Ultima is one of gaming’s rags to riches stories. The sixth title in the series released on June 1^st 1990. This was the ending of the “Age of Enlightenment” trilogy. The sixth Ultima game also marked a change in the graphics, sound and interaction with the game world. These changes did not sit well with many fans. Gone were the icons on the map that became full blown towns, castles and dungeons when entered. They were replaced with the actual town, castle and more on the map. This kind of changed the landscape as far as travel was concerned. `Ultima VI also brought a major update to the graphics and sound effects featured in these games previously.  This is also one of those titles that fans simply won’t let go of.

Ultima VI is complex

If you are unfamiliar with the Ultima line of games, then sit down for a minute and read on. If you are, then just skip this paragraph to continue focus on Ultima VI. These games started life on the Apple II series computer. That is pretty old compared to today’s tech. EVERY Ultima game was developed with the Apple II series of computers in mind. At least until Ultima VI entered development. Nearly a decade and a lot of improved hardware came and went during that period. This level of dedication was due to older computers still being used in the late 80’s.

Ultima VI stepped into the future

Ultima VI was a departure from the previous titles due to its focus not being the Apple II computer line. Instead, VI was developed with IBM PC computers armed with VGA graphics cards and decent sound cards. This change in base hardware brought with it changes that could not have been done previously. Characters had portraits, more color was used, maps were bigger, more sound and music helped set the mood. Generally this was a sign that things must move forward. Sadly, the Apple II computer was never given a version of Ultima VI. The only 8-Bit computer to receive a port was the Commodore 64. Even that release was a severely crippled in comparison to the PC version. As with most changes like this, there were a few vocal pundits against it.

Pack-ins mattered back then

Ultima VI was released during a period when in box items were at an all-time high. There was a cloth map of Britannia included and a Moonstone. Try and get even a color manual today and see how you fare.

Ultima VI received a Deluxe Edition release. It saw the engine used in the Worlds of Ultima series and has seen massive fan support over the years. Fans have created an engine remake, Nuvie, and others have used Dungeon Siege to recreate the world of Ultima VI. There was even a massively multiplayer online game based on this seminal release.

Ultima VI: The False Prophet has seen release on the Commodore 64, FM Towns Marty and the Super Nintendo console. Ebay and Amazon have many of these available for purchase right now. Head here if you cannot get enough role-playing games in your life.

Carl Williams

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