Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss and its sequel, Labyrinth of Worlds, deliver a pioneering first-person RPG experience that still resonates decades later. The first installment throws you into the depths of the Stygian Abyss, offering a non-linear approach to exploration and quest-solving. From the moment you pick locks and mix potions to deciphering secret passages, the game rewards curiosity and creativity.

Labyrinth of Worlds builds on this foundation by expanding the scope of environments and introducing a portal system that transports you to parallel dimensions. Each world has its own rules, hazards, and puzzles, encouraging you to adapt your strategy. Combat remains real-time but incorporates more advanced enemy AI and a wider selection of spells and weapons, making every skirmish feel fresh.

Both games share a robust skill system that lets you mold your character over time. Whether you prefer stealth, swordsmanship, or sorcery, you’ll need to balance attributes like strength, dexterity, and intelligence—and invest experience points wisely. This deep customization ensures high replayability: no two playthroughs will be exactly alike.

Graphics

When Ultima Underworld first arrived in 1992, its texture-mapped 3D engine was nothing short of revolutionary. The low-resolution walls, floors, and ceilings may look dated by today’s standards, but they convey a raw atmosphere that modern high-definition visuals can’t easily replicate. Dimly lit corridors and flickering torches foster a genuine sense of tension.

The sequel refines the graphical engine, offering smoother animations and more varied textures. Labyrinth of Worlds introduces new environmental assets—icy caverns, lava flows, and alien temples—that showcase the developers’ expanding vision. Despite the limited color palette, clever use of shading and sprite-based monsters breathe life into each setting.

Both games support resolution upgrades and community-made texture packs, making it possible to blend nostalgia with modern polish. Whether you stick to the original pixelated charm or apply a high-res overhaul, the graphic style remains integral to the immersive dungeon-crawling experience.

Story

In The Stygian Abyss, you assume the role of a lone adventurer tasked with rescuing a kidnapped baron from the clutches of the mad flesh sculptor, the Guardian. The narrative unfolds through journals, NPC dialogue, and environmental clues, crafting a layered mystery that rewards careful exploration. Each level of the abyss introduces new lore fragments, inviting you to piece together the Guardian’s tragic origin.

Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds transports you beyond the Abyss, as Lord British calls upon you to investigate dimensional fractures threatening Britannia itself. You journey through six distinct realms, from the desert world of Geminor to the astral planes of Verunia. Each realm’s story is self-contained yet interconnected, weaving a tapestry of political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and cosmic horror.

Both titles lean heavily on player-driven discovery. There are no hand-holding quest markers or cutscenes every few minutes. Instead, the plot emerges organically as you interact with NPCs, read in-game manuscripts, and solve contextual puzzles. This approach empowers you to chart your own course through the narrative, fostering a stronger sense of agency.

Overall Experience

Together, Ultima Underworld I & II form a landmark package that shaped the modern RPG genre. The blend of free-form exploration, real-time mechanics, and deep worldbuilding offers an experience that few contemporary titles replicate. For veterans of classic RPGs, revisiting the series feels like plugging into the genre’s DNA; newcomers will discover just how demanding—and rewarding—dungeon-crawling can be.

There are challenges to overcome: inventory management can be finicky, save systems require manual diligence, and the learning curve is steep. However, these aspects hark back to a time when trial-and-error taught valuable lessons, and each hard-won victory felt all the sweeter. The games’ mod community has smoothed many rough edges, providing quality-of-life patches that preserve the original spirit.

Ultimately, this two-game collection stands as a testament to ambition and innovation. Whether you’re marveling at the emergent gameplay of the Abyss or charting new worlds beyond Britannia, you’ll find an engrossing journey that transcends its age. For anyone seeking a cornerstone of RPG history—or simply an unforgettable fantasy adventure—Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss and Labyrinth of Worlds remain essential plays.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10