Ultima, Wizardry and M&M versions

[Deleted member 11480]

It's been a long time since my last playthrough on any installment of these series, and at that time, I didn't care much about different versions and most importantly, the differences between them. But now I do care and, in fact, I've been using the search thing to find a topic about this subject here on the Codex but, well, I think you can picture if I found something or not judging by the fact that I've created this thread.

For instance, let's take a look on what Wikipedia has to say about how many platforms got an Ultima IV version:

Now that's something. And the same can be said about lots of games from these series... not to mention remakes and maybe re-released versions with improved graphics and sounds (see Loom 1990 and Loom 1992 for example), which I don't know if it ever happened with one of those RPGs.

I've heard about some NES ports being really well made, but there are those SNES versions of Ultima 6 and 7, which are horrible and a lot of content has been removed, so I'm not that sure about the quality of ports to consoles. Now, what does the hivemind has to say about your favorite versions of these games, and the differences between them? Especially the older entries. Oh and if you can name good remakes, it will be nice too.

Discuss!!

 

[sportforredneck]

For the Wizardry, I would say just get the Ultimate Wizardry Archive for all the games. But for Wizardry 7 you may just want to get the floppy disk version, because from what I know, Wizardry Gold has a lot more issues than Wizardry 7, I wouldn't know. I always played Wizardry Gold as a kid but haven't really noticed any difference.

 

[mondblut]

M&M1 might be better on Amiga. M&M2 on Amiga or SNES. Wizardry 1-3 on SNES or PSX (Llylgamyn Saga). Wizardry 5 on SNES.

 

[ecliptic]

Ultima IV's Sega Master System is actually held in high regard by some. I've never tried it myself. There's a good graphics and sound update pack for the PC version, that's what I used. u4x I think. U5 was never ported, I don't tihnk. I like U3 on the NES just because it's much more pleasing to me visually. Stay away from any U7 other than Exult or the PC version. I've heard good things about the dungeon siege total conversion for U5 named Lazarus.

MM3 should really be done on the PC. 2 had a decent looking port on the Genesis.

Wiz 1-3 Llgyamny Saga has a translated PC port, if you're interested in that. Wiz 7 Gold looked nicer than the dos version, and had built in hints, but did not have full keyboard support, thus was a bitch to play. Save games are transferrable. I much prefer the charm of the dos version myself.

 

[Luzur]

well the only differences ive seen in the various MM versions i bought for my collection is the graphics/sound they use.

PC version of MM1 is just very basic graphics/pc speaker squeeks, NES version is nice 8-bit graphics/NEs sound etc.

basicly what the computer/console it was ported to could handle.

 

[Unkillable Cat]

Ultima IV's Sega Master System is actually held in high regard by some. I've never tried it myself.

That may have something to do with the fact that it was released in 1990.

 

[Gragt]

The psx version of Llylgamyn Saga (Wiz 1-2-3) seems to be superior to the PC version of the same remake: better music quality, dungeon graphics and animation. Also I dislike the windows approach of the PC version, and the PSX version seems to use an interface very similar to the original.

It's nice that most of the text can be translated in English but there are a few options that I simply can't guess, so I'd appreciate if anyone can shed some light.

These are the settings I currently use:

Options 1 to 4 change the text from Japanese to English; the very first deals with menus and most of the text while the rest changes monsters and items names and probably other stuff I do not know about.

5: allows you to choose between the classic "line" rendering for the dungeon and the modern appearance.

6: likewise, choose the old or new graphics for items and monsters.

7: no idea.

8: pretty much the only of the bunch that is easy to understand.

9: turn sound effects on or off.

10: no idea.

11: activates or deactivates the automap.

Any insight?

 

[getter77]

IIRC, the early Ultima stuff on FM Towns is a bit supercharged, perhaps unique even, in terms of audio features and the like. Could've sworn I read somewhere about one of them being pretty well definitive with bells and whistles in tow....

Besides, that's just such an awesome name for a machine!

 

[ecliptic]

Oh that's right, I forgot about the FM-TOWNS U6 port. Somehow they managed to make the whole game voiced. And there was a lot of dialogue in it. Quality I couldn't speak to, but it's impressive in and of itself. It's hard to get though, I had to dig pretty hard to find an image of it.

 

[Darth Slaughter]

Ultima IV for sega master system is praised because is an very well done port. It is the same game as the computer versions, tile based. The nes version worked like some JRPGs and the main character is some final fantasy like magician.

The master system version even had the same animations from the computer versions (apple II, PC, C64), but improve the graphics (no black backgrounds).

Dialogue was made similar to ultima 7 from PC, you don't need to type words, they come up in a side menu as the conversation goes.

Music is the same as the midi versions that can be added in the PC version, but they have the master system quality.

The main diference is that the dungeons are in top down view, and not in 1st person. But the have the same layout.

Wizardry have lots of ports in the japanese market that they kind of made their own series of wizardry games. If you want some consistency, play all on PC so you can import your characters between games.

 

[juggernaut]

Any insight?

7 is stereo/mono sound (mono is the right option)
10 is sound effects during combat

 

[Gragt]

Thanks a lot! Guess I can just keep the settings as they are then.

 

[Carlos' Bitch1]

For early Ultima games (1-5) the best versions are for C64/128. After this, the PC is the best.

For Wizardry....hard call. No extra whistles in any of the different versions. Might as well stick with the PC versions up to Wiz 6.

Since I haven't played the PC version of 6 (only Amiga) I cannot comment on it. The Amiga has some nice music and sound effects. 7 and 8 is a no brainer.

Might and Magic is another difficult one. The first one, because it wasn't on Amiga, would have to go to either Apple II or C64. After this, Amiga for 2 and 3. Then head to PC for the rest of the series.

These answers are for bells and whistles, and my tastes when it comes to games with these simplistic tilesets, bells and whistles does not equal graphics, but rather which has the best sound and music.

 

[Jasede]

Ultima IV = Sega Master System version
Wizardry = either that SNES rom they showed or the Apple original
Might & Magic 1-3 = Mac version is far superior when it comes to UI, comfort and graphics, so use a Mac emulator. Have fun getting the emulator to run...

 

[dr. one]

don´t know shit about versions, just stay away from Wizardry Gold and don´t hesitate from Exult Ultima