SEGA MASTER SYSTEM LAND

Ultima IV (Proview)

By Hobbs

No bigger than the tiniest of flieckers was the light of hope that remained in the hearts of the people when the evil, but fortunately now slain wizards, Mondain, Minax and Exodus ruled the land. Alas, distraught and light of heart as the people were during those hours of near total darkness, they held tightly to their hope, and it was through this collective will of soul and the bravery of the soldiers who laid down their lives, that peace and goodness once again prevailed.

Now under the gentle rule of Lord British, the vast lands of New Brittania along with its people are free to prosper. Amongst these inhabited areas, there are eight extraordinary townships not to be looke upon lightly. You see, not only do each of these eight towns specialize in a trade, they also have amongst their people certain members of honour who hold within them crucial information relevant to one of the eight sacred shrines of virtue. In turn, each of these most sacred shrines holds pieces of the puzzle that when put together will lead to the most revered symbol of all, the Avatar, holder of all virtues known to man.

Welcome to the fourth Ultima saga, newly converted for single person play on your Sega Master System. This super role play puts you on an incredible quest to find what no man ever has before, the Avatar.

The adventure begins when you are summoned by Lord British to visit him in his castle. You, as a self-named character, discover that although for the moment things are peaceful throughout the land, Lord British fears that his people are lacking in direction. HMMM! What kind of aimless plaque is this that afflicts the good people of Brittania?! Alas, as the story unfolds, you soon learn that according to Lord British, what the people need is a new standard, a new vision of life for which to strive, and it is through obtaining the ultimate symbol of viertue, the Avatar, that the people may live, not only in peace, but in the ultimate wisdom of the virtues.

Setting out with no more than the clothing on your back, you must acquire supplies by battling the evil ones who inhabit the wild, uncharted lands of Brittania. Emerge victorious from these battles, and you will get money to buy things such as the finest magical herbs form the townspeople of Moonglow or the strongest weapons and armours from the forges of Jhelom.

Although the number of places to visit may seem endless, it is to the advantage of the weary traveler to stop and visit each and every one. Look around and chat with the people, for there is often more to be known than meets the eye.

Creatures, both desirable and not, will frequently len you their presence. Fire-breathing Dragons, boulder-throwing Cyclops, and blood-sucking bats are but a few of the beasts known to trequent these parts. Hint! Not all creatures are bad!

Ships come in mighty handy during your virtue-gathering travels. Should you find yourself in need of one, there are fine boatmakers in the harbor who are quite happy to sell you their finest, for a small fee, of course.

The journey through the lands of Brittania, complex and treacherous, is not for the faint of heart. However, if you love a true in-depth challenge, Ultima IV is an enchanting, mystical adventure that keeps you caught in a timewarp somewhere between home and a land deep in the web of medieval mysticism.

Protips:

Magical weapons can also turn the tide of battle. These, however are not to be used hastily. The Fire Skull is especially tempting and extremely powerful. But be warned! Think twice about what a skull represents before you use its magic.
Don't be fooled by the size of a sling, for though it is small, it can prove to be a most valuable weapon. Not only is it inexpensive, it is light and has a long shooting range.
While visiting towns, look closely for black spots on the inner village walls. Should you find one try pushing on it, for it may lead you to places filled with interest.
Merely finding a shrine is not enough. Before you enter, you must first prove yourself worthy by performing good deeds as well as collectin pieces of the ancient script called Runes. An example of a good deed is to give generously to the needy.
Careful! Although you must keep up your defenses and destroy those who threaten you, should you accidentally kill an innocent, you will be stripped of all virtues you may have earned.
Two tiny moons rise and set in the top left corner of your screen. Watch their patterns and learn. Their movements open "moongates", that will take you to places aboundant with necessary supplies. Hint! Moongates are to be found in more than one place.
During your travels by land, watch where you step. Stinky swampland (bluish-yellow-greeen appearance) can prove to be less than desirable to your well-being.

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