Jaesun
Fabulous Ex-Moderator
NOTE: I need to update this, but you can still follow the instructions here but you do NOT need to download the Avatar Pack. That is now a part of the Key Ring Mod. Just ignore all info on installing the Avatar Pack.
If you want to play Vanilla Ultima VII with NO mods but do want to play with the Avatar Pack then just follow the instructions on installing the Avatar Pack.
TL;DR version do NOT install the Keyring mod AND the Avatar Pack together.
So you whipped out your old copy of the Ultima CD Collection and have the urge to re-play one of the best RPG series of all time, Ultima VII The Black Gate and Ultima VII - Part 2 Serpent Isle but have no clue how to get it working. You have heard of DOSBox and possibly Exult but it is all so fucking confusing so you say "Jaesun you faggot! Tell me how to set this fucking thing up because it so fucking confusing!"
Well getting Ultima VII (Parts 1 and 2) could never be easier! In this guide I will show you how to set it up with the original music, sounds and also get it working with the latest mods available at this time!
For this guide I am assuming you have a WINDOWS (XP/Vista/7 COMPUTER) AND the Ultima CD Collection which includes Ultima VII Part 1 - The Black Gate AND The Forge of Virtue (Expansion Pack) and also Ultima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle AND The Silver Seed (Expansion Pack). Exult DOES NOT REQUIRE you to have the expansion packs, but seriously why would you play without them!
Ultima VII (both parts 1 and 2) work just fine in DOSBox (But you have to run the install program, set up your sound card, make some adjustments to DOSBox memory etc.....) FFFFFUUUUUU! With Exult you basically don't need to do much to get it running other than just downloading and installing the program. There are however some optional things that you will want to add to it (Such as the original music and sounds all recorded from a Roland Mt-32 sound card, which was intended for the game).
So let's get started shall we? If you look at the home page of Exult you might notice that page has not been updated since 2008. While they are not good at updating the home page the Exult engine is continuously updated.
The first steps we want to take is to FIRST copy both Ultima VII Part 1 and 2 to our hard drive. For this example we will copy both games to our C:\Ultima directory. On the Ultima collection CD, there are 2 directories. You will want to copy the directory ULTIMA7 and SERPENT directories to your C:\Ultima directory.
From the main Exult page click on the DOWNLOAD link at the top of that page. But first I need to clarify something (WARNING WALL OF TEXT).
There is a Official - v1.2 of Exult but we don't want to use that. Why? It's so fucking old, and is missing TONS of new stuff that the latest snapshot currently has. We are going to actually use and install the Exult 1.4.x Snapshots (Unstable) - use at your own risk! versions. Now you might be thinking "Jaesun! You faggot! IT SAYS IT IS UNSTABLE!! WTF MAN!" While yes they do label it Unstable it is actually the current best version to run. I have had NO problems and successfully finished both parts 1 and 2 using the 1.4 version. The 1.4 version is constantly updated, and they do a very good job of not having you need to start a new game with each update. So as you are playing, you might happen to see a newer version pop-up so you can just install the newest version and not have to worry about your save games (99.9% of the time). If you do happen to have 1.4 version installed and are playing and then notice a new version available DO read the ChangeLog to make sure there is no mention that you need to start a new game. THEY WILL MENTION if a new save game is required for that version, however 99.9% of the time, the new version will work just fine with existing save games. ALSO the 3 current mods for Ultima VII ONLY WORK with the 1.4 version. Since we want to play with these mods, we are going forward with the 1.4 version.
Anyways, sorry for the fucking wall of text, I just did need to explain what it means to run the 1.4 version of Exult. Now that that is out of the way, let's DOWNLOAD!
Part I - Download Time
On the Download page click the Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 binary snapshot link. This is the current 1.4 snapshot version of Exult.
Since we want to enhance our Ultima VII experience we are going to also download a few OPTIONAL files to greatly enhance the Ultima VII experience! I'll explain each one as we go.
