ULTIMA IX : ASCENSION
The Frequently Asked Questions List
Version 1.00 - 24 June 1995
Compiled by Adrian Yau (Sagacious Dragon)
[email protected]
Copyright (c) 1995. All rights reserved
Contents
--------
Section 1 : Introduction
1.1 Objective
1.2 Disclaimer
1.3 Trademarks
1.4 Acronyms
1.5 Spoiler Warning
1.6 Obtaining the FAQ
Section 2 : Background Info
2.1 What is Ultima?
2.2 Who is the Avatar?
2.3 Who is the Guardian?
2.4 The Guardian Trilogy so far.
2.5 The Official Ultima 8 End Sequence
2.5.1 Has the Guardian conquered Britannia?
Section 3 : Plot
3.1 Why is the game called 'Ascension'?
3.2 General plot features of Ultima 9
3.2.1 How much of the plot has been worked out?
3.2.2 What's the story about?
3.2.3 Philosophical elements
3.2.4 Plot Non-Linearity
3.2.5 Sideplots
3.3 The Avatar's Character
3.3.1 Character Tranfer.
3.3.2 Will the Avatar retain the powers gained in U8?
3.4 Companions and Party Members
3.4.1 Will companions from previous Ultimas appear in U9?
3.4.2 Will Dupre return?
3.4.3 Will there be party members in Ultima 9?
3.4.4 How many party members can I have? I want an army!
3.5 Magic
3.5.1 How important is magic in the plot of Ultima 9?
3.5.2 What sort of magic system will be implemented?
3.5.3 Will reagants still be used for the magic system?
3.5.4 Will party members be able to cast spells?
3.6 Miscellaneous Plot Questions
3.6.1 Will dragons be involved in the storyline?
3.7 The Ending
Section 4 : Gameplay Issues
4.1 Will U9 use the same engine as U8?
4.2 World interaction
4.3 Will the conversation menu system still be used?
4.4 Movement
4.4.1 Will there still be jumping and climbing?
4.4.2 Will the Avatar be able to swim?
4.5 Combat
4.5.1 What will combat be like in Ultima 9?
4.5.2 Will there be two combat models, realtime and
turnbased?
4.5.3 Will combat combine the keyboard and mouse?
4.5.4 Will there be more monsters?
4.6 Graphics
4.6.1 Characters
4.6.1.1 Will there be an option for a female Avatar?
4.6.1.2 Will there be character portraits?
4.6.1.3 Will there be live actors and movie cut scenes?
4.6.2 Weather
4.6.2.1 Will we see the return of night and day?
4.6.2.2 How about the seasons and weather?
4.6.3 Inventory
4.6.3.1 Will inventory have a graphical interface?
4.6.3.2 Will there still be paperdolling in inventory?
4.6.4 Map
4.6.4.1 Will it be a mono- (U7) or dual-scaled map (U5)?
4.6.4.2 What sort of perspective will Ultima 9 use?
4.6.4.3 Will a rotating perspective be used?
4.6.4.4 Can we run the game at different resolutions?
4.7 Sound
4.7.1 Will we get 32 channel sound like in WC3?
4.7.2 Will U9 be full speech?
4.8 Interface
4.8.1 Will there be more shortkeys?
4.8.2 How about user configurable keys?
Section 5 : Technical Issues
5.1 Platforms
5.1.1 Which platforms are U9 currently targeted for?
5.1.2 Will U9 be released for 3DO?
5.2 Multitasking
5.3. System Requirements
5.3.1 What will be the minimum requirements to run U9?
5.4 Will there be a floppy version?
Section 6 : Miscellaneous
6.1 Who's on the Ultima 9 project?
6.2 When will U9 appear on the shelves?
6.3 Where can I get screenshots?
6.4 Is Ultima 9 "The Lost Vale"?
6.5 Will there be add-ons for U9?
6.6 Will there be a Ultima 10?
6.7 Will there be a special edition for Ultima 9?
6.8 Cheat Menu
Section 7 : In Conclusion
7.1 Credits
7.2 Obtaining more information
7.3 Contacting the author
Section 1: Introduction
-----------------------
1.1 Objective
This FAQ was created to answer some Frequently Asked Questions
on the net regarding 'Ultima 9: Ascension', which is currently
in development.
