Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The gameplay in Ultima: Runes of Virtue II preserves the core action-RPG mechanics of its predecessor while introducing subtle refinements that keep the experience fresh. You control the Avatar from an overhead perspective, navigating labyrinthine dungeons, solving environmental puzzles, and battling an array of creatures loyal to the Black Knight. Each area feels distinct, offering new traps, switch puzzles, and strategically placed enemies that demand a combination of quick reflexes and thoughtful planning.

One of the most engaging aspects is the choice of four different character avatars at the outset. Although the primary abilities remain similar—melee attacks, magic spells, and shield blocks—each avatar’s design lends a slightly different feel to exploration and combat. This diversity encourages replayability, as you may find that particular characters handle specific enemy types or terrain challenges more effectively.

Difficulty settings further tailor the experience, with three modes ranging from forgiving to punishingly exacting. In Easy mode, health pickups are more plentiful and enemy damage is reduced, making it ideal for newcomers to action-RPGs. Medium and Hard intensify enemy aggression, decrease item drops, and introduce more complex trap sequences, rewarding players who have mastered the game’s mechanics in the original Runes of Virtue.

Puzzle elements are woven seamlessly into the hack-and-slash framework. Levers, pressure plates, and movable blocks appear organically alongside foe encounters, creating moments where careful observation is as critical as combat prowess. This blend of action and brain-teasing design keeps the gameplay loop satisfying across the game’s roughly six to eight-hour length.

Graphics

Visually, Runes of Virtue II shines with vibrant 16-bit graphics that capture the charm of early 1990s console RPGs. The color palette ranges from the gloomy, torchlit corridors of the Black Knight’s castle to sunlit outdoor vistas filled with lush greenery. Environments are distinct and memorable, ensuring that players never lose track of progression even in the maze-like dungeons.

Character and enemy sprites are well-animated, with smooth attack and death sequences that convey a satisfying sense of impact. Magic effects, such as fireballs and lightning strikes, stand out against darker backgrounds and add visual flair to battles. Even minor NPCs—like merchants or rescued soldiers—have enough detail to imbue the world with atmosphere.

Though the hardware’s limitations mean that objects can sometimes appear blocky at close zoom, the overall art direction compensates with carefully chosen hues and clear iconography. Health potions, keys, and scrolls are easily identifiable, preventing confusion during heated moments. The occasional flicker during intense action is minor compared to the cohesive visual identity the game maintains throughout.

Lighting effects, such as the glow from torches or the sparkling runes on certain doors, add depth to otherwise flat surfaces. These touches reinforce the magical theme of Britannia and heighten the sense of discovery when uncovering hidden passages or secret chambers.

Story

The narrative of Runes of Virtue II is straightforward yet effective: the Black Knight, driven by boredom, abducts Lord Tholden and threatens the fragile peace in Britannia. Lord British, in his infinite wisdom, dispatches the Avatar to rescue Tholden and restore order. While the premise may feel familiar, it provides just enough incentive to drive exploration across diverse locales.

Storytelling is primarily delivered through brief text dialogues with NPCs and interstitial cutscenes between major dungeon segments. These snippets reveal hints about the Black Knight’s motives and the history of runic magic in Britannia. Although not as deep as later Ultima entries, the plot offers a satisfying backdrop for the game’s action-puzzle design.

Character interactions are limited but purposeful: rescued captives thank you for liberating them, and shopkeepers provide tidbits about rumored treasure chambers or hidden traps. These moments reinforce the Avatar’s role as Britannia’s champion and tie the gameplay to the broader Ultima mythos without bogging players down in lengthy exposition.

Fans of the Ultima series will appreciate the return to familiar lore, from the names of champions to the emphasis on virtue runes as cornerstones of magical power. For newcomers, the story serves as a clear and motivating directive, ensuring that each victory feels tied to the ultimate goal of thwarting the Black Knight’s schemes.

Overall Experience

Ultima: Runes of Virtue II delivers a tightly focused action-RPG experience that balances combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. With its intuitive controls and accessible difficulty options, it welcomes players of varying skill levels while still offering enough challenge for veterans. The pacing is generally well-judged, with checkpointed saves before major boss encounters and periodic shops to restock supplies.

Replay value is high thanks to multiple character choices and difficulty settings. Once you’ve mastered the medium level with one avatar, stepping up to Hard mode or experimenting with a different hero injects new life into familiar levels. Speedrunners and completionists will find joy in uncovering every secret room and unlocking all runic upgrades.

While the story isn’t the deepest in the Ultima canon, it’s perfectly suited to this game’s focused design. The cohesive blend of action and puzzles never overstays its welcome; the final confrontation with the Black Knight offers a fitting crescendo that rewards both skillful play and perseverance.

For fans of classic 16-bit RPGs, or anyone seeking a digestible yet satisfying journey through Britannia, Runes of Virtue II is a solid addition to the library. Its combination of crisp graphics, engaging gameplay loops, and light but motivating narrative make it a compelling choice for players looking to relive or discover the charm of early console role-playing adventures.

Retro Replay Score

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