Under the Additional Data files (not required) we want to download the following:
Sound pack for Black Gate (Roland MT-32) - This is a collection of the original sounds for Ultima VII Part 1, all recorded on a Roland Mt-32. Stuff like birds chirping, doors opening, explosions etc etc...
Sound pack for Serpent Isle (Roland MT-32) Same as the above but for Ultima VII Part 2.
Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 1 - This is the original music all recorded on a Roland Mt-32 for Ultima VII - Part 1.
Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 2 Same as above just for Ultima VII - Part 2.
Now for the OPTIONAL Mods that are available:
At the top of the Exult Page there is a Links link. From there, there is a link to Seven Towers. These are some mods that one of the programmers for Exult made specifically for Exult. Since they are very nice mods we will download them!
The Black Gate Keyring Mod - This mod adds a new "quest" to the game and your reward for finishing it is a Keyring so you can attach all those damn keys you have been collecting to it, so you don't have to try and click on each individual key to try and unlock things. Damn handy!
Serpent Isle Fixes - This fixes a number of bugs still present in the Serpent Isle Game. Again, very handy!
Avatar Pack - This is a collection of newer and better looking Avatar portraits to use when playing Ultima VII.
Part II - Install Time
OK! We are done Downloading! Now let's get this game up and running!
1. Run the Exultwin32.exe program. This will install Exult 1.4. Just select all the default options. When this prompt comes up:
Click the browse button and tell the installer where your ULTIMA7 and SERPENT directories are located. Like this:
You now can run and play Ultima VII Parts 1 and 2 now if you wanted. BUT since we also downloaded the few really neat enhancements (original sound and music) and mods, let's get these installed. It's easy!
Find the 2 files sqsfxbg.zip and sqsfxsi.zip (these are the Sound pack for Black Gate (Roland MT-32) and the Sound pack for Serpent Isle (Roland MT-32) files. Extract them to your EXULT DATA DIRECTORY. Just like this:
After extracting them your Exult Data directory should have the 2 new files sqsfxbg.flx and sqsfxsi.flx in there like this:
Next INSIDE THE EXULT/DATA directory, make a new directory named MUSIC, like this:
Now find the files U7MusicOGG_1of2.zip and U7MusicOGG_2of2.zip (this is the Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 1 and Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 2 files) and extract them to the Exult/Data/Music directory, like this:
Your Exult/Data/Music directory should now look like this:
At this point, you now have installed Exult 1.4, the Original sound effects and the original music! You can now if you like play Ultima VII if you wished, HOWEVER you need change a few options to hear the original music. I will describe this later.
You will now need to make a mods and patch directory where you installed your ULTIMA GAMES. For example, in your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7 directory, make 2 new directories called mods and patch. Also do this for the C:\Ultima\SERPENT directory as well. It should now look like this:
Now locate the AvatarPack.zip file (this is the Avatar Pack Mod) and extract the file to somewhere on your computer. Next open up the directory where you unpacked this file and select and copy the data directory:
And paste the data directory to BOTH your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\patch and C:\Ultima\SERPENT\patch directory like this:
Next, go back to the directory where you unpacked the AvatarPack and install the following directories like this: Copy and place the data-bg folder into your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\patch directory then copy the data-si directory and paste it to your C:\Ultima\SERPENT\patch directory. It should now look like this:
The Avatar Pack is now installed. Now for the last 2.
Find the Keyring.zip file (this is the Black Gate Keyring mod) and extract it to your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\mods folder like this:
You C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\mods directory should now look like this:
Next find the sifixes.zip and extract it to your C:\Ultima\SERPENT\mods directory like this:
and your C:\Ultima\SERPENT\mods directory should now look like this:
CONGRATS! You now have all the enhancements and latest mods for an overwhelming Ultima VII experience! BEFORE YOU BEGIN PLAYING I NEED TO EXPLAIN HOW EXULT HANDLES MODS! Now on to....
