If you're expecting to play an RPG that holds up graphically, you're looking at the wrong game. And to be honest, there are so many mechanics related to gameplay that can be tedious and cryptic. But despite all the above, this game was revolutionary in its vision / narrative, eschewing the typical quest of killing the ultimate evil for something entirely unique at its time. Your goal is to become an exemplar of virtue, the personification of Compassion, Honesty, Honor, Humility, Justice, Sacrifice, Spirituality, and Valor via action and meditation. There is plenty of combat, dungeoneering, and looting involved, but all are performed with the ultimate purpose of becoming enlightened in said virtues, by allowing non-evil creatures to flee from combat (compassion) and letting treasure chests that don't belong to you be. I don't think many modern gamers will have the patience / time to dedicate to this game, but for those of you who are interested in the history of RPGs or game design, Ultima IV is one to study or perhaps even experience for yourself.
I played the hell out of this game on a Gravis Gamepad when it was first released. It worked well for me then, but when I tried to play it at the tail end of 2018, I found that no control configuration worked for me in the original engine. It's really a pain in the butt having to hold a button and left / right button to strafe! Enter ecwolf. Ecwolf enables true strafing via a single key and an automap feature that is OPTIONAL. If you're a purist, no need to bring up the map. But even having grown up with this game since its release, I find that certain elements, such as the labyrinthine map design, recycled / monotonous wall textures, and lack of distinct areas makes the automap a very much welcome feature for me, and one that enabled me to enjoy revisiting all six episodes in the modern age. The graphics are nothing to write home about, but the sound design holds up well. There's a wonderful weight to the thud of the submachine gun and a satisfying shatter / crackle to the chaingun when they fire. And the German phrases the various soldiers shout as they are alerted to your presence or die... Just classic. While the game mechanics are simple, once you have a control scheme that is suitable for you, you'll find that the game's rapid pace is a welcome reprieve from the dreadfully deliberate and slow gameplay of most of today's FPS. The game does not hold up perfectly, but it can still hold up well, if you run it via ecwolf!
