Putting the 'role' back in role-playing games since 2002.
Donate to Codex
Good Old Games
  • Welcome to rpgcodex.net, a site dedicated to discussing computer based role-playing games in a free and open fashion. We're less strict than other forums, but please refer to the rules.

    "This message is awaiting moderator approval": All new users must pass through our moderation queue before they will be able to post normally. Until your account has "passed" your posts will only be visible to yourself (and moderators) until they are approved. Give us a week to get around to approving / deleting / ignoring your mundane opinion on crap before hassling us about it. Once you have passed the moderation period (think of it as a test), you will be able to post normally, just like all the other retards.

Let's Play Ultima: From Akalabeth to Ascension! (Now on VII)

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Gold said:
Elzair said:
Gold said:
Hurry up damn it. ;)

(I want to see 8 and 9 since I won't make myself play those two.)

You are going to have to wait quite a while. :)

After Ultima V (a rather long, hard game), there is VI, Savage Empire, Martian Dreams, Underworld 1, VII, Underworld 2, and Serpent Isle.

Wait, you are going to play Underworld 1/2 and Worlds of? Seriously crazy dude.

I never said this would be finished in a month.
 

DaveO

Erudite
Joined
May 30, 2007
Messages
1,239
I'll have to avoid the Worlds of Ultima games when you reach that point. I have to pick up Savage Empire where I left off at, and I'm planning to play Martian Dreams.
 
Joined
Nov 1, 2008
Messages
7,953
Location
Cuntington Manor
Excellent so far, though I am going to avoid your playthrough of U5 because I am planning on doing a complete run through of the C64/128 (the best version, but difficult for you since having played through the PC version of 4, you won't be able to transfer your Avatar over (I still have my U4 Avatar on a C64 save game dated from the late 80's)) version again shortly and do not want to spoil the experience.
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Second Interlude

Second Interlude: Tying-Up Loose Ends And Introducing New Stuff

First, I forgot to include Smith in my playthrough of Ultima IV. I will do so now.

First, I head to Paws.

ultimaiv977.png


Next, I jimmy open this door and head out to the horse stable. On the way I have to kill a mad bull.

ultimaiv978.png


avatar Name.

Francesca: Francesca.

avatar Job.

Francesca: I am the stable hand.

avatar Health.

Francesca: Right good.

avatar. Stable.

Francesca: I saw the way ya dealt with ol' Red Eye! Ya haven't come to steal a horse I hope?

avatar No.

ultimaiv979.png


avatar Smith.

Francesca: The talking horse!

I then try talking to all the horses in the stable. Finally I find the right one.

ultimaiv980.png



ultimaiv981.png



ultimaiv982.png


Smith was supposed to tell me an important secret, but Origin forgot to add it.

Well, before I do another update I should introduce a few new elements that will become mainstays of the series.

First, the spells will now be split-up into eight circles of magic. A mage will now be able to cast spells (provided s/he has the MP and necessary reagents) from any circle equal to or lower than his or her current level. Instead of using one word, I now need to recite an incantation of the following words.

An negate
Bet small
Corp death
Des down
Ex freedom
Flam flame
Grav energy
Hur wind
In create
Kal invoke
Lor light
Mani life
Nox poison
Por movement
Quas illusion
Rel change
Sanct protection
Tym time
Uus up
Vas great
Wis knowledge
Xen creature
Ylem matter
Zu sleep

For instance, to cast a fireball, I recite "VAS FLAM."

Next, Ultima V introduces potions to the series. Potions can be bought in magic stores (or possibly brewed but that might only be in later games) and drinking one will affect the character in some way.


Potion Effect
Blue Awaken
Yellow Heal
Red Cure Poison
Green Poison
Orange Sleep
Purple Change form
Black Invisibility
White X-Ray Vision

There are also some scrolls that do various things.
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Ultima V Part 1: The Shadow of the Past

Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny

u5box.jpg


Part 1: The Shadow of the Past

I have finally come to Ultima V! While Ultima V is a thematically a bit more of a traditional RPG than Ultima IV, it enhances nearly every element from the past games. Combat has been improved (and is much more challenging); the player can choose six of the fifteen possible companions. There are several more inhabited settlements now, and the new engine has allowed for much more detail: chairs, beds and other objects now appear. There is also a day-night cycle, and and it will effect the game a lot. Ultima V is also, from what I can tell, the first RPG to feature NPC schedules. If you do not want to take my word that this game is awesome, here is what others have to say about it.

Sean Malstrom:
Ultima V is argued as the height of the Ultima series. It is certainly the height of the hardcore games. Grand Theft Auto has nothing on this game.

In this game, you can go anywhere, do anything. Every NPC has a schedule. Depending on the time, you can catch them in bed and follow them as they go about their lives. Unlike most games, there is no good vs. evil style. You don’t really know who is evil.

