Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The gameplay across Ultima: The Second Trilogy strikes a balance between deep role-playing mechanics and open-world exploration. In Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, players are introduced to an innovative virtue system that requires thoughtful choices—your actions define your moral alignment as you explore Britannia. Movement is tile-based, and combat is turn-based, giving you time to plan each engagement and experiment with non-violent solutions.

Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny builds on that foundation by adding more dynamic NPC interactions and environmental puzzles. The world responds to your avatar’s virtue reputation, and townsfolk react differently depending on your past deeds. Combat remains tactical, but you now command a party of companions with distinct abilities, encouraging more varied strategies during dungeon crawls.

Ultima VI: The False Prophet moves the series toward a more immersive, point-and-click interface without sacrificing depth. Exploration happens in real time, and inventory management is more intuitive, though still challenging. You’ll solve intricate riddles, negotiate with hostile forces, and recruit unexpected allies as the story unfolds, keeping gameplay fresh through each chapter.

Together, these three titles offer a cohesive evolution of mechanics. Veteran RPG fans will appreciate the gradual complexity increase, while newcomers can still jump in at Ultima IV for a classic experience. The Special Edition compendium ensures compatibility with modern systems, so the gameplay remains smooth and responsive.

Graphics

Visually, the Second Trilogy presents a remarkable transformation from 8-bit to 16-bit art styles. Ultima IV retains its charming, minimalist palette but uses increased resolution to render more detailed sprites and backgrounds. Floating text boxes and simple animations evoke nostalgia while delivering clearer visuals than the original releases.

In Ultima V, EGA graphics become more vibrant. Towns, forests, and dungeons all sport richer color schemes, and character portraits gain expressive details that help bring NPCs to life. The interface bars and inventory screens are polished, offering an attractive and functional layout for in-game menus.

Ultima VI showcases the biggest leap, introducing a more expansive color range and smoother animations. Terrain transitions—from grass to water to mountains—feel seamless, and spell effects sparkle with retro charm. Although dated by today’s standards, the graphics strike a perfect balance between clarity and classic pixel artistry.

Story

The narrative arc of the Second Trilogy is a landmark in RPG storytelling. Ultima IV sends you on a quest to become the Avatar, a paragon of eight virtues. Each temple you visit and every moral dilemma you face reinforces the series’ emphasis on ethical role-playing, making your journey as much about self-reflection as monster-slaying.

Ultima V raises the stakes with political intrigue: Lord Blackthorn’s corruption has thrown Britannia into tyranny, and the empire’s once-heroic champion has become a despot. As the true Avatar, you gather loyal allies, infiltrate forts, and liberate oppressed townsfolk. The plot weaves personal rivalries with broader social themes, ensuring each dungeon is more than just a gauntlet of foes.

In Ultima VI, the storyline shifts to a moral gray area when Gargoyles—long thought monstrous—are revealed to be organized and sympathetic. The “false prophet” twist challenges your assumptions and invites you to negotiate peace rather than pursue conquest. This nuanced final act elevates the trilogy from a simple good-versus-evil tale to a profound exploration of empathy and diplomacy.

Overall Experience

Ultima: The Second Trilogy stands as both a historical artifact and a timeless RPG collection. The Special Edition packaging simplifies installation on modern Windows and macOS platforms, with built-in DOSBox integration, ensuring the games run smoothly without complicated setup. Each title is accessible from a unified launcher, making it easy to switch between adventures.

For newcomers, this compendium offers a guided tour through the evolution of early CRPGs—starting with clear moral objectives in Ultima IV, moving through the political drama of Ultima V, and culminating in the philosophical questions of Ultima VI. Seasoned players will appreciate the nostalgia and the chance to revisit classic worlds with refreshed visuals and sound.

Whether you’re drawn by legendary lore, challenging quests, or deep ethical gameplay, the Second Trilogy delivers a satisfying package. The synergy between the three games creates a rich tapestry of world-building and character growth. Ultima fans and RPG enthusiasts alike will find hours of enthralling exploration, meaningful choices, and enduring adventure in this compendium.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10