Hopefully, this FAQ will also serve to dispel the many rumours
floating around the net.
This FAQ was suggested by Brian Martin, Design Coordinator of
the Ultima 9 project, who has provided most of the information
you will find here.
1.2 Disclaimer
At this point, development of U9 has only just begun. Things are
quite intangible at the moment. So watch out for answers with
the word 'probably' <G>. Hopefully, we'll be able to add more
information at a later stage of game development.
1.3 Trademarks
Ultima, Britannia, Origin are registered trademarks of
ORIGIN Systems, Inc. Avatar, Serpent Isle, Pagan and
Ascension are trademarks of ORIGIN Systems, Inc.
Origin Systems Inc. is a subsidiary of Electronic Arts.
1.4 Acronyms
U4/5/6/7/8/9 Ultima 4/5/6/7/8/9
U7SI Ultima 7 part 2: Serpent Isle
1.5 Spoiler Warning
There will be spoilers for gamers who have yet to play the
previous Ultimas. Sections 2.2 - 2.4 (Background Info)
contain most of the spoilers.
1.6 Obtaining the FAQ
New versions of this FAQ will be posted in the newsgroups:
alt.games.ultima.dragons
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
You can also access the FAQ on the web at:
http://www.uwa.edu.au/student/ayau/u9/u9faq.htm
You can also request a copy of the FAQ from the author at:
[email protected]
Section 2 : Background Info
---------------------------
2.1 What is Ultima?
For those unfamiliar with Ultima; it is a line of computer games
of the Role Playing Game (RPG) genre produced by Origin Systems.
Currently, there are 13 games in the series (14 if you include
Akalabeth).
For more information about Ultima, refer to the Web at:
"
http://www.why.com/ultima/" The Ultima Homepage
"
http://www.ea.com/origin.html" The Origin Systems Homepage
2.2 Who is the Avatar?
The Avatar is the main character of the Ultima series. The Avatar
is the champion of virtue in the games. The concept of virtues
(philosophical values) is a main feature of the Ultima games.
2.3 Who is the Guardian?
The Guardian is the main antagonist in the current trilogy (U7-9).
He first appeared in Ultima 7, where he attempted to gain control
of Britannia. Physically he has been depicted as a huge red being
(male) with yellow eyes.
2.4 The Guardian Trilogy so far.
In Ultima 7 (The Black Gate), the Avatar is summoned to Britannia
and uncovers the Guardian's plans to gain control of the world,
with Batlin's help. Naturally, the Avatar foils the Guardian's
plans and Batlin flees Britannia.
In Ultima Underworld 2 (Labyrinth of Worlds), the Guardian makes
another attempt on Britannia by encasing the Avatar and Lord
British's castle within a dome of blackrock. The Avatar travels
to other worlds dominated by the Guardian, to gain the power to
free the castle.
In Ultima 7 part 2 (Serpent Isle), the Avatar follows the trail
Batlin has set; to the Serpent Isle. The Avatar discovers the
land on the verge of destruction from the forces of Imbalance.
In restoring Balance to Serpent Isle, the Avatar falls into the
Guardian's trap.
In Ultima 8 (Pagan), the Guardian throws the Avatar into the
world of Pagan. There, the Avatar seeks a way home to Britannia.
2.5 The Official Ultima 8 End Sequence
From the 5 blackrock fragments, the Avatar recreates the
Blackrock Obelisk of the Great Temple. The pyramid shaped obelisk
is a black gate which takes the Avatar into the Nexus of the
Worlds (place with the white pillars). Upon entering the Nexus,
a person is taken to where they most desire to go. The Avatar is
taken back to Britannia, where he appears wearing the suit of the
Titan of Ether.