Check out the ad. It totally sounds like how 'hardcore gaming' is advertised today in how they advertise the 'sophistication.' Ultimas, since V, just got simpler and simpler. This is how I know the ultimate trend of gaming is towards less sophistication, not more. The hardcore were being disrupted even back in 1988. I remember.

Scorpia's Review:

The graphics in the game are much improved over Ultima IV. The detail is finer, the range of motion greater, and there are many little niceties, such as waterfalls; ticking clocks (look close enough, you can even tell the time!); movable items (such as chairs and barrels); curved coastlines; lighthouses that actually work at night, sweeping the area with their beams; little pools of light around lamps in towns and villages; and many more.

Well, now that you are fired up, let's play the game.

ultimav001.png


ultimav002.png


ultimav003.png


ultimav004.png


ultimav005.png


Fuck yeah!

ultimav006.png


First, let's watch the title screen for a while. It provides an animated intro to the game.

ultimav007.png


ultimav008.png


ultimav009.png


ultimav010.png


ultimav011.png


ultimav012.png


ultimav013.png


ultimav014.png


ultimav015.png


ultimav016.png


ultimav017.png


ultimav018.png


ultimav019.png


ultimav020.png


ultimav021.png


ultimav022.png


ultimav023.png


ultimav024.png


ultimav025.png


Here is the main screen. First I will view the intro movie.

ultimav028.png


ultimav029.png


ultimav031.png


ultimav032.png


ultimav033.png


ultimav034.png


ultimav036.png


ultimav038.png


ultimav039.png


ultimav040.png


ultimav042.png


ultimav043.png


ultimav045.png


ultimav047.png


ultimav049.png


ultimav050.png


ultimav052.png


ultimav054.png


ultimav057.png


ultimav059.png


ultimav061.png


It is time to save Britannia, but first I have to transfer my character from Ultima IV. To do that, I first copy the file PARTY.SAV from my Ultima4 directory to my Ultima5 directory. Then, I scroll down to the option "Transfer from Ultima IV".

ultimav065.png


I tell it to check in my "C:" drive.

ultimav066.png


Whohoo!

ultimav067.png


I tell it to keep all my original characteristics.

ultimav068.png


For the last time, I don't want to be a chick!

ultimav069.png


Avatar is a class now?

ultimav070.png


ultimav071.png


ultimav072.png


ultimav073.png


ultimav074.png


It is now time to "Journey Onward."

ultimav076.png


I begin the game sitting in a chair in Iolo's hut. Notice that a lot of details like chairs, tables, bedstands and even pots have been added to the game.

ultimav080.png


Since I had a tiring night, I get some shut-eye. I can only rest on the world map or in beds, but resting can take time. Notice how the little sun moves across the top of the screen.

ultimav082.png


This barn is empty and locked, but I need to come back here later. I now check the stats of all my characters.

ultimav083.png


ultimav084.png


Shamino, the ranger, is now a fighter? WTF?! It appears there are only three classes (fighter, mage and bard) available for NPCs.

ultimav085.png


ultimav086.png


ultimav087.png


ultimav088.png


ultimav089.png


ultimav090.png


ultimav091.png


The pocket watch gives me the current time.

ultimav092.png


ultimav093.png


Picking crops increases my food supply, but it also lowers my karma (which I can view with Ctrl-K). Ultima V is a lot more relaxed than Ultima IV when it comes to following the virtues. The specific eight virtues have been replaced with a karma system that can be raised (by doing shrine quests, giving gold to beggars, etc.) and lowered (by stealing, killing innocents, and so on).

ultimav094.png


Yes.

ultimav096.png


It appears that Iolo's hut is in the middle of Spiritwood, the forest near Yew.

ultimav098.png


I then head west to Empath Abbey.

ultimav099.png


ultimav100.png


avatar.gif
Name.

ultimav101.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Hardluck: I am the Abbey jester!

avatar.gif
Jester.

Hardluck: I juggle and sing fine songs!

avatar.gif
Sing.

ultimav102.png
ultimav103.png
ultimav104.png


Hardluck: Like it?

avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav105.png
ultimav106.png


Poor widdle Blackthorn! :cry:
Oh well, we still have to put him down like a rabid dog!

ultimav107.png


There is now an animation for climbing ladders. That is a nice touch!

ultimav108.png


There is a secret door south of the potted plant, but I have no way to reach it.

ultimav110.png


Wow! The NPCs even respond based on the time of day!

ultimav111.png


Like I said, Ultima V has a day-night cycle. When it gets dark, I need to pull out a torch to see anything.

ultimav112.png


I then exit town to rest.

ultimav113.png


If I set a guard, he will not heal any, but he will alert the party to any attacks in the night.

ultimav119.png


Holy crap!

ultimav120.png


Shamino has been healed.

ultimav121.png


LB will inform me of how I am upholding the eight virtues.

ultimav124.png


It is daytime!

ultimav125.png


Here is my old friend Julia, the tinker.

avatar.gif
Yes.

Julia: At long last! We had thought thy return was beyond hope! Elzair, is it time we took up arms again?

avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav126.png


avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav127.png


I take her along.

ultimav128.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Tim: I am the bard for this castle.

avatar.gif
Bard.

