Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Ultima Collection brings together the first eight Ultima titles, their expansions, and the precursor Akalabeth: World of Doom into one comprehensive package. From the grid-based movement of Akalabeth to the free-form exploration of Ultima VII and VIII, this compilation showcases the evolution of role-playing mechanics over a decade. Early entries emphasize dungeon crawling and resource management, while later games introduce party-based tactics, real-time combat, and intricate puzzle-solving.

Each game retains its unique flavor: Ultima IV’s ethical Virtue system challenges players to embody ideals rather than simply defeat foes, whereas Ultima V and VI expand on interactive world elements—pressing switches, solving environmental puzzles, and conversing more deeply with NPCs. The dual add-ons for Ultima VII (Forge of Virtue and The Silver Seed) extend the core experience with new areas, quests, and mechanics that blend seamlessly into the main campaign.

While all titles are DOS-based, installation is straightforward, and manuals are provided in both Word and Windows Help formats. Modern players may wish to use DOSBox or community‐created installers to ensure smooth performance, but once running, the controls and interface feel remarkably accessible. Cursor keys or a mouse (in later titles) handle movement and interaction, making the compilation suitable for both nostalgia seekers and newcomers to classic RPG design.

Graphics

Graphical presentation within the Ultima Collection spans from simple wire-frame dungeons in Akalabeth to the richly detailed VGA towns and wilderness of Ultima VII and VIII. While the earliest games use monochrome or limited EGA palettes, these visuals carry a retro charm that fans of vintage computing will appreciate. As the series progresses, the artwork becomes more colorful and atmospheric, reflecting the hardware advancements of the late ’80s and early ’90s.

Ultima IV and V utilize an 8-bit palette that allows for recognizable character sprites and environmental details, while Ultima VI’s isometric perspective adds depth to indoor and outdoor areas. By Ultima VII and Pagan (VIII), landscapes are rendered in higher resolution with more nuanced shading, giving towns and dungeons a more immersive quality. Though the compilation does not upscale graphics automatically, optional fan-made patches can enhance resolutions and color palettes for modern displays.

Bonus materials—such as the Ultima Atlas and timeline printed on the inside cover—complement the on-screen visuals by providing physical maps and reference art. Even without high-definition textures, the original pixel work retains a nostalgic artistry that continues to inspire retro gaming communities and modders alike.

Story

The narrative arc across the Ultima series follows the rise of the Avatar, a hero summoned to Britannia to uphold the eight Virtues and thwart various manifestations of evil. Beginning with the basic “defeat the dungeon overlord” plot in Akalabeth, the saga deepens into ethical dilemmas, political intrigue, and cosmic threats. Ultima IV revolutionized RPG storytelling by imposing moral choices on players, setting the stage for richer character interactions in subsequent entries.

By Ultima VI and VII, the tales become sprawling epics involving interdimensional rifts, time travel, and the machinations of powerful sorcerers like Mondain, Minax, and the Guardian. The add-on scenarios (Forge of Virtue, Serpent Isle expansions, Silver Seed) weave new layers into the overarching mythos, revealing backstories, secret passages, and hidden artifacts that expand the scope of Britannia’s history. Each game feels like a self-contained novel yet contributes to a grand, cohesive universe.

The included video interview with Richard Garriott provides behind-the-scenes context on the series’ creation and vision for Ultima IX: Ascension. Listening to the creator discuss design philosophies and the world’s lore adds another dimension to the narrative, making the collection not only a playable anthology but also a documentary resource for enthusiasts of game history.

Overall Experience

As a single-disc compilation, Ultima Collection delivers tremendous value, bundling twelve core experiences and hours of bonus content into one box. The inclusion of every manual in both editable Word and Windows Help formats ensures that players have immediate access to maps, lore entries, and gameplay tips without hunting down rare printed materials. The Ultima Atlas, with its fold-out maps, remains a tangible highlight for collectors.

Setup on modern systems may require DOSBox or virtualization, but the community has produced straightforward installers that automate configuration. Once running, the compilation offers an uninterrupted journey through the evolution of PC role-playing, making it ideal for both nostalgia-driven replays and first-time explorations. The seamless menu lets you jump between titles, revisit favorite dungeons, or dive into unplayed adventures without needing separate disks or manual configuration.

For fans of classic RPGs and newcomers curious about gaming’s roots, Ultima Collection stands as an essential anthology. Its blend of historical significance, deep gameplay systems, evolving graphics, and rich storytelling provides a comprehensive look at how one franchise helped shape an entire genre. Whether you’re charting every mile of Sosaria or confronting the Guardian himself, this compilation offers countless hours of heroic adventure and exploration.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10