Nox pushes the envelope of 8-bit computing and eliminates many of the frustrations of old time gaming (e.g. inventory management, starvation, poison) with a very smooth menuing system. The developers really took modern day sensibilities into account with their design decisions and it shows. While it's clearly influenced by Ultima, Bard's Tale, etc. it's not a clone, and in fact the plot. combat and game mechanics are superior, and the artwork is original. I am a great fan of old RPGs as well as 4X games such as CIv & Crusader Kings. If you like any of these types of games, there's a high chance you'll enjoy Nox.
I played most of the Ultimas as they came out, starting with Ultima 3. But school and then real life got in the way of playing Ultima Underworld for 20 years. I just finished it the other night and it's been well worth the wait. I haven't been this happy and satisfied with completing a game since Ultima 5! =) The only quest that was inordinately difficult and required a peak at the cluebook was the Cup of Wonder. Dear Lord that had me stumped for weeks. Hats off to anybody who figured that out on his own! The only serious complaint I have is that GOG has horrid default music and sound settings. Please search the forums and take the time to install and configure the MT-32 Synth emulator MIDI drivers. These games are supposed to be an aural feast and instead are a pain to the ears the way GOG has them working out of the box. How hard would it be for GOG to correct this and make this release of a masterpiece truly flawless?
