Ultima Underworld

2 Responses to “Ultima Underworld”

1. HO WON PARK says:

   March 7, 2010 at 4:06 am

   Lo and Behold Guys~
   Ultima Underworld series are wonderful stuff.
   Yes.. This is ancient game. But, This one is better than Starwars online in some case.
   It shows what real dungeon is. real Adventure.
   Try Try!!
   Rating: 5 / 5
2. Shawn Smith says:

   March 7, 2010 at 4:21 am

   What was the first 3D, first-person shooter? A lot of people today would say Doom. A few who are a bit more in the know would tell you it was Wolfenstein 3D. Nearly nobody would say anything about Ultima Underworld.

   This game hit the shelves before long before Wolfenstein 3D. (An early demo, in fact, was an inspiration for that game.) When you compare the two, you will be amazed. Although primitive by today’s standards, the graphics and mapping are incredible. This game is superior in every way to its better known contemporary. You face a greater variety of foes, have more available weapons (and modes of attack) and have an opportunity to develop your skills as you progress. The game environment itself is vastly different, the parapet are textured and curve (as opposed to flat and blocky). You can swim, run and jump. You can also cooperate with various items in a way not available in Wolfenstein.

   Another major difference between the two is that this game has a storyline. Although it is only marginally related to the main series, you play the Avatar of Virtue, hero of the original Ultima series. You are on a quest to rescue a damsel in distress, save the world from an indestructible demon and prove your innocence in the process.

   You explore a seven level dungeon and cooperate with a variety of characters—most of them friendly. In your quest you must collect several powerful magical artifacts, some made for you and some incidentally useful. The backstory is fascinating in itself, as you learn about how the Abyss was populated and the groups broke into warring factions.

   There are also a couple of droll Easter eggs planted throughout the game, the most fascinating of which caught me really off guard.

   Although the game engine and graphics are, as I said, primitive by today’s standards, this game has worn well. Since it has a lot more to offer than point-and-shoot, let’s-spray-some-blood, violence, aging graphics cannot undo the charm and interest of this game.

   Try it out for yourself, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
   Rating: 4 / 5