Ah what a glorious day as GOG finally adds one of the most incredible RPGs and indeed computer games of all time to its back catalogue. Ultima 7 is an immense experience, huge in scale, mammoth in detail and gargantuan in terms of depth. The world of Britannia is a living one, full of hundreds of characters each living out their little lives. It's completely open to you to explore, with dungeons, castles and secret caves waiting for you as the Avatar, and his/her companions to plunder. Although there is a story-line and plot to follow, you can pretty much go where you want, when you want, carrying out tasks for others and uncovering secrets and treasures. Half the enjoyment comes from finding out what the other characters are up to! Other games might offer similar free roaming adventure, but few carry it off with such panache as Ultima 7. As far as the plot goes, Ultima 7 Part I sees the world of Britannia in peril as a big red ugly fella with a phobia of visiting the dentist (if his teeth are anything to go by) threatens to take over the land. The Avatar (hero of the series) is plunged back into the frey after a 200 year hiatus and immediately stumbles upon a murder mystery. Despite the locals being suspicious of our hero (after-all he's not been seen for two centuries) you're offered a chance to solve the murder, which in turn has you uncover a much more sinister plot to overthrow Lord British, the current heroic king of Britannia. There are many twists and turns as you follow leads all across the land. You'll encounter a religious order known as The Fellowship, who preach love and unity but seem to always be connected to the strange events happening in Britannia. Wherever you uncover treachery, you'll be certain they've been there recently. What makes U7 special is the depth of the world. Every character you'll come across has an occupation and a schedule they'll keep to. They might work in the morning, sneak a pub lunch in the afternoon, work some more, then go to church to listen to a tedious Fellowship ceremony in the evening. After that, they'll go home to bed -- sometimes not in their own bed though! ;) You'll want to talk to every character; not just to further the story-line, but to learn more about themselves and the world of Britannia. It's also a mature world that draws parallels to our own. This isn't a black and white universe where there are merely good guys and bad guys, this is one where racism, drug abuse, religious cults and in some cases adultery are abundant. Few games tackle such issues, especially back in 1992. In Ultima 7 Part 2, you're off to the Serpent Isle where the Avatar is not seen as a hero, more of a villain, thanks to some undue bad press. You're chasing after Batlin, the leader of the Fellowship from Part I who turns out to be the Guardian's henchman. Your faithful companions accompany you again, only a strange teleport storm whisks them away! The balance in the land has been lost and strange things are afoot. As an outsider in an unfamiliar world, you'll have to win over the suspicious locals and track down Batlin and once more thwart the Guardian's plans - but not before rescuing your companions of course! Whereas Part I was gloriously open and free to explore, Part II is much more structured and linear in terms of plot. You'll have to solve certain puzzles to move the story-line forward so you can explore more of the world. Whilst this is a departure from Part I, it isn't necessarily detrimental to the enjoyment of the game. Where Part II is stronger, is the story. You'll uncover a land full of lore, of relics and ruins of an ancient culture long since extinct, yet their age old wars between the forces of Order and Chaos continue. Dozens of books and scrolls tell the history of a land ravished by conflict, and the many characters you'll encounter offer their own sides to the story. You'll be engrossed from start to finish - providing you don't get stuck! It really does feel epic, and towards the end, quite sad, as you realise your long lived adventures with your friends Iolo, Dupre and Shamino that you've journeyed with since Ultima 4 are coming to an end. The weak point of both parts of Ultima 7 is undoubtedly the combat. It's real time but more of a side element to the game. Battles in U7 are a far cry from the likes of those you'll experience in Japanese RPGs. You initiate combat mode then try to double click on an enemy. With luck you'll automatically start hitting your foe, but after that you'll be a spectator, watching the pools of blood splatter from wounds caused by successful hits and hoping no-one on your side dies. Occasionally you'll be forced to pause the game and use healing potions, but there's no real tactical considerations to worry about. Combat is short lived and unspectacular. Fortunately it is the depth of the game world that draws you in and never lets go with Ultima 7. It's the rich history of the lands of Britannia and the Serpent Isle that enthralls you; the numerous secrets and characters you'll discover that makes you want to explore every nook and corner of every dark cavern. It's the strong story telling that pulls you further in, unrelenting and irresistible in its very nature. Seldom have I played a game I've completed many times, and yet still want to play again just to relive the experience and world of Britannia one more time. This is a nostalgic gaming gem, an RPG still relevant today and wanting to be discovered by a new audience. Sure RPGs since may have provided players with larger, open worlds, with life like graphics and professionally written scripts, but Ultima 7 was there first, and set a benchmark arguably never beaten. Ultima 7 Complete really is the complete RPG, a true classic. Understandably newer players may find it difficult going at first, but persevere and I guarantee, you'll love Ultima 7 like I do. Thank you GOG for bringing this classic to your site!