Tim: Yes, I play and sing for the inhabitants of this castle.

avatar.gif
Castle.

Tim: Empath Abbey.

avatar.gif
Play.

Tim: Tra-la-la! Dost thou enjoy fine harpsichord music?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Tim: Since Lord British's disappearance, his Court Composer Sir Kenneth is said to be traveling throughout Britannia.

avatar.gif
Kenneth.

Tim: He trades music lessons for melodies. He is compiling a collection of Britannian folkmusic.

avatar.gif
Lessons.

Tim: Recently he gave a recital in Trinsic, and then headed south. He often teaches a piece by Iolo and Gweno. 'Tis a favorite of Lord British.

avatar.gif
Favorite.

Tim: Some even say that to play the piece on the finest instrument may cause magical occurrences.

avatar.gif
Magic.

Tim: Only on an instrument worthy of kings!

Hmm... I wonder where I can find one of those?

ultimav134.png


This is Cory.

avatar.gif
Job.

Cory: I am the cook for this castle.

avatar.gif
Cook.

Cory: I certainly do! Many delicacies pass from my kitchens onto the plates of hungry souls.

avatar.gif
Hungry souls.

Cory: Such mouth-watering dishes as fried shark and sauteed squid au poivre.

avatar.gif
Fried shark.

Cory: Ah! A connoisseur! Wouldst thou like to try some?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Cory: Here. Eat this.

ultimav135.png


Cory: Good, huh!

She will give me something to eat if I ask nicely. This is a cheap (but time consuming) way to gather food.

ultimav136.png


If a door has a yellow dot on it, that means it is locked.

ultimav137.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Barbra: I am keeper of the flame of Love.

avatar.gif
Keeper.

Barbra: I tend and protect the sacred flame of Love, to show the world that all hope is not yet lost!

ultimav138.png


avatar.gif
Hope.

Barbra: Since the loss of Lord British, evil, especially in the form of the three Shadowlords, has infested this land.

avatar.gif
Shadowlords.

Barbra: They oppose the basic fabric of Virtue! Thou dost know it is thy duty to try and recover what this kingdom has lost. Dost thou intend to?

avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav139.png
ultimav140.png
ultimav141.png


I now speak to Michael, the lord of Empath Abbey.

ultimav142.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Michael: I am lord of this castle.

avatar.gif
Castle.

Michael: Here in Empath Abbey we protect the Principle of Love from the evils that would corrupt it.

avatar.gif
Evils.

Michael: Since the disappearance of Lord British, evil has reared its foul head, and now the three Castles of Virtue stand alone.

avatar.gif
Alone.

Michael: The Shadowlords dare not desecrate this holy place, not even the Shadowlord of Hate!

avatar.gif
Hate.

ultimav143.png


I am done with Empath Abbey (for now), and I am also done with this update. Later!
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
I am not promising anything, but I am working on another update.
 

Michael Ellis

Scholar
Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
270
Location
Complaints
Project: Eternity
Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
I can still remember when V came out.
I bought it at Radio Shack and played on my Tandy 1000.
I filled up an entire notebook with notes and handdrawn maps of the underworld/dungeons.
I was even reading fluent runic by the time I finished.
Forgive an old man for reminiscing : )
 
Joined
Nov 1, 2008
Messages
7,953
Location
Cuntington Manor
I noticed you didn't talk to Smith at Iolos hut. Also, use the push command to 'pull' something like the pot plant hiding the secret door.

You can also Klimb boulders, fences, etc....even walk into fireplaces...ok, I will stop now before I start giving away game winners.

Enjoy! This one is possibly my favourite game of all time. I don't want to see any more though, I have a re-run to do myself. You are one lucky fellow to be playing it for the first time. If only I could erase memories.

Edit: Oh, you might want to track down the midi expansion. The PC version only used the PC speaker, and even though the midi tracks are not nearly as good as the C64/128 music and sound, it is still better than the odd beep.

http://reconstruction.voyd.net/index.ph ... d=upgrades
 

Erebus

Arcane
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
4,763
Wow ! There seems to be more text in U5's introduction than in all the previous games combined !
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Blackadder said:
I noticed you didn't talk to Smith at Iolos hut. Also, use the push command to 'pull' something like the pot plant hiding the secret door.

You can also Klimb boulders, fences, etc....even walk into fireplaces...ok, I will stop now before I start giving away game winners.

Enjoy! This one is possibly my favourite game of all time. I don't want to see any more though, I have a re-run to do myself. You are one lucky fellow to be playing it for the first time. If only I could erase memories.

Edit: Oh, you might want to track down the midi expansion. The PC version only used the PC speaker, and even though the midi tracks are not nearly as good as the C64/128 music and sound, it is still better than the odd beep.

http://reconstruction.voyd.net/index.ph ... d=upgrades

Well, it is not my first time playing the game. I have played it before, but I never went in the underworld. This will hopefully be my first time beating it.
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Ultima V Part 2: Many Meetings

Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny

Part 2: Many Meetings

Since I forgot to include it last time, here is a (computer-generated) map of Britannia.

u5map.gif


As you can see, it looks almost the same as last time. You can find a better version of the map with labels and everything here.