Part III - Running Exult
Go ahead and start Exult and the screen should look exactly like this:
If it does not look EXACTLY like this, then re-read my directions again. You probably did not install the mods and other files into the correct directories.
If it does look exactly like this then CONGRATS! Now how to play Exult in different ways:
RUNNING EXULT WITH NO MODS
Simply click on the Ultima VII The Forge of Virtue OR Ultima VII Part 2 The Silver Seed text from the main menu of Exult:
Clicking on those will begin a game with NO MODS (But will still have the original music and sound effects we installed earlier).
When you click on either one of those, the game menus will look like this:
Just click on Start New Game and you are off to Britannia Mod free!
DO NOTE YOU MUST LOAD UP EXULT, CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE GAME TEXT, EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO PLAY A GAME WITHOUT MODS! THE SAVE GAME FILE YOU MAKE WHEN USING EXULT THIS WAY IS NOT THE SAME AS A SAVE GAME USING MODS!
PLAYING EXULT WITH MODS
Simply click on the SHOW MODS text under the game you want to play:
Then the next screen will show what mods are installed depending on what game you are playing:
Simply click on the text of the mod name and then the main menu for each game will now be different from the no mods screen, and now will show a main menu with the name of the mod installed:
Just click on Start New Game and away you go.
DO NOTE YOU MUST LOAD UP EXULT, CLICK ON THE SHOW MODS TEXT, THEN CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE MOD, THEN FINALLY GET TO THE MAIN MENU SHOWING THE MAIN MENU WITH MODS EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO PLAY A GAME WITH MODS! THE SAVE GAME YOU MAKE WHEN PLAYING EXULT THIS WAY IS NOT THE SAME SAVE FILE WHEN YOU PLAY A GAME WITH NO MODS!
Now you are probably thinking:
Is there just some fucking simple way to play the fucking game with the mods by just clicking on a simple fucking icon on my desktop, instead of remembering to click on the right thing all the time???!!!
YES! And here is how you do it.
Go to your C:\Program Files\Exult directory and copy the Exult.exe file:
Then go to your windows desktop and select the Paste Shortcut:
And you will now have an Exult Shortcut on your Desktop:
Right click on that shortcut and select Properties. A screen like this will now pop up:
In the box labeled Target after the ....Exult.exe" type in the following:
--bg --mod Keyring
So it should now look like this:
NOTE YOU MUST TYPE THE WORD Keyring WITH A CAPITOL K! Just type exactly the way I show you above. Click on APPLY then click on OK and we are almost done!
RENAME that shortcut by right clicking on it and select Rename and let's name it "Ultima VII Black Gate with Keyring Mod" like this:
Now when you click on this shortcut IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY START ULTIMA VII THE BLACK GATE WITH THE KEYRING MOD, and bring you to the Main Menu showing the Keyringmod.
YAY! Simple eh?
Now let's set this up for Serpent Isle!
Right Click on that shortcut we just made, and then make a copy of it on your desktop. Right click on the copy we just made and choose properties:
And change the text in the Target window to:
--si --mod sifixes
NOTE ALL TEXT IS LOWERCASE! So it looks like this:
Click on APPLY then OK. Now rename this shortcut to something like Ultima VII SI with sifixes Mod:
Now every time you click on that icon it will Automatically load up the main menu of Serpent Isle with the sifixes mod:
FUCK YEAH! SO however you want to play your Ultima VII, those are the 3 ways that you can. So click on Start New Game and get going!
Part IV - Settings
After watching the nifty intro and starting a new game, once you finally have control of your character hit the ESCAPE KEY and this menu pops up:
Now click on Audio Options:
And click on the button next to digital music so that it now says ENABLED.
And that's it! You now will be playing with the original Roland MT-32 music!
So that is it my friends, there are a number of other settings, so just experiment and try out which options you like. I may add more to this section later but for now try reading the Documentation on the Exult website.
If you have any more questions please feel free to PM me or just post in this thread!
