Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Ultima I–VI Series compilation brings together six pioneering role-playing games that laid the foundation for modern open-world RPGs. From Ultima I’s sparse but groundbreaking dungeon crawl to Ultima VI’s richly interconnected world, the gameplay evolves dramatically across the collection. Players form and manage a party, explore vast overworlds, delve into dungeons, and interact with NPCs through simple text commands or menu-driven options. This continuum of mechanics allows newcomers to appreciate the gradual deepening of complexity while veterans can revisit classic systems in one package.

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Each installment offers its own flavor of exploration and challenge. Ultima I and II emphasize basic combat and simple puzzle-solving, whereas Ultima III introduces a party system with character classes and more elaborate dungeons. Ultima IV revolutionizes the genre by shifting the focus from defeating a final boss to living by the Eight Virtues, encouraging nonviolent solutions and moral choices. Ultima V and VI further refine the interface with tile-based graphics, real-time day/night cycles, and more dynamic NPC behaviors—such as townsfolk going about their routines or reacting to the player’s actions in nuanced ways.

Alongside the six games, the inclusion of complete instruction manuals and full-color map reproductions on heavy paper elevates the tactile experience. Rather than relying solely on in-game automaps or simplistic overlays, players can reference authentic, detailed maps just as early fans did in the 1980s. This integration of physical and digital gameplay elements makes dungeon navigation, secret passages, and hidden treasures more satisfying, while fostering a sense of genuine discovery and adventure.

Graphics

Graphically, the series offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of PC visuals. Ultima I and II feature blocky, low-resolution graphics typical of early home computers, yet they capture a distinct fantasy charm. As you progress to Exodus: Ultima III and beyond, the palette and detail expand, showcasing richer environments, more varied creature designs, and improved animations. Fans can appreciate how EGA and VGA capabilities were pushed to their limits, bringing towns, castles, and wild landscapes to life with pixel art that still holds nostalgic appeal today.

The compilation preserves each game’s original assets, ensuring authenticity while providing modern display compatibility. Whether you choose to play in a windowed mode or full-screen, the visuals maintain crispness without distortion. Moreover, the heavy-paper reproductions of the original hand-drawn maps provide a delightful contrast to the digital screens, allowing players to see how graphical representations translated from physical artwork to on-screen tiles—a tribute to the artistry behind the series.

Even with their vintage look, the environments remain evocative. Dark, torch-lit caverns in Ultima I feel claustrophobic; pastoral villages in Ultima IV exude warmth; and the architectural complexity of Ultima VI’s Britannia shows off intricate design. For modern players accustomed to 3D engines, the flat tiles may seem quaint, but the evocative color schemes, creative sprite work, and carefully crafted layouts continue to immerse players in a mythic world that feels alive and brimming with possibility.

Story

The narrative arc of Ultima I–VI unfolds from simple hero-versus-tyrant tales to profound explorations of morality, free will, and the nature of virtue. Ultima I begins with the Avatar’s quest to defeat Mondain, a malevolent wizard, setting the stage for an expanding mythos. Ultima II transports the hero across time and space, introducing a galactic dimension and the quest to stop the evil Enchantress. By Ultima III, the stakes rise as the player battles Exodus, a powerful demonic force threatening Britannia.

In Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, Richard Garriott shifted the series’ focus from slaying villains to embodying the Eight Virtues—Honesty, Compassion, Valor, Justice, Sacrifice, Honor, Spirituality, and Humility. This moral compass transforms gameplay decisions, from donating money to the poor to treating prisoners fairly, and resonates throughout the subsequent sequels. Ultima V and VI weave these virtues into more intricate storylines, delving into political intrigue, the corruption of noble houses, and ultimately, the reconciliation between humans and the Gargoyle race in The False Prophet.

The comprehensive instruction manuals included in this collection enrich the storytelling with period-authentic lore, character sketches, and developer notes. The physical maps help players visualize the breadth of Britannia and its outlying realms. Together, the manuals and maps not only serve as gameplay aids but also as collectible artifacts that deepen the connection to the series’ enduring mythology.

Overall Experience

The Ultima I–VI Series compilation is a treasure trove for both retro enthusiasts and newcomers curious about the roots of computer role-playing games. Offering six complete titles, faithfully reproduced manuals, and high-quality map prints, this package delivers unparalleled value. The seamless integration of physical collectibles and digital software fosters a sense of immersion rarely found in modern re-releases, making it a standout for anyone interested in gaming history or classic fantasy adventures.

While some mechanics might feel dated—such as text-based dialogue prompts or tile-by-tile movement—the series’ charm, depth, and innovation shine through. The moral framework established in Ultima IV continues to influence today’s narrative-driven RPGs, and the progression from simple quest structures to expansive, choice-driven worlds remains compelling. Technical enhancements, such as compatibility with modern operating systems and smooth display scaling, ensure a hassle-free experience for contemporary players.

Ultimately, the Ultima I–VI Series is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a masterclass in foundational RPG design. Whether you’re charting your first course through the Colossal Cave-inspired dungeons of Ultima I or grappling with the philosophical tenets of Virtue in Ultima IV, this compilation offers countless hours of exploration, strategy, and storytelling. For anyone seeking to understand the genre’s origins or simply to relive the golden age of PC role-playing, this series is an essential addition to your library.

Retro Replay Score

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