A Britannia unlike the one we remember. The sky is blood red,
rivers of molten lava vein the land and dragons swoop about in
the sky. The Guardian's head is carved into a mountain.
2.5.1 Has the Guardian conquered Britannia?
We'll have to play the game to discover this.
Section 3 : Plot
----------------
3.1 Why is the game called 'Ascension'?
There is no official explanation from Origin as it would
probably give away the plot. However, the general feeling
from most fans is that the Avatar will have a direct
confrontation with the Guardian in Ultima 9. In order to
defeat him, the Avatar has to 'ascend' to a more powerful
state.
3.2 General plot features of Ultima 9
3.2.1 How much of the plot has been worked out?
Most of the plot for Ultima 9 has been finalized, including the
characters in the game, the events in the game and the ending.
Town and dungeon layouts have already been worked out as well.
3.2.2 What's the story about?
Ultima 9 has been coined the 'trilogy of trilogies' and will
continue the story from Ultima 8 and wrap up the current Guardian
trilogy (U7-9). You'll have to play the game to get any more than
that!
3.2.3 Philosophical elements
Starting from Ultima 4, the series has always had a plot based
around some system of values. Ultima 9 will have a strong focus
on philosophical elements like the previous Ultimas. However,
it is unconfirmed if the Britannian virtues will return or
whether a new system will be created.
3.2.4 Plot Non-Linearity
Ultima 9 will feature a non-linear plot. Quests need not be done
in a specific order and there will be many ways to solve puzzles.
3.2.5 Sideplots
We have been promised that there will be plenty of sideplots
(minor quests unrelated to the major storyline) and lots
of easter eggs.
3.3 The Avatar's Character
3.3.1 Character Tranfer.
Transferring your character of the Avatar was a feature of the
older Ultimas (this option was left out from Ultima 7 onwards).
Can we transfer the Avatar's stats from Ultima 8?
They're not sure if it will be implemented.
3.3.2 Will the Avatar retain the powers gained in U8?
In short, no. Building up the character of the Avatar is part of
an RPG. The Avatar will have to work to gain strength and powers
in Ultima 9.
3.4 Companions and Party Members
3.4.1 Will companions from previous Ultimas appear in U9?
Yes, the companions will return, however it has yet to be
confirmed if they will join the Avatar's party.
3.4.2 Will Dupre return?
Origin's not telling on this. However, in a interview (1994),
Richard Garriot mentions that Dupre will, at the very least,
be present at the ending.
3.4.3 Will there be party members in Ultima 9?
Yes, there will be party members in U9. Though there is no
confirmation on who they will be.
3.4.4 How many party members can I have? I want an army!
The total number of party members has yet yet to be decided.
Unfortunately, there won't be an army.
3.5 Magic
3.5.1 How important is magic in the plot of Ultima 9?
Magic will play an integral part of the game.
3.5.2 What sort of magic system will be implemented?
Even though the magic system in U8 was very interesting, it was
too complicated and ended up quite cumbersome. Ultima 9 will
return to the spell book system similar to Ultima 7.
3.5.3 Will reagants still be used for the magic system?
Yes, traditional Britannian reagants will be used.
3.5.4 Will party members be able to cast spells?
They're not telling.
3.6 Miscellaneous Plot Questions
3.6.1 Will dragons be involved in the storyline?
There has been no confirmation from the design team on this.
However, in the Ultima 8 end sequence, there are dragons
flying about the sky. Furthermore, Lord British also mentions
dragons as a form of transportation in Britannia (letter to fans
in Ultima 8 patch kit). In an interview, Lord British also
mentions taming dragons will be a major plot in the game.
3.7 The Ending
Will the Guardian finally be defeated for good?
Will the Avatar or Britannia still exist after U9?
