The latest episode in the Ultima series is here. Can it ascend above its predecessors?
David Kohl

Avatar! Welcome back to the land of Britannia. Alas, this will be the final time you shall quest upon its sacred shores. Yes, finally your adventures have come to their conclusion. The battle between you and the loathsome Guardian shall be complete.

And Avatar! Look at Britannia. Look at it! Have you ever seen her appear more beautiful? Look at how the clouds stream across the sky, changing according to the state of the day. Gaze at the soaring mountains, verdant forests and deep secret caverns in which you are to delve. Let us walk down to Britain to continue our talk...

What's that, Avatar? Why is everything moving so slowly? Why is the world juddering? May I ask a question? Do you see with the Direct3D eyes? Ah - there lies your problem, for Britannia was not originally designed to be viewed through such things, but if you reduce the horizon to slightly beyond your nose and lower the textures to grainy oatmeal then all will be quicker.

Avatar, bring back your smile, for interaction in the world of Britannia is as rich as ever! Spells can be welded unto your spellbook through the appropriate ritual. Fully voice-acted peoples populate the landscape, each of whose conversations may throw light on your mission. Manifold quests appear and can be solved according to your will. A complicated moral universe, where choosing either good or evil will lead to a different difficulty of task, underlies all.