Ultima I is the first official game in the Ultima series. It is a
rather straightforward action rpg, sort of like Diablo but 10 or 15
years earlier. Gamespot states that the PC version of Ultima was
released in 1980 but that is a mistake; Ultima was first released in
1980 for the Apple II and the Atari 8-Bit and was then remade in 1986
for the PC, Commodore 64, MSX and Apple II. So the version I am
reviewing now is the 1986 remake for the PC, not the 1980 original
which I have never played.
Like I stated earlier the game is incredibly simple. You fight
monsters, get money, buy better equipment, fight more monsters, get
more money, repeat process. Upon exiting a dungeon in which you have
killed monsters you are rewarded with hit points, usually more than you
lost inside. You can give money to the numerous kings for hit points.
The goal of the game is to reach the evil wizard Mondain and kill him,
to do so you need to complete quests given by the king, rescue a
princess, engage in space battles and eventually travel through time.
The game is sort of a mishmash of styles, containing both classical
fantasy and out of place sci-fi elements. The graphics work, they are
definitely not impressive today but they still catch the eye somewhat
although I may be biased on that point. There is no music, and the
sound is limited to footsteps and some sound effects for attacking. The
game doesn't hold much value because it is quite short, being easily
finished under 10 hours and even under 5 if you know how to play. It is
also quite expensive if you wish to buy it on ebay. Don't even think
about buying the original boxed version, but you can get the Ultima
Collection for $30 to $50 which is the best way you can get your hands
on Ultima I. I wouldn't recommend it though, this is a game that will
be enjoyed only by those who feel nostalgia towards it. I wouldn't
recommend it to anyone else. I like it though :)