Have fun in Britannia! And be sure to say hello to Elizabeth and Abraham when playing The Black Gate!
If you want to play Vanilla Ultima VII with NO mods but do want to play with the Avatar Pack then just follow the instructions on installing the Avatar Pack.
TL;DR version do NOT install the Keyring mod AND the Avatar Pack together.
So you whipped out your old copy of the Ultima CD Collection and have the urge to re-play one of the best RPG series of all time, Ultima VII The Black Gate and Ultima VII - Part 2 Serpent Isle but have no clue how to get it working. You have heard of DOSBox and possibly Exult but it is all so fucking confusing so you say "Jaesun you faggot! Tell me how to set this fucking thing up because it so fucking confusing!"
Well getting Ultima VII (Parts 1 and 2) could never be easier! In this guide I will show you how to set it up with the original music, sounds and also get it working with the latest mods available at this time!
For this guide I am assuming you have a WINDOWS (XP/Vista/7 COMPUTER) AND the Ultima CD Collection which includes Ultima VII Part 1 - The Black Gate AND The Forge of Virtue (Expansion Pack) and also Ultima VII Part 2 - Serpent Isle AND The Silver Seed (Expansion Pack). Exult DOES NOT REQUIRE you to have the expansion packs, but seriously why would you play without them!
Ultima VII (both parts 1 and 2) work just fine in DOSBox (But you have to run the install program, set up your sound card, make some adjustments to DOSBox memory etc.....) FFFFFUUUUUU! With Exult you basically don't need to do much to get it running other than just downloading and installing the program. There are however some optional things that you will want to add to it (Such as the original music and sounds all recorded from a Roland Mt-32 sound card, which was intended for the game).
So let's get started shall we? If you look at the home page of Exult you might notice that page has not been updated since 2008. While they are not good at updating the home page the Exult engine is continuously updated.
The first steps we want to take is to FIRST copy both Ultima VII Part 1 and 2 to our hard drive. For this example we will copy both games to our C:\Ultima directory. On the Ultima collection CD, there are 2 directories. You will want to copy the directory ULTIMA7 and SERPENT directories to your C:\Ultima directory.
From the main Exult page click on the DOWNLOAD link at the top of that page. But first I need to clarify something (WARNING WALL OF TEXT).
There is a Official - v1.2 of Exult but we don't want to use that. Why? It's so fucking old, and is missing TONS of new stuff that the latest snapshot currently has. We are going to actually use and install the Exult 1.4.x Snapshots (Unstable) - use at your own risk! versions. Now you might be thinking "Jaesun! You faggot! IT SAYS IT IS UNSTABLE!! WTF MAN!" While yes they do label it Unstable it is actually the current best version to run. I have had NO problems and successfully finished both parts 1 and 2 using the 1.4 version. The 1.4 version is constantly updated, and they do a very good job of not having you need to start a new game with each update. So as you are playing, you might happen to see a newer version pop-up so you can just install the newest version and not have to worry about your save games (99.9% of the time). If you do happen to have 1.4 version installed and are playing and then notice a new version available DO read the ChangeLog to make sure there is no mention that you need to start a new game. THEY WILL MENTION if a new save game is required for that version, however 99.9% of the time, the new version will work just fine with existing save games. ALSO the 3 current mods for Ultima VII ONLY WORK with the 1.4 version. Since we want to play with these mods, we are going forward with the 1.4 version.
Anyways, sorry for the fucking wall of text, I just did need to explain what it means to run the 1.4 version of Exult. Now that that is out of the way, let's DOWNLOAD!
Part I - Download Time
On the Download page click the Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 binary snapshot link. This is the current 1.4 snapshot version of Exult.
Since we want to enhance our Ultima VII experience we are going to also download a few OPTIONAL files to greatly enhance the Ultima VII experience! I'll explain each one as we go.
Under the Additional Data files (not required) we want to download the following:
Sound pack for Black Gate (Roland MT-32) - This is a collection of the original sounds for Ultima VII Part 1, all recorded on a Roland Mt-32. Stuff like birds chirping, doors opening, explosions etc etc...