They're not telling :)
Section 4 : Gameplay Issues
---------------------------
4.1 Will U9 use the same engine as U8?
No. As with tradition, each new Ultima involves new technology.
Every new numeral has a totally new engine (U7SI is not
considered a new numeral).
4.2 World interaction
Ultima 8 was a step back from previous Ultimas, in terms of
interaction with the world and it's objects. Sitting down was
something we missed most. However, interaction will be greatly
improved in Ultima 9; there will be lots of it.
4.3 Will Ultima 9 still use the menu system for conversations?
Prior to the menu system (first introduced in Ultima 7),
conversations with other characters was carried out by typing
keywords.
The design team has yet to confirm if a menu system will be used.
4.4 Movement
4.4.1 Will there still be jumping and climbing?
One important feature of Ultima 8 was the ability to jump and
climb. Unfortunately, there were just too many puzzles depending
on jumping skills. Ultima 9 will probably have (they're still
not sure) jumping and climbing. What's certain is that we will
not have the arcade action of Ultima 8.
4.4.2 Will the Avatar be able to swim?
There are no plans for this yet.
4.5 Combat
Combat in U8 was an RPGer's nightmare, basically a session of
frenzied mouse clicking. Though blocking and kicking actions
were implemented they were rarely used. It all came down to
the weapon's power and the dexterity of the Avatar in avoiding
getting knocked down.
4.5.1 What will combat be like in Ultima 9?
However there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we have been
promised that there will be a new and inventive method of combat,
which should please a vast majority of players. A combat system
far different from that of U8. However, the design team will not
reveal any further.
4.5.2 Will there be two combat models, realtime and turnbased?
The design team hopes to incorporate this into the game.
However, the code has yet to be written, so it's unconfirmed.
4.5.3 Will combat combine the keyboard and mouse?
No.
4.5.4 Will there be more monsters?
Due to space and budget constraints, as each monster required
100's of animation frames, Ultima 8 only had a small selection
of monsters. Ultima 9 will have greater variety, as it will be
released on CD-Rom.
4.6 Graphics
4.6.1 Characters
4.6.1.1 Will there be an option for a female Avatar?
Yes. This was not included in Ultima 8 due to the number of
animation frames required. 1200 frames were used for the Avatar
alone!
4.6.1.2 Will there be character portraits?
U6 to U7 featured character portraits when conversing with
others. In U7SI this was taken a step further by using digitized
photos for many of the portraits. This feature was sorely missed
in U8. The good news is that portraits will return. However,
it is unconfirmed if digitized photos will be used.
4.6.1.3 Will there be live actors and movie cut scenes?
They're not sure at this point.
4.6.2 Weather
4.6.2.1 Will we see the return of night and day?
This is a definite yes.
4.6.2.2 How about the seasons and weather?
Clouds and weather such as rain, lightning storms will be
implemented in Ultima 9. However, they're still unsure about
the seasons.
4.6.3 Inventory
4.6.3.1 Will inventory have a graphical interface?
Yes.
4.6.3.2 Will there still be paperdolling in inventory?
Paperdolling was first introduced in U7SI. The inventory
screen actually showed the character wearing and holding
equipped items and weapons. Howeve, it is unconfirmed
if this feature will be included in U9.
4.6.4 Map
4.6.4.1 Will it be a mono- (U7) or dual-scaled map (U5)?
The design team has yet to make up their minds on this one yet.
However, there has been indications to indicate a leaning towards
a dual- or multi-scale map (see Lord British's letter to Ultima
fans, in the Ultima 8 patch upgrade).
4.6.4.2 What sort of perspective will Ultima 9 use?
Ultima 9 will have a isometric view like the previous Ultimas.
4.6.4.3 Will a rotating perspective be used?
The isometric perspective used in U7 and U8 had the disadvantage
of not being able to see behind certain walls. Quite a few
gamers have suggested a rotating perspective be used. It is
not known if this is a workable idea. For the moment, Origin is
keeping silent on this one.