BTW, I am playing with the Ultima V upgrade patch that adds the MIDI soundtrack from the Commodore 128 version.

ultimav144.png


I head east from Empath Abbey.

ultimav145.png


I now arrive at the city of Yew. However, something is amiss . . .

ultimav146.png


ultimav147.png


These are Blackthorn's new laws. They are basically an attempt to legislate virtue.

ultimav148.png


Thank goodness they did not have mugshots back then!

ultimav149.png


Ultima V marks the first game where the runic language becomes very widespread. This sign reads "political prisoners."

ultimav150.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Aleyn: I fear I have broken a law!

avatar.gif
Law.

Aleyn: I failed to enforce the Seventh Law of Virtue.

avatar.gif
Seventh law.

Aleyn: I did not turn my father in for donating too little to charity!

avatar.gif
Charity.

Aleyn: That's just what I'm told!

ultimav151.png


That little bastard stole something from me!

ultimav152.png


Shit! A Shadowlord! This guy is way out of my league, so I hightail it out of town and wait a day. I then talk to the boy's father, Mario.

ultimav153.png


avatar.gif
Job.

mario.jpg
I am bein' 'orribly punished for a trivial crime.

avatar.gif
Punished.

mario.jpg
I've been sentenced to slowly die in the stocks, for me minor crime.

avatar.gif
Son.

mario.jpg
He too 'as been left to die!

avatar.gif
Crime.

mario.jpg
I was convicted by Ye Court of Inquisition. I could afford only 40% of me earnings to give unto charity! A fact that I did not confess until I was caught and tortured!

avatar.gif
Tortured.

mario.jpg
Don't ask Won't ye 'elp me please?

avatar.gif
Yes.

mario.jpg
Please, unlock the stocks an 'elp me 'scape!

avatar.gif
Unlock.

mario.jpg
For Pete's sake, use a key and jimmy the bloody lock!

I gain karma for helping people like Aleyn and his son, but I don't have the keys to spare right now.

ultimav154.png


Le fuck?! If I am caught by a guard, I have to pay some kind of tribute. I usually just reload. BTW, I can now save my game in towns and dungeons.

ultimav155.png


This is Judge Dryden, one of Blackthorn's inner circle and the head of the "justice" system in Britannia.

avatar.gif
Job.

Dryden: I am the head Inquisitor.

avatar.gif
Judge.

Dryden: This is the Court of Inquisition of His Majesty Blackthorn! Art thou here to confess?

avatar.gif
No.

Dryden: Perhaps then, to plead for the life of another, yes?

avatar.gif
No.

Dryden: Then what?

avatar.gif
Bye.

Dryden: Live by the Eight Laws!

I head to the cells in the back of the courthouse.

ultimav156.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Jerone: Well, I used to be an adventurer!

avatar.gif
Adventurer.

Jerone: Now I'm a prisoner!

avatar.gif
Prisoner.

Jerone: I was convicted of heresy!

avatar.gif
Heresy.

Jerone: I stated my belief that Lord British was alive!

avatar.gif
British.

Jerone: It happened one night when I was camping out on the moors.

avatar.gif
Camp.

Jerone: A strange apparition arose before my fire!

avatar.gif
Apparition.

Jerone: It was HIM, I swear it! Surely thou dost believe me?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Jerone: Then surely thou must agree, there is hope! If only my brother would hurry!

avatar.gif
Brother.

ultimav157.png


avatar.gif
Collect.

Jerone: He used to give me keys, but I kept getting caught!

avatar.gif
Keys.

ultimav158.png


ultimav159.png


This is Greymarch. He will be important later.

ultimav160.png


This is Jeremy, Jerone's brother. He works as a cook at the Slaughtered Lamb.

avatar.gif
Job.

Jeremy: I am the chef at The Slaughtered Lamb. Is there anything that thou dost need- food, keys or perhaps information?

avatar.gif
Information.

Jeremy: All I can tell thee is that Chamfort knows a Mantra!

avatar.gif
Chef.

Jeremy: I work hard- I need the money.

avatar.gif
Money.

Jeremy: I'm trying to get my brother out of jail.

avatar.gif
Brother.

Jeremy: It is going to cost me 500 gold crowns!

avatar.gif
500 gold crowns.

Jeremy: I know not how I shall save that much.

avatar.gif
Keys.

Jeremy: Have five! Surely thou wilt give me 50 gold for those keys?

avatar.gif
No.

Jeremy: Scoundrel!

