Ultima V Retrospective | The Tyranny of Virtue
With Ultima IV's ambiguous goal of mastering the eight virtues, the game was a slow-paced and meditative experience. The Avatar's trial wasn't overcome with the defeat of a big bad villain, but through self-reflection. Rather than continuing down this path of optimism & philanthropy, Ultima V asks the question: what happens when virtue is made mandatory?
In this episode of the Ultima Retrospective, we take a look at Origin System's late 1980's growing pains, their competition, and of course, Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny.
This is the 4th video in my Ultima Retrospective series. Watching earlier parts isn't necessary to enjoy this video, but it is recommended. They can be found here:
Akalabeth & Ultima I: • Akalabeth & Ultima I Retrospective | ...
Ultima II: • Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchant...
Ultima III: • Ultima III Retrospective | Origins & ...
Ultima IV: • Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar Retros...
Links:
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/ majuular
Music used in this video (with timestamps):
https://pastebin.com/HBidYERK
Running list of sources used in the Ultima Retrospective:
https://pastebin.com/Nri8p0jy
00:00 - Origin Splits
4:12 - Personnel
11:09 - Brainstorming
14:53 - Ultima V: Introduction
20:50 - Cruel New World
30:44 - Music
33:12 - The Quest
38:50 - Old Friends, New Foes
50:45 - Exploring Britannia
55:13 - Presentation
58:55 - The Sceptre
1:02:28 - Subverting the Virtues
1:05:58 - The Crown & The Shrines
1:11:45 - The Underworld
1:19:47 - The Dungeons
1:23:36 - The Child Room
1:28:38 - The Shadowlords & Doom
1:35:27 - Ultima V: Conclusion
1:41:27 - Fierce Competition
1:46:30 - Huge in Japan
1:54:05 - Credits