In Ultima IX :Ascension, you will find a
museum in Britain chronicling the history of Ultima. On one November Friday,
I was fortunate enough to visit the real Hall of Ultima at Origin
Systems in Austin, Texas. This hall, which Lord British (aka Richard
Garriott) has only recently created... consist of artwork, manuals,
trinkets, disks and awards for all things Ultima as well as other
Origin titles. Some of the highlights for me where items like the alternate
cover to Ultima IV and the Akalabeth display. Most people will stop
and gaze at the original painting of the Tapestry
of Ages by Tim and Greg Hildebrant, which you
will discover in-game in Britain (There is a small reproduction
included in the Dragon Edition as well).
Allow
me to stop briefly to point out that I am an Ultima gamer from years
gone by, as I have chronicled here, so
some of what your about to read may sound a little corny. Yet, I shall
forge ahead.... After passing
through the Hall of Ultima, Lord British treated myself and others to
a sample of the music you will hear in Ascension. Listening to Stones
played by a 40-piece orchestra was enchanting... I confess it gave me
goose bumps. We were then treated to a view of the Dragon Edition
contents. Everything was up to classic Ultima standards... I particularly
liked the eight virtue cards. Now
on to Ascension. Lord British was kind enough to escort us around
Britannia, showing us some of the different cities and towns, as well
as taking time to speak with a villager or two. I can't even begin
to tell you how awesome this game is. There is so much to tell, with
few words to describe it... rain cascading down from the sky, vultures awaiting their pray, torches
crackling in the darkness, the guardian cackling as you press on. Standing outside Stonegate,
looking up at its walls reaching high into the sky is a sight to
behold. <dramatic pause> The best compliment I can give this
Ultima is one already given to a previous Ultima: It is a living
tapestry. The plot is elegantly woven within a living, breathing world
we all know and love called Britannia. The
moongate is opening soon. See you there... and don't forget your ankh. |