Sound pack for Serpent Isle (Roland MT-32) Same as the above but for Ultima VII Part 2.
Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 1 - This is the original music all recorded on a Roland Mt-32 for Ultima VII - Part 1.
Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 2 Same as above just for Ultima VII - Part 2.
Now for the OPTIONAL Mods that are available:
At the top of the Exult Page there is a Links link. From there, there is a link to Seven Towers. These are some mods that one of the programmers for Exult made specifically for Exult. Since they are very nice mods we will download them!
The Black Gate Keyring Mod - This mod adds a new "quest" to the game and your reward for finishing it is a Keyring so you can attach all those damn keys you have been collecting to it, so you don't have to try and click on each individual key to try and unlock things. Damn handy!
Serpent Isle Fixes - This fixes a number of bugs still present in the Serpent Isle Game. Again, very handy!
Avatar Pack - This is a collection of newer and better looking Avatar portraits to use when playing Ultima VII.
Part II - Install Time
OK! We are done Downloading! Now let's get this game up and running!
1. Run the Exultwin32.exe program. This will install Exult 1.4. Just select all the default options. When this prompt comes up:
Click the browse button and tell the installer where your ULTIMA7 and SERPENT directories are located. Like this:
You now can run and play Ultima VII Parts 1 and 2 now if you wanted. BUT since we also downloaded the few really neat enhancements (original sound and music) and mods, let's get these installed. It's easy!
Find the 2 files sqsfxbg.zip and sqsfxsi.zip (these are the Sound pack for Black Gate (Roland MT-32) and the Sound pack for Serpent Isle (Roland MT-32) files. Extract them to your EXULT DATA DIRECTORY. Just like this:
After extracting them your Exult Data directory should have the 2 new files sqsfxbg.flx and sqsfxsi.flx in there like this:
Next INSIDE THE EXULT/DATA directory, make a new directory named MUSIC, like this:
Now find the files U7MusicOGG_1of2.zip and U7MusicOGG_2of2.zip (this is the Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 1 and Ogg encoded Music files for Exult Part 2 files) and extract them to the Exult/Data/Music directory, like this:
Your Exult/Data/Music directory should now look like this:
At this point, you now have installed Exult 1.4, the Original sound effects and the original music! You can now if you like play Ultima VII if you wished, HOWEVER you need change a few options to hear the original music. I will describe this later.
You will now need to make a mods and patch directory where you installed your ULTIMA GAMES. For example, in your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7 directory, make 2 new directories called mods and patch. Also do this for the C:\Ultima\SERPENT directory as well. It should now look like this:
Now locate the AvatarPack.zip file (this is the Avatar Pack Mod) and extract the file to somewhere on your computer. Next open up the directory where you unpacked this file and select and copy the data directory:
And paste the data directory to BOTH your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\patch and C:\Ultima\SERPENT\patch directory like this:
Next, go back to the directory where you unpacked the AvatarPack and install the following directories like this: Copy and place the data-bg folder into your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\patch directory then copy the data-si directory and paste it to your C:\Ultima\SERPENT\patch directory. It should now look like this:
The Avatar Pack is now installed. Now for the last 2.
Find the Keyring.zip file (this is the Black Gate Keyring mod) and extract it to your C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\mods folder like this:
You C:\Ultima\ULTIMA7\mods directory should now look like this:
Next find the sifixes.zip and extract it to your C:\Ultima\SERPENT\mods directory like this:
and your C:\Ultima\SERPENT\mods directory should now look like this:
CONGRATS! You now have all the enhancements and latest mods for an overwhelming Ultima VII experience! BEFORE YOU BEGIN PLAYING I NEED TO EXPLAIN HOW EXULT HANDLES MODS! Now on to....
Part III - Running Exult
Go ahead and start Exult and the screen should look exactly like this:
If it does not look EXACTLY like this, then re-read my directions again. You probably did not install the mods and other files into the correct directories.
