How to get the most out of Ultima Underworld 2
(... and possibly 1, I have not tested that yet)


I took me ages to figure this out, so I hope that a collection of my insights is useful for you guys.

- somewhat better graphics
- MUCH better sound

I assume that you have installed the game using the GOG installer. I will tell you what you need to do, but I will not hold your hand for every single step. Some computer knowledge is required.


1. Graphics


1) Download this special dosbox build: http://www.si-gamer.net/gulikoza/dosbox.html
2) Overwrite your GOG Dosbox with it.
2) Configure dosboxULTIMA2.conf as follows:

[sdl]
fullresolution=2560x1440 (or whatever your screens NATIVE resolution is)
output=direct3d
pixelshader=GS2xTwo.fx (or try other shaders from http://www.si-gamer.net/gulikoza/gallery/)

[render]
scaler=hardware3x

3) You should see much better scaling in Dosbox now.

4) Now download "Lights Patch by Gigaquad" from http://bootstrike.com/Uw2/downloads.php

5) Drop SHADES.DAT into the UNDEROM2\DATA directory.

6) The game should now be noticably less dark.


2. Sound

1) Make sure that UNDEROM2\DATA\UW.CFG in the first line contains

5 -1 -1 -1 sound

This is the default after the GOG installation, but you may have changed it, because it sounds horrible — as long as you don't do the following things, which are NOT part of the default GOG installation.

2) The described setting enables Roland mode, but that sounds aweful without Roland. So we need to make sure you have an emulation for Roland.

3) Follow the instructions in Part B of http://queststudios.com/smf/index.php?topic=3376.0;wap2
You will need to obtain the mentioned two ROM files for CM-32L somehow.

4) Reboot

5) Open Dosbox, run

mixer /midilist

This will list all midi devices, remember the ID of "Out to Midi Yoke 1"

6) Configure dosboxULTIMA2.conf as follows:

[midi]
config=<ID>
midiconfig=<ID>

where <ID> is replaced with the ID from step 5.

7) Now run mt32emu.exe, keep the window open, and start Dosbox. You should instantly hear the difference.

I disagree with the shades.dat thing. The game is supposed to be that dark; you're in an underground dungeon. And when you have a torch lit, it brightens up very much. With the new shader, it pretty much makes torches moot.

Me too. The game is supposed to be dark without lantern or spell in effect.

Also, personally I did not notice so big difference between the standard dosbox advinterp3x scaler and the ones offered by the special Dosbox build.

I am using munt to get perfece Roland sounds & music, that is really nice.

I'm trying your instructions for the sound, but when I run mt32emu.exe, I get the message "Failed to open midi input device."

Thanx for info.

Anyone had success with this GFX settings?

Graphics wise I had no better results.
(prefering normal DosBox, with scaling=supereagle)

Music wise Roland Virtual Sound Canvas emulator is nicer IMHO.

Downloaded the new dosbox, made the changes to dosboxUW2.conf but the game doesnt run. Dosbox appears for a few moments and then quits

Do you have some more detailed instructions on these steps please?