Yeah, yeah. Not giving him the 50 gold will lower my karma a little, but money is tight right now.

ultimav161.png


Nice! Anyway, the weird floor tile to the east is a trap door, and stepping on it flings my party underground.

ultimav162.png


Eeek! A rat!

ultimav163.png


We make quick work of it.

ultimav164.png


The corner to the north of me is a secret door.

ultimav165.png


Searching in that direction makes the door reveal itself. I then head up, to the left and down to another room.

ultimav166.png


Jaana: So, tell me, hast thou returned to set things right?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Jaana: Good! Hath thy journeys fared well so far?

avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav167.png


ultimav168.png


Whohoo! Jaana the Druid has become a mage.

ultimav169.png


Anyway, I find a ladder up and exit through the fireplace (taking damage) into the blacksmith's house. He must be working for the resistance as well, but I need to find out more info first.

ultimav178.png


Don't ask me to fucking translate that!

ultimav180.png


This one says:
"East Britain
South Paws."

I head east.

ultimav181.png


ultimav182.png


ultimav183.png


Iolo has a bow shop?! I speak to the lady in the back.

ultimav184.png


avatar.gif
Name.

Gwenno: I am Gwenno.

avatar.gif
Job.

Gwenno: I repair bows and crossbows.

avatar.gif
Crossbows.

Gwenno: Iolo makes them, I repair them.

avatar.gif
Repair.

Gwenno: The finest yew bows and the stoutest crossbows in the land!

avatar.gif
Iolo.

Gwenno: Strange, is it not, that even though Iolo is an outlaw, we still manage to keep his bows in stock. . . Nudge, nudge. . .

avatar.gif
Outlaw.

Gwenno: Yes, there are many signs about those brigands (tee hee) in many towns.

avatar.gif
Signs.

Gwenno: Wanted: Dead or Alive!

avatar.gif
Towns.

Gwenno: Yew, for instance!

avatar.gif
Yew.

Gwenno: Northwest of here, in the Deep Forest.

ultimav186.png


We have another party member! This maxes out my current party. If I want to add another one, I will have to get rid of someone. I now speak to Greyson by the fountain in the center of town.

ultimav187.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Greyson: I am an adventurer!

avatar.gif
Adventurer.

Greyson: I have been many places, and seen many things!

avatar.gif
Things.

Greyson: I've even seen the Guardians!

avatar.gif
Guardians.

Greyson: They are like two winged stone giants, yet they possess life!

avatar.gif
Life.

Greyson: Only those upon a sacred quest ordained by the mystic Shrines are granted passage unto the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom which lies beyond!

avatar.gif
Codex.

Greyson: I know not more, for I was not on a sacred quest and could not pass.

avatar.gif
Sacred quest.

Greyson: One must know first the Mantra for a particular shrine. Meditate there, and be sent upon a sacred quest, then canst thou enter the Shrine of the Codex!

avatar.gif
Mantra.

ultimav188.png


avatar.gif
British.

ultimav189.png


It is "MU" like last time. I now head to Hotel Brittany.

ultimav191.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Justin: Why, I am the cook, of course!

avatar.gif
Cook.

Justin: My specialty is roast leg of mutton a la Britanny!

avatar.gif
Roast leg of mutton.

Justin: Ah, 'tis the finest in all the land, if I do say so myself! Wouldst thou like to try a bite?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Justin: [gives food] Here thou art. . . Smack. . . Slurp. . . Chomp. . . Didst thou enjoy it?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Justin: Surely then, thou wouldst pay me 3 gold coins for such a culinary delight?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Justin: I thank thee kindly!

ultimav192.png


avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav193.png


ultimav194.png


I buy two packs of rations here and then speak to Eb.

ultimav195.png


avatar Elzair.

Eb: A pleasure!

avatar Glass.

Eb: Didst thou break a glass?

avatar No.

Eb: Dost thou admire fine glasswork?

avatar Yes.

ultimav196.png


avatar.gif
No.

ultimav197.png


I then speak to the maid, Telila.

avatar.gif
Job.

Telila: I clean the rooms.

avatar.gif
Rooms.

Telila: We have but few guests these days.

avatar.gif
Guests.

ultimav198.png


avatar.gif
Mage.

Telila: His name is Annon- a strange fellow! He spends his days alone upon the balconies!

avatar Balconies.

Telila: Up on the second floor of the inn!

I now head towards Lord British's castle. Apparently, three mini-towns, the Brittanny's, have grown up around it.

ultimav202.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Christopher: I fiddle in the fields to keep me fed.

avatar.gif
Fields.

Christopher: I pride myself in a job well done, even if one does not enjoy it.

avatar.gif
Enjoy.

Christopher: What I really enjoy is writing works of fantasy.

avatar.gif
Fantasy.

ultimav204.png


avatar.gif
Times of Lore.

Christopher: I hope to have it published soon.

avatar.gif
Published.

ultimav205.png


avatar.gif
Yes.

Christopher: Good! Enchanted, I'm sure, to have met such an enlightened soul. What a nice chap thou art.

ultimav206.png


This is the Blue Boar. It will become the primary inn/tavern of Britain in later Ultimas.

