Summary

Release Year: 1981
Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Apple II, Apple IIGS, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, FM Towns, MSX2
Publishers: California Pacific Computer, Electronic Arts, Fujitsu, Origin Systems, Pony Canyon, Sierra On-Line, Vitesse Inc.

Ultima: The Birth of a Role-Playing Legend

Released in 1981, Ultima was one of the first graphical role-playing games (RPGs) ever created, and it quickly became a groundbreaking success. Developed by Richard Garriott, Ultima introduced many innovative features that would become staples of the RPG genre, including a vast open world, a complex character system, and a deep and engaging storyline.

A Revolutionary RPG

Prior to Ultima, most RPGs were text-based adventures that took place in a single dungeon or castle. Ultima, however, was set in a vast and open world that players could explore at their leisure. The game featured a variety of towns, dungeons, and other locations, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.

Ultima also introduced a complex character system that allowed players to create and customize their own characters. Players could choose from a variety of races and classes, and each character had their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This level of character customization was unprecedented at the time, and it allowed players to create truly unique and memorable characters.

Finally, Ultima featured a deep and engaging storyline that kept players hooked from beginning to end. The game’s story was complex and well-developed, and it featured a cast of memorable characters that players could interact with. Ultima’s story was one of the first to truly capture the imagination of RPG players, and it set a new standard for storytelling in the genre.

A Lasting Legacy

Ultima’s influence on the RPG genre cannot be overstated. The game’s innovative features and groundbreaking story helped to define the genre, and its legacy can still be seen in modern RPGs today. Ultima’s success also helped to pave the way for other graphical RPGs, such as The Bard’s Tale and Wizardry.

In addition to its impact on the RPG genre, Ultima also had a significant impact on the video game industry as a whole. The game’s success helped to prove that there was a market for graphical RPGs, and it encouraged other developers to create their own RPGs. Ultima also helped to raise the profile of the video game industry, and it played a role in making video games more mainstream.

A Timeless Classic

Ultima is a timeless classic that is still enjoyed by RPG fans today. The game’s innovative features, groundbreaking story, and memorable characters have ensured its place in gaming history. If you’re a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Ultima.

Ultima: The First Age of Darkness

In 1986, Ultima was re-released as Ultima: The First Age of Darkness. This enhanced version of the game featured improved graphics, sound, and gameplay. Ultima: The First Age of Darkness is considered to be the definitive version of the game, and it is the version that is most commonly played today.

Ultima’s Legacy

Ultima’s legacy is vast and far-reaching. The game’s innovative features and groundbreaking story have had a profound impact on the RPG genre, and its influence can still be seen in modern RPGs today. Ultima also helped to pave the way for other graphical RPGs, and it played a role in making video games more mainstream.

Review Score

9.5/10

Publisher: Vitesse Inc.

Ultima (1981)