Everything about Ultima Underworld totally explained
Ultima Underworld is a series of two
computer role playing games published by
Origin Systems in the early
1990s. It is a spin-off from the successful
Ultima series. The games were created by
Looking Glass Technologies (originally known as Blue Sky Productions).
Gameplay
The gameplay for both titles is nearly identical. Both games are set entirely indoors, requiring the player to explore various dungeons and caverns. Progression is event driven and non linear. The player can explore and revisit areas at will and many obstacles encountered often have multiple solutions.
Richard Garriott considers the
Underworld series to be more action-oriented than the regular
Ultima series.
The player views the game world from a
first-person perspective. A
point-and-click interface is used to interact with the game world. Items can be picked up and kept in the player's inventory as long as there's sufficient carrying capacity. Dropped items will persist throughout the course of the game. The game world is highly interactive. The player must be kept fed. Weapons and other items wear with use. Torches, for example, eventually extinguish after prolonged use, but can also be replenished with oil. Other examples of interactivity include using corn on a lit torch to create
popcorn.
While many inhabitants of both
Underworld games are hostile monsters, the player will also encounter more intelligent inhabitants who may be conversed with. The combat system is mostly focused on melee combat; ranged weapons are present but are limited in availability. Spellcasting is done by selecting an appropriate combination of runestones. There is a wide selection of spells, from offensive spells, such as fireball, to utility spells, such as night vision.
Technology
The 3D
engine used was advanced for its time, featuring a
texture mapped environment and polygonal objects. Lighting featured prominently in both games.
An enhanced version of the engine used in the games was later used for
System Shock.
Legacy
The Elder Scrolls series was initially inspired by
Ultima Underworld.
The 2002 game
Arx Fatalis was heavily influenced by the
Ultima Underworld series. The developers of
Arx Fatalis,
Arkane Studios, have stated that the game was actually intended to be third game in the
Ultima Underworld series, however they couldn't obtain a license for the
Underworld name.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Ultima Underworld'.
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