There is not much else here (yet). I head to the castle.

ultimav213.png


Here is LB's favorite jester, Chuckles the Bumble.

ultimav214.png


Chuckles: I am here to welcome and try to entertain!

avatar.gif
Welcome.

ultimav215.png


Cantabrigian?! His first name is Cantabrigian?! :smack:

Chuckes: And, his trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. . . . . . Jester, Chuckles the Bumble. . . . . . That's ME!

avatar.gif
Entertain.

Chuckles: Ho eyo he hum! Ho eyo he hum! Ho eyo he hum! Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce! Didst thou enjoy that?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Chuckles: I thought thou might!

I then speak to Treanna in the stables.

avatar.gif
Job.

Treanna: I am the stable girl.

avatar.gif
Stable.

Treanna: Lord British's stables are home to many of the finest breeds in the land.

avatar.gif
Lord British.

Treanna: Alas, he is no longer with us.

avatar.gif
Breeds.

Treanna: We have prime examples of most of the major breeds. What's thy favorite breed?

avatar.gif
Valorian.

ultimav216.png


avatar.gif
Yes.

Treanna: What was its name?

avatar.gif
Ed. :)

Treanna: Not that one!

avatar.gif
Smith.

ultimav217.png


Well, I need to head back there as soon as possible.

ultimav224.png


I then cross a bridge with trolls underneath. Fortunately, all my characters manage to sneak across without a fight.

ultimav225.png


This sign says:
"North Britain
East Paws
South Trinsic."

I head east.

ultimav226.png


avatar.gif
Job.

ultimav227.png


avatar.gif
Gems.

Glinkie: I am searching for the mystic Shrine of Spirituality, and feel they would be of good use!

ultimav229.png


avatar.gif
Destroyed.

Glinkie: Dost thou know where to find it?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Glinkie: Where?

avatar.gif
Moongate at midnight.

Glinkie: Art thou saying that I must enter a Moongate to reach the Shrine of Spirituality?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Glinkie: At midnight?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Glinkie: Oh, no wonder I never found it! Well, that one is likely safe then. . .

ultimav230.png


avatar.gif
Words of Power.

ultimav231.png


ultimav232.png


This may be useful later since shrines can be destroyed in this game. Anyway, let's talk to more people.

ultimav233.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Bandaii: I seek a magical beast.

avatar.gif
Magical beast.

Bandaii: Since the last age, rumours abound of a legendary horse!

avatar.gif
Horse.

Bandaii: I search for Smith, the notorious talking horse!

avatar.gif
Smith.

Bandaii: I do not doubt the rumours, but this I must see for myself! Dost thou believe in talking horses?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Bandaii: Hast thou seen one?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Bandaii: Was it Smith?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Bandaii: Where didst thou see him?

avatar.gif
Iolo's hut.

ultimav234.png


ultimav235.png


Sweet! I cannot get it yet, though.

ultimav236.png


This sign reads, "welcome to Paws." Now, I will go to the moongate back near Britain.

ultimav221.png


Moon gates work a bit differently in this game. First of all, they only appear at night. Even though all of them appear at once, they will all go to only one destination depending on the phase of the moon. If it is not yet midnight, the leftmost moon determines the destination, and the right one does so after midnight. During the hour of midnight (I think), the moongates will always lead to the Shrine of Spirituality (I think). Here is a list of moonphases and their various destinations.

Code:
Moon                         Town
New                          Moonglow
Quarter waxing               Britain
Half waxing                  Jhelom
Three-quarter waxing         Yew
Full                         Minoc
Three-quarter waning         Trinsic
Half waning                  Skara Brae
Quarter waning               New Magincia

ultimav237.png


I wonder where I am?

ultimav238.png


I think I know now. Can you guess?

ultimav239.png


Uh oh!

ultimav240.png


I come back around morning, and the Shadowlord is gone. I speak to the kid.

ultimav241.png


avatar.gif
Name.

ultimav242.png


So this is Malik? I ask him about glass.

ultimav243.png


ultimav244.png


Malik: Didst thou know my mother is a fortuneteller?

avatar.gif
No.

Malik: We live in the building in the northwest corner. Go talk to her! She knows lots of chants and powerful words!

ultimav246.png


This is Blackthorn's law of Honesty.

ultimav249.png


In one of the houses I find some food in a barrel. Searching for items does not seem to affect my karma. I then head up the ladder.

ultimav250.png


Upstairs, I push (or, in this case, pull) the chest at the bottom to reach the chest in the corner. Pushing an object moves it one space in the direction I push it. If that direction is blocked, I pull it, which means that I and the object swap places. Unlike the last game, I cannot just walk over tiles occupied by objects.

ultimav251.png


Whohoo! Wearing this makes a character invisible to enemies. It only lasts for a while, though. I now head to see Malik's mother, the gypsy fortuneteller.

ultimav253.png


avatar.gif
Name.

Malifora: I am Malifora.

avatar.gif
Job.

Malifora: I can see many things beyond thy ken!

avatar.gif
Things.

