Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ultima Underworld II builds upon the pioneering 3D action-RPG framework of its predecessor, offering a richly interactive environment where almost every object can be moved, examined, or used as part of a puzzle. Combat remains real-time and visceral, blending swordplay, archery, and an expanded suite of spells. This hands-on approach keeps you constantly engaged, whether you’re dodging traps or fending off creatures in cramped corridors.

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Character creation is robust, allowing you to define the Avatar’s gender, class, and a diverse range of initial skills—from weapon proficiencies to diplomacy and bartering. As you explore the labyrinthine levels, you’ll earn experience points to level up, boosting hit points and mana. Trainers scattered across the worlds let you specialize further, so you can develop a nimble rogue, a devastating mage, or a hybrid that suits your preferred playstyle.

Puzzle design in Underworld II shines with its blend of environmental challenges and inventory-based solutions. You’ll manipulate levers, rotate statues, and combine items in clever ways to progress. The teleporter gemstones link distinct realms, each with its own physics quirks and hazards, keeping exploration fresh. This layered structure rewards curiosity, as secret passages and hidden notes frequently yield powerful artifacts or shortcuts.

Graphics

Graphically, Ultima Underworld II makes a noticeable leap over the original. The viewing window has grown, presenting a wider field of vision that enhances situational awareness. Textures and wall patterns are more detailed, helping each dungeon and world feel visually distinct. From gleaming ice caverns to the alien vistas of Talorus, the environments are richly themed and atmospheric.

Monster art has been significantly improved, with new sprite animations that breathe life into denizens like spectral wraiths or crystalline golems. Each enemy type features its own attack motions and death frames, adding variety to combat encounters. Subtle effects—glowing runes on magical seals or flickering torchlight—help immerse you in the world even on modest hardware.

Sound design complements the visuals with digitized effects that range from metallic clangs of your sword against armor to eerie echoes in the Ethereal Void. While the musical score remains minimal, ambient noises—water dripping, distant howls, or the hum of arcane machinery—build tension. Together, these audiovisual improvements deepen the sense of exploration and danger.

Story

The narrative picks up one year after the fall of the Guardian in Ultima VII: The Black Gate. Lord British’s celebration is shattered when the Guardian returns, encasing Castle Britannia in an ominous blackrock gem. The drama kicks off in the castle’s sewers, where you discover a companion gem that serves as a gateway to multiple worlds controlled by the Guardian’s lingering influence.

Each realm you visit—whether the frostbitten expanses of the ice world, the alien landscapes of Talorus, or the surreal corridors of the Ethereal Void—unfolds new lore and challenges. Quests often tie back to the central goal of freeing Britannia, but side stories, moral choices, and NPC interactions enrich the journey. Dialogue options allow you to employ diplomacy or intimidation, making conversation a mini-game of its own.

Story integration with the broader Ultima mythos feels deeper than in the first Underworld. References to familiar faces, recurring artifacts, and the philosophical struggle against the Guardian give deliberate weight to your actions. While the high-concept premise can be sprawling, the consistent through-line of rescuing your homeland provides a strong narrative backbone.

Overall Experience

Ultima Underworld II strikes a remarkable balance between action, exploration, and role-playing depth. Its open-ended design encourages you to chart your own course, whether you’re meticulously mapping every corridor or charging headlong into dangerous territory. The sense of discovery—unearthing hidden chambers, solving environmental puzzles, or stumbling upon a train of thought that reveals a plot twist—is immensely satisfying.

While the interface and controls feel dated by modern standards, they remain intuitive once you acclimate. Inventory management and spellcasting menus are straightforward, and keyboard shortcuts speed up common actions. The game’s difficulty is well-tuned: you’ll die if you rush in unprepared, but retreating to train skills or gather supplies keeps progression fair.

For RPG enthusiasts and fans of immersive sims, Ultima Underworld II delivers a richly rewarding experience. Its ambitious level design, engaging storytelling, and deep mechanics continue to influence modern titles. Though nearly three decades old, its spirit of exploration and player agency remains unparalleled, making it a must-play for anyone interested in the roots of 3D role-playing games.

Retro Replay Score

8/10