Ultima V Retrospective | The Tyranny of Virtue

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  • čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
  • 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 R...
    Ultima II: • Ultima II: The Revenge...
    Ultima III: • Ultima III Retrospecti...
    Ultima IV: • Ultima IV: Quest of th...
    Links:
    / majuular
    / majuular
    Music used in this video (with timestamps):
    pastebin.com/HBidYERK
    Running list of sources used in the Ultima Retrospective:
    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
  • Hry

Komentáře • 876

  • @milesseawind
    @milesseawind Před 29 dny +605

    In all seriousness, I do think that your series is very important for bringing knowledge of these important games to future generations. Thank you for everything that you do.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +145

      Thank you for saying so. If anything, these videos are pastiches of information that dozens of people have spent their free time documenting & archiving. I'm incredibly grateful to them. If I can present the history in a way that's entertaining and helps people appreciate pioneers of the medium, that's all I could ask for.

    • @Bubba524dtm
      @Bubba524dtm Před 29 dny +8

      I've treasured Ultima growing up and to this day. Stones always gives me goosebumps and I value this opinion and your work Maj. Thank you for your chronicle of this legendary series.

    • @Plamler
      @Plamler Před 29 dny +16

      Especially when young people like me can't even see exactly how this game would be fun enough to dive into upon a first glance, but learning about how the games grew with the industry and the culture that surrounded them is fascinating.

    • @olidouze8022
      @olidouze8022 Před 29 dny

      ​@Majuular hu,great video. Might be worth to credit those (dozens)
      of people :)
      Edit: the CZcams Fireborn does a nice work of sourcing infos. He's less big than you ,but a good example of repo of due diligence

    • @KCUFyoufordoxingme
      @KCUFyoufordoxingme Před 29 dny

      ​​@@Majuularyou are making them into a futureiche.
      *lets self out.*

  • @ProsperoCh
    @ProsperoCh Před 29 dny +524

    I relate very heavily to this game.
    I too can't enter a city without being haunted by evil hooded apparitions.

    • @ZX-Gear
      @ZX-Gear Před 29 dny

      I could make a KKK joke but I don't think you are joking so I am not going to be insensitive and I am sorry for your loss.

    • @ThommyofThenn
      @ThommyofThenn Před 29 dny +33

      You live in London i take it?

    • @charlottecorday8494
      @charlottecorday8494 Před 29 dny +17

      ​@@ThommyofThennOr Ireland

    • @majestyzx9081
      @majestyzx9081 Před 29 dny +8

      That's called "Don't Look Now" starring Donald Sutherland.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny

      ​@@ZX-Gearthe Klan aren't apparitions. Evil and hooded are correct. 2 out of 3 ain't bad tho.

  • @Anunoriginalname101
    @Anunoriginalname101 Před 29 dny +109

    Man, I can't believe Ultima V was almost 40 years ahead of the curve introducing the shadow wizard money gang, and we just weren't ready to realize it yet.

  • @xvct2661
    @xvct2661 Před 29 dny +253

    Man going from the nostalgia critic era spoony videos to this kind of thoughtful stuff we get from guys like you today restores my faith in youtubes cultural health

    • @MegaDeathRay10
      @MegaDeathRay10 Před 29 dny +43

      His videos on Ultima aren't bad but poisoned by his own sad tale. It is nice to see a telling of the adventure without the baggage.

    • @krystaldragon17
      @krystaldragon17 Před 29 dny +22

      ​@@MegaDeathRay10 yeah spoony's ultima videos ended with plain depression and a "childhood ruined" type of conclusion. Like yeah the game sucks, we get it, now can we get on with the retrospective of the game?
      Actually I'm not sure he had a thesis after he lamented how the game ruined his early memories of Ultima

    • @SilimSavertin
      @SilimSavertin Před 29 dny +12

      @@krystaldragon17 Ultima IX is a complete shitshow, what other thoughts are really worth mentioning about it? That "game" has no redeeming qualities.

