Ultima 4

Overview

Ultima 4 remains a landmark RPG that continues to spark passionate discussions decades after its original release. While technical frustrations plague modern playthroughs, the game's revolutionary character creation and philosophical depth create an experience that shaped both the genre and its players. This isn't just nostalgia talking – Ultima 4 pioneered concepts that still feel fresh today, even as its presentation shows its age. The divide between those who see its brilliance and those frustrated by compatibility issues defines the modern experience of this classic.

I played it on a Commodore 64 with pirated disks... This was the beginning of my IT career.

Anonymous

A Revolutionary Foundation

At its core, Ultima 4 introduced groundbreaking concepts that redefined roleplaying games. The character creation system stands out as particularly innovative, using a psychological test to determine your avatar's class and alignment. This wasn't just cosmetic – it fundamentally shaped gameplay and narrative possibilities in ways that still feel fresh decades later. Players discovered remarkable replay value through manipulating their answers to experience different character archetypes, from noble knights to unscrupulous thieves. The depth of choice created distinct playthroughs where moral decisions carried weight, establishing a template for modern RPG morality systems.

The game's world-building created unprecedented immersion for its era. Rather than focusing on defeating a dark lord, Ultima 4 challenged players to embody virtues through their actions. This philosophical approach to storytelling created meaningful roleplaying where every interaction felt consequential. Multiple reviews mention spending years exploring its rich world, uncovering secrets through experimentation rather than quest markers. The sense of mystery and discovery remains compelling, rewarding patience and curiosity in ways few contemporary titles match.

Technical Time Capsule

Modern players face significant hurdles when attempting to experience Ultima 4's brilliance. Compatibility issues emerge as the most consistent complaint, particularly with Windows XP systems where the game frequently crashes during combat or fails to save progress. These aren't minor inconveniences but game-breaking flaws that prevent completion. One player's experience captures the frustration perfectly: "It starts up alright but obviously the party data doesn't get written to disk, so you cannot start."

The presentation also divides players. While some appreciate the retro aesthetics as part of the game's charm, others find the primitive graphics actively detrimental to enjoyment. This isn't merely about visual fidelity – the interface and controls feel dated in ways that demand patience. Yet for those who persevere, the underlying systems reveal remarkable sophistication. The disconnect between its technical limitations and conceptual ambition creates a fascinating tension that defines the modern Ultima 4 experience.

If you have not played Ultima 4 you cannot call yourself an RPG gamer.

Mr mike

Enduring Influence

Beyond its technical challenges, Ultima 4's greatest strength lies in its lasting impact. Multiple reviews describe it as a formative experience that shaped careers and lifelong gaming passions. The game's focus on ethical roleplaying over combat statistics created profound personal connections that still resonate decades later. Players recall not just quests completed, but moral dilemmas faced and the satisfaction of internal character growth.

This emotional resonance explains why many consider it essential despite its flaws. The game pioneered concepts we now take for granted – meaningful alignment systems, virtue-based progression, and open-ended problem solving. While modern RPGs offer flashier presentations, Ultima 4's philosophical depth and commitment to player agency remain unmatched. It's a testament to its design that players still passionately defend it against criticisms of being "boring" or visually outdated, recognizing how its innovations transcend technical limitations.