameplay
UU2 is a first-person role-playing game with a focus on exploration and combat. The player controls the Avatar from a first-person perspective, and can move freely through the game world. The game features a real-time combat system, in which the player must use a variety of weapons and spells to defeat enemies.
UU2 also features a number of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress through the game. These puzzles range from simple environmental puzzles to complex logic puzzles.
Graphics and Sound
UU2 features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s environments are detailed and atmospheric, and the character models are well-animated. The game also features a soundtrack that is both beautiful and haunting.
Reception
UU2 was critically acclaimed upon release, and is considered to be one of the best role-playing games of all time. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and challenging puzzles. UU2 was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
UU2 has had a lasting impact on the RPG genre. The game’s first-person perspective, real-time combat, and focus on exploration have been adopted by many other RPGs. UU2 is also credited with helping to popularize the dungeon crawler subgenre.
Conclusion
Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds is a classic RPG that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, immersive world, and challenging puzzles make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Detailed Analysis
Gameplay
UU2’s gameplay is a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The player controls the Avatar from a first-person perspective, and can move freely through the game world. The game features a real-time combat system, in which the player must use a variety of weapons and spells to defeat enemies.
The game world is divided into a number of different areas, each with its own unique environment and creatures. The player must explore these areas in order to find the Elemental Shards and defeat the Guardian.
The game also features a number of puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress through the game. These puzzles range from simple environmental puzzles to complex logic puzzles.
Character Development
The player can create a custom character at the beginning of the game. The player can choose the character’s race, gender, and class. The character’s race and class will affect their stats and abilities.
The player can also develop their character’s skills and abilities as they progress through the game. The player can earn experience points by defeating enemies and completing quests. Experience points can be used to purchase new skills and abilities.
Combat
UU2 features a real-time combat system. The player can use a variety of weapons and spells to defeat enemies. The player can also use the environment to their advantage, such as by using cover to avoid enemy attacks.
The game features a variety of different enemies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The player must use different strategies to defeat different enemies.
Puzzles
UU2 features a number of different puzzles that the player must solve in order to progress through the game. These puzzles range from simple environmental puzzles to complex logic puzzles.
The game’s puzzles are designed to be challenging but fair. The player must use their wits and problem-solving skills to solve the puzzles.
Graphics and Sound
UU2 features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s environments are detailed and atmospheric, and the character models are well-animated. The game also features a soundtrack
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