4.6.4.4 Will we be able to run the game at different resolutions?
As U9 will be produced for Win95 (see section 5.1.1), will
we be able to adjust the resolution, to see a larger area?
Note: We all run machine at different resolutions.
CAUTION: Origin cannot confirm this at the moment, however
it is most likely that we will be able to run the game
under different resolutions, and view a larger area of the
map using higher resolutions.
4.7 Sound
4.7.1 Will we get 32 channel sound like in WC3?
U8 only had 4 digital channels for sound effects. WC3 had 32
channels for sound effects. The greater the number of channels,
the more sounds you can hear simultaneously. For example:
shouting, clashing of swords, footsteps, spell casting
simultaneously in a battle.
It's most likely but the design team has yet to confirm this.
4.7.2 Will U9 be full speech?
The design team is still considering full speech for the game.
If implemented, there will be an option to turn it off.
4.8 Interface
4.8.1 Will there be more shortkeys?
Yes, there will be lots. There will be shorkeys for keys,
spellbooks, stats and more.
4.8.2 How about user configurable keys?
Very unlikely.
Section 5 : Technical Issues
----------------------------
5.1 Platforms
5.1.1 Which platforms are U9 currently targeted for?
Currently, Origin only has plans for Windows 95.
5.1.2 Will U9 be released for 3DO?
It is most likely that Ultima 9 will be released for other
platforms as well (including 3DO). However there are no concrete
plans for them yet.
5.2 Multitasking
Will we be able to take advantage of multitasking in Win95 to
take notes online?
They're still not certain of this.
5.3. System Requirements
5.3.1 What will be the minimum requirements to run U9?
CAUTION: The following is unconfirmed and is only a guess.
U9 should be able to run on a 486/66 with 8Mb RAM and a
double-speed CD-Rom. It will best run on a Pentium.
5.4 Will there be a floppy version?
No. Ultima 9 will be released on CD-Rom format only.
Section 6 : Miscellaneous
-------------------------
6.1 Who's on the Ultima 9 project?
Project Director Richard Garriott
Design Coordinator Brian Martin
Senior Designer John Watson
Designer Chuck Zoch
Designer Robert White
Art Director Beverly Garland
Art Team Denis Loubet
Micael Priest
Robert Baldwin
Micahel Morlan
Scott Jones
Tech Director Mike McShaffrey
Tech team Herman Miller
Gary Smith
Sean Rogers
Ragnar Schuerman
6.2 When will U9 appear on the shelves?
At the moment they're shooting for Christmas 1996.
6.3 Where can I get screenshots?
There are none at the moment.
6.4 Is Ultima 9 "The Lost Vale"?
No. "The Lost Vale" was supposed to be an add-on for U8. It was
never released as the folks at Origin didn't think it would sell.
6.5 Will there be add-ons for Ultima 9?
Depends on the success of Ultima 9.
6.6 Will there be a Ultima 10?
Definitely, unless Ultima 9 turns out to be a total bomb :)
6.7 Will there be a special edition for Ultima 9?
They're not sure on this one yet.
6.8 Cheat Menu
What already? And you haven't played the game yet :)
Section 7 : In Conclusion
-------------------------
7.1 Credits
This FAQ could not be made possible without the help of the
following people:
Brian Martin at Origin (a really cool guy) for
answering our many questions.
James R. Cheney (Cheese Dragon) for for his input
and editing. James provided many of the questions
you see in this FAQ.
7.2 Obtaining more information
The following newsgroups usually have some information on U9.
Watch out for the S/N ratio though!
alt.games.ultima.dragons
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
7.3 Contacting the author
Do you have any information or questions regarding Ultima 9
which you don't see here? Read anything which you think
might be useful to other fans?
Have any gripes about the FAQ? I would love to hear what
you think about it.
Feel free to send me mail at:
[email protected]
