Ultima IX

The Promise to Set Things Right™

It had been rumored for a long, long time that Ultima IX would be the conclusion of the series, this trilogy of trilogies. The Avatar would no longer venture from Earth to save the Britannians, who would presumably have to fend for themselves. Obviously, when trying for a finale like this, all the stops are presumably pulled out. Did it work? Well…

Sigh - the ever-pervasive fog

A nice view nonetheless

The Premise

Remember how in Ultima VII the Virtues seemed to be in decline, how magic wasn't quite right and how the people were unhappy? They now turned to the "Fellowship" which was providing the guidance that they needed. Of course the Fellowship turned out to be a sham under the direction of the Guardian, to lure the people away from the true path. Think that was bad enough? Now imagine that the Guardian has found a way to corrupt the Virtues, to turn them into anti-Virtues of sorts. Where you once had compassion, there would now be hate, intolerance and prejudice. Honesty turned into Deceit, and so on. At each of the Virtue's shrines, a big, ominous column appeared, damaging the shrine. Then evil, unnatural things started happening, the people in the area began losing their specific virtue. Where was the ruler of the land, Lord British, during this whole time? Same as always - whittling away the time until the last possible moment when he summons you. Of course, it wouldn't be much of a game if he solved the problem himself, would it?

Why doesn't British just gimme that?

'Save my realm Avatar, but you can't take that sword'

To our never-ending frustration with the illogic of it all, British never provides you with sufficient gold, armor, weapons, spells and miscellaneous equipment. King of the land he may be, but what kind of Avatar would you be if you didn't bleed for everything along the way? This time the Avatar was smart enough to bring his own sword and bow though. It's just one of those mysteries that's never going to be answered.

A Few Changes…

Like in Ultima VIII, you find yourself without a party. There is no Iolo, Dupre or Shamino to accompany you in your merry travels. This is probably a good thing. In the earlier Ultimas all they did was whine about food and sleep, rarely contributing decisively to combat. Besides, it takes all the focus and puts it on the Avatar himself, seemingly magnifying his actions. Don't fret, you'll meet your former comrades in the game… one way or another.

What a sky!

Looks like someone laid down the law