Malifora: Tell me what thou seeketh.

avatar.gif
Word of Power.

ultimav254.png


This translates to FALLAX.

avatar.gif
Mantra of Honesty.

ultimav256.png


The mantra is AHM, as usual. How does she know the word of power BTW? I thought only members of the Great Council knew those!

avatar.gif
Council.

Malifora: Yes, Elzair, I served on the Great Council.

avatar.gif
Shards.

ultimav257.png


avatar.gif
Blackthorn.

Malifora: I see that he resides upon an isle of three volcanoes, far to the south in the great sea!

I tip her for her services and proceed to loot the town. Here are some more items I find.

ultimav258.png


ultimav259.png


ultimav260.png


ultimav261.png


ultimav262.png


I then head for the tower in the center of town.

ultimav263.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Zachariah: I watch the stars.

avatar.gif
Stars.

Zachariah: I watch the signs amongst the planets!

avatar.gif
Signs.

Zachariah: Comets have come! A sign of evil!

avatar.gif
Comets.

ultimav264.png


avatar.gif
Shadowlords.

ultimav265.png


avatar.gif
Attack.

Zachariah: If only the Avatar would return!

avatar.gif
Avatar.

Zachariah: Art thou the Avatar of legend?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Zachariah: Indeed? What is the password of our Resistance?

Shit! There is a password! I need to find this out.

avatar.gif
Dunno.

Zachariah: I do not yet believe thee!

I then speak to Don Piatt.

ultimav278.png


avatar.gif
Elzair.

Don Piatt: May I be of service unto thee?

avatar.gif
Yes.

Don Piatt: Thou may wish to frequent our fine pub or our herbalist, but avoid the man in the tower!

avatar.gif
Job.

Don Piatt: I am Head Counsel for this fine community.

avatar.gif
Pub.

Don Piatt: It is in the southeast building.

avatar.gif
Herbalist.

Don Piatt: It is in the southwest building.

avatar.gif
Tower.

Don Piatt: The man in the tower is a seed of discontent and will bring thee ill fortune!

I then head out of town and to the north.

ultimav268.png


While crossing a bridge my party is attacked by trolls. Since only Gwenno and Julia have ranged weapons (a sling and a spear), I move my party into position.

ultimav269.png


Unlike the past Ultimas, in this game my characters can aim their attacks in one or more squares away from their position depending on the range of their weapons. This means characters can finally attack diagonally. Another interesting thing is that characters can dual wield weapons, and when they do, they get one attack for each weapon. Since Iolo has a dagger and a main gauche, he can attack twice.

ultimav272.png


Since the top troll is trying to flee, I cast VAS FLAM to roast him.

ultimav273.png


Yeah! That is one troll burger extra crispy!

ultimav274.png


One of the trolls left behind a (trapped) chest. Chests now appear on the combat screen rather than the overworld.

ultimav275.png


Nice!

North is the Lycaeum, but I decide to play around with the moongates. First I head in to the moongates around midnight.

ultimav279.png


ultimav280.png


ultimav281.png


I remember the mantra, OM, from the last game.

ultimav282.png


ultimav284.png


ultimav286.png


The moongate deposits me on a tiny island. I sleep until morning.

ultimav287.png


This is the village of New Magincia. It was built on the ruins of old Magincia, which was destroyed by daemons for it pride sometime before Ultima IV.

ultimav288.png


It has been rebuilt by a bunch of shepherds/farmers into an agricultural commune. It seems to have replaced Yew and Skara Brae as the go-to destination for hippies.

ultimav290.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Yasuda: I am a farmer.

avatar.gif
Farmer.

Yasuda: We have worked very hard here to rebuild Magincia.

avatar.gif
Rebuild.

Yasuda: It has been a very long and laborious task, but we are near completion.

avatar.gif
Completion.

Yasuda: We would be through now if 'twer not for the black devils who come and take fully half our yield!

avatar.gif
Black devils.

Yasuda: The Shadowlords are Blackthorn's enforcers of his self-righteous regime!

Apparently, there is some resentment with Blackthorn's regime. I now talk to more hippies.

ultimav291.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Kaiko: I work to grow the crops for our towne.

avatar.gif
Crops.

Kaiko: Without our work, many would starve, yet we seek no more than our humble earnings, unlike the new King!

avatar.gif
King.

Kaiko: Blackthorn, the usurper!

avatar.gif
Blackthorn.

Kaiko: He takes half our harvest, and imprisons those with the knowledge of the ancients!

avatar.gif
Imprisons.

ultimav292.png


avatar.gif
Throne.

ultimav293.png
ultimav295.png
ultimav296.png


It looks like I will have to brave Blackthorn's dungeons to find the councillor Hassan.

ultimav297.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Fumiko: I share the workload in the community fields.

avatar.gif
Community fields.

Fumiko: We work long days, but 'tis a choice we make freely!

avatar.gif
Freely.