If it does look exactly like this then CONGRATS! Now how to play Exult in different ways:
RUNNING EXULT WITH NO MODS
Simply click on the Ultima VII The Forge of Virtue OR Ultima VII Part 2 The Silver Seed text from the main menu of Exult:
Clicking on those will begin a game with NO MODS (But will still have the original music and sound effects we installed earlier).
When you click on either one of those, the game menus will look like this:
Just click on Start New Game and you are off to Britannia Mod free!
DO NOTE YOU MUST LOAD UP EXULT, CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE GAME TEXT, EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO PLAY A GAME WITHOUT MODS! THE SAVE GAME FILE YOU MAKE WHEN USING EXULT THIS WAY IS NOT THE SAME AS A SAVE GAME USING MODS!
PLAYING EXULT WITH MODS
Simply click on the SHOW MODS text under the game you want to play:
Then the next screen will show what mods are installed depending on what game you are playing:
Simply click on the text of the mod name and then the main menu for each game will now be different from the no mods screen, and now will show a main menu with the name of the mod installed:
Just click on Start New Game and away you go.
DO NOTE YOU MUST LOAD UP EXULT, CLICK ON THE SHOW MODS TEXT, THEN CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE MOD, THEN FINALLY GET TO THE MAIN MENU SHOWING THE MAIN MENU WITH MODS EVERY TIME YOU WANT TO PLAY A GAME WITH MODS! THE SAVE GAME YOU MAKE WHEN PLAYING EXULT THIS WAY IS NOT THE SAME SAVE FILE WHEN YOU PLAY A GAME WITH NO MODS!
Now you are probably thinking:
Is there just some fucking simple way to play the fucking game with the mods by just clicking on a simple fucking icon on my desktop, instead of remembering to click on the right thing all the time???!!!
YES! And here is how you do it.
Go to your C:\Program Files\Exult directory and copy the Exult.exe file:
Then go to your windows desktop and select the Paste Shortcut:
And you will now have an Exult Shortcut on your Desktop:
Right click on that shortcut and select Properties. A screen like this will now pop up:
In the box labeled Target after the ....Exult.exe" type in the following:
--bg --mod Keyring
So it should now look like this:
NOTE YOU MUST TYPE THE WORD Keyring WITH A CAPITOL K! Just type exactly the way I show you above. Click on APPLY then click on OK and we are almost done!
RENAME that shortcut by right clicking on it and select Rename and let's name it "Ultima VII Black Gate with Keyring Mod" like this:
Now when you click on this shortcut IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY START ULTIMA VII THE BLACK GATE WITH THE KEYRING MOD, and bring you to the Main Menu showing the Keyringmod.
YAY! Simple eh?
Now let's set this up for Serpent Isle!
Right Click on that shortcut we just made, and then make a copy of it on your desktop. Right click on the copy we just made and choose properties:
And change the text in the Target window to:
--si --mod sifixes
NOTE ALL TEXT IS LOWERCASE! So it looks like this:
Click on APPLY then OK. Now rename this shortcut to something like Ultima VII SI with sifixes Mod:
Now every time you click on that icon it will Automatically load up the main menu of Serpent Isle with the sifixes mod:
FUCK YEAH! SO however you want to play your Ultima VII, those are the 3 ways that you can. So click on Start New Game and get going!
Part IV - Settings
After watching the nifty intro and starting a new game, once you finally have control of your character hit the ESCAPE KEY and this menu pops up:
Now click on Audio Options:
And click on the button next to digital music so that it now says ENABLED.
And that's it! You now will be playing with the original Roland MT-32 music!
So that is it my friends, there are a number of other settings, so just experiment and try out which options you like. I may add more to this section later but for now try reading the Documentation on the Exult website.
If you have any more questions please feel free to PM me or just post in this thread!
Have fun in Britannia! And be sure to say hello to Elizabeth and Abraham when playing The Black Gate!
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