Continuing in the recent retro craze, Ultima Collection (Windows 95, $40) brings together the series that virtually started the industry. While most of the games, maps and documentation are intact, less technically inclined players might face difficulty getting some of the games to run.
More than 10 years ago, Richard Garriot, a k a Lord British, began the tale of Britannia, a mythical land on another plane of existence. Over nine games and a few spinoffs, the saga of Britannia and its hero, the Avatar, has developed. From the text-based Ultima 1 to the abysmally Mario-esque Ultima 8, the disc adequately compiles the Avatar’s exploits.
However, the absence of the spinoff games The Savage Empire, The Martian Chronicles and the 3-D Underworld series are lamentable omissions.
Also included are Lord British’s first game, Akalabeth, “in character” interviews with the series’ creator, and a short trailer for Ultima: Ascension. Ultimas 1-6 installed without a hitch, but 7 and 8 required some complicated tinkering with configuration files.
Ultima Collection is an anthology for every serious gamer and computer role-playing fan. But those already owning the games probably will be better served by the originals, as the interviews and trailer are more fluff than substance. Ages 17 and up.
– Legacy of Time : The Journeyman Project 3: Blending elements of Myst with a strong sci-fi storyline, the Journeyman Project series’ third installment improves on the second game’s excellent story and aesthetics while dumbing down the difficulty.
Legacy of Time (Windows 95/PowerMac, $50) is an involved tale, complete with a futuristic government time-travel agency, various aliens and other sci-fi mainstays. To save the Earth from mysterious attackers, Agent Gage Blackwood must scour Atlantis, Shangri La and El Dorado to uncover the three pieces of an ancient alien artifact.
While cliche on the surface, Legacy’s story comes together extremely well and all relevant background is explained in detail for newcomers.
Using Apple’s Quicktime VR technology, players are confined to set paths of movement but can freely view the environment while stopped, a visually impressive and vital feature.
For would-be adventurers and series familiars alike, Legacy of Time is an excellent, if somewhat easy, diversion. Ages 6 and up.
Overall: (star) (star) (star); gameplay: (star) (star) (star); graphics: (star) (star) (star) 1/2; sound: (star) (star) (star)