Fumiko: Devoid of freedom, what would virtue be. . .

avatar.gif
Virtue.

ultimav298.png


These are words to live by!

avatar.gif
Enslaved.

Fumiko: Those who mindlessly follow the will and tyranny of Blackthorn! Yet still, many believe themselves free!

ultimav300.png


This is Tomoka. She is another embittered hippie. Honestly, what is up with all the wappanese hippies in New Magincia?

ultimav301.png


avatar.gif
Elzair.

Tetsuo: Pleased to meet thee!

avatar.gif
Job.

Tetsuo: I work hard and reflect upon the greater meaning.

avatar.gif
Meaning.

Tetsuo: Art thou a servant of Blackthorn?

avatar.gif
No.

Tetsuo: I feel the Eight Laws are misguiding!

avatar.gif
Misguiding.

ultimav302.png


avatar.gif
Path.

ultimav303.png
ultimav304.png


This is pretty much the theme of the whole game.

ultimav305.png


This cemetery contains all of the NPCs from the last game. In here I find an old woman, Shirita.

ultimav306.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Shirita: I tend the graves of the former inhabitants of Magincia, poor souls!

avatar.gif
Magincia.

Shirita: Long ago, Magincia was destroyed for its sins of pride and arrogance.

avatar.gif
Pride.

Shirita: Magincia was once a thriving merchant community, the envy of all Britannia!

avatar.gif
Envy.

Shirita: Sadly, they were not at all humble. Daemons sprang from the earth, engulfing Magincia in flames!

avatar.gif
Daemons.

Shirita: The souls of the inhabitants lived on as undead creatures to warn others from the twisted path of Pride! After years of torment, they have finally been laid to rest. Pride is difficult to avoid. Dost thou strive to walk a humble path?

avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav307.png


I now find my (useless) former companion, Katrina.

ultimav308.png


ultimav309.png


avatar.gif
No.

Katrina: Alas, I yearn for battle!

Then why do you suck so much?

ultimav310.png


This is the grave of Demitry, the skeleton who told me about the Silver Horn that I used to scare off daemons near the Shrine of Humility. Where the hell did that thing go, anyway?

Here is another one of Blackthorn's laws of virtue.

ultimav311.png


ultimav312.png


Cool! If I push a chair in a direction, it will face that direction.

I find the old man Shirita was talking about south of the inn.

ultimav313.png


avatar.gif
Job.

Wartow: I stay here to live out my life!

avatar.gif
Life.

Wartow: I have lived many years.

avatar.gif
Years.

Wartow: Too many to count!

avatar.gif
Humility.

Wartow: Who dost thou serve?

avatar.gif
British.

Wartow: Dost thou hate the evil tyrant Blackthorn?

avatar.gif
No.

ultimav314.png


avatar.gif
Yes.

ultimav315.png


This translates to LUM. This guy will also ask how I can judge Blackthorn and think myself superior to him when I don't know all there is to know about him. This game seems to suggest that men are not inherently evil but can make many misguided choices.

Anyway, that is all for now.
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
BTW, I added the spell incantations to my Second Interlude post.
 

Silellak

Cipher
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
3,198
Location
Tucson, AZ
Ultimas, since V, just got simpler and simpler. This is how I know the ultimate trend of gaming is towards less sophistication, not more. The hardcore were being disrupted even back in 1988. I remember.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love Ultima V as much as anyone else, but how were VI and VII simpler than V? I know you're just quoting someone else, but I'm just curious if you know where they're coming from with that statement.

Will be fun to see the LP of Ultima V. I played Lazarus a couple years ago, but I can't even remember the last time I played the original V, so it will be fun to see what all is different.
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Silellak said:
Ultimas, since V, just got simpler and simpler. This is how I know the ultimate trend of gaming is towards less sophistication, not more. The hardcore were being disrupted even back in 1988. I remember.
Now, don't get me wrong, I love Ultima V as much as anyone else, but how were VI and VII simpler than V? I know you're just quoting someone else, but I'm just curious if you know where they're coming from with that statement.

Will be fun to see the LP of Ultima V. I played Lazarus a couple years ago, but I can't even remember the last time I played the original V, so it will be fun to see what all is different.

Well, I think he was saying that the future Ultimas just kept getting simpler and easier to figure out. If you go into III-V blind, they might take 50-100 hours to beat. I have not played VI much, but I think it is a bit easier. I do know that Ultima VII's combat is very dumbed-down, and doing things is easier.
 

Elzair

Cipher
Joined
Apr 7, 2009
Messages
2,254
Which route does the hivemind want me to take to get LB's crown back? Should I do the virtuous thing of sneaking through Blackthorn's castle or should I get join the Oppression and get the password and the Black Badge?
 

Silellak

Cipher
Joined
Aug 19, 2008
Messages
3,198
Location
Tucson, AZ
Whichever ones makes for a better LP. Or, if it's not too much work, perhaps you should show both!
 

As an Amazon Associate, rpgcodex.net earns from qualifying purchases.
Back
Top Bottom