    • @j.2512
      @j.2512 Před 29 dny +3

      from organic to long form advertisements

    • @trustytrest
      @trustytrest Před 29 dny +6

      @@j.2512 It sure was organic whining. Nothing else worth mentioning than how it's just his sob story.

  • @ElyodEnadiz
    @ElyodEnadiz Před 29 dny +270

    this is the second time back-to-back I log in to CZcams to see an entry of these series uploaded within the last minute. it was meant to be.

    • @realityvanguard2052
      @realityvanguard2052 Před 29 dny +6

      0:00 This is literally me, watching this intro.

    • @Scoopsdepoop
      @Scoopsdepoop Před 29 dny

      ​@@realityvanguard2052Were you watching it? Or were you scrolling around ?

    • @mikurusagawa6897
      @mikurusagawa6897 Před 29 dny +3

      So I am not the only one!

    • @GaiaMisery
      @GaiaMisery Před 29 dny +2

      This is the 2nd time I read this comment !😊. Glad you are enjoying like I am. Peace and love

    • @umdadvocate
      @umdadvocate Před 29 dny +1

      I am the old man in the intro, booting up the Majuular console for some new, fresh content.

  • @danamahr3773
    @danamahr3773 Před 29 dny +186

    Majuular playing the harpsichord in Britannia to the tune of "The Flintstones" is something truly amazing to behold. ❤

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +52

      I've been called the songbird of my generation.

    • @fnapis
      @fnapis Před 29 dny +16

      Grand Dad?

    • @ScorpionJC7
      @ScorpionJC7 Před 15 hodinami +1

      I was not expecting to have a yabba dabba doo time when watching this video

  • @ogto
    @ogto Před 29 dny +129

    26:04 "there is something perpetually special about seeing guards relieve each other..."

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +80

      I knew I was gonna get this comment but I was really betting on it being more than an hour after the video released....

    • @ogto
      @ogto Před 29 dny +10

      @@Majuular i can't believe it took this long

    • @JayCycler
      @JayCycler Před 29 dny +3

      Damnit i was about to comment that too but i just saw this, glad to see like minded people here

    • @sunnysideup137
      @sunnysideup137 Před 28 dny +2

      @@Majuular when in doubt, always assume that people will be as immature as possible.

    • @LordDragox412
      @LordDragox412 Před 28 dny +2

      @@ogto Neither can the guard.

  • @DemonLordSparda
    @DemonLordSparda Před 29 dny +139

    Holy shit, the Avatar played the Flinstones theme on the piano. Screw those shadow lords, this guy is a hero.

    • @judgedrekk2981
      @judgedrekk2981 Před 29 dny +5

      WILMA!!!!
      eh what did you expect? yabba dabba doo!? lolz

    • @boobah5643
      @boobah5643 Před 24 dny

      *harpsichord. The primary difference is that a piano hammers the strings while a harpsichord plucks them.

    • @SeppelSquirrel
      @SeppelSquirrel Před 23 dny +2

      [ Siivagunner Intensifies ]

    • @davidt3563
      @davidt3563 Před 22 dny

      *makes Dino barking noises at the door*

  • @louisharkna9464
    @louisharkna9464 Před 29 dny +48

    As a kid I grew up on devs like Broderbund, Origin, SSI, Psygnosis and Infocom. It's truly a delight seeing a continued interest in those formative years of gaming and game development! It also shows how the Major Publishers (I'm looking at you EA) became such the bully bait for the internet, and how they ALREADY were behaving so BADLY decades ago.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +20

      The EA of yesteryear was a pretty different beast, but there were some hints of what was to come...

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny +2

      ​@@Majuularthere is a Desire to see EA burn meme image that is many hands of many groups of fans. Many many. They are to videogames what Harmony Gold is to mecha fans. It's just in Origin's case many of the people are just as responsible as EA in killing some beloved IPs. Roberts and Dickie B have just been embarrassing themselves for the last 25 years or so. Course most of the other big creators or not so big but should have been mostly got out of videogames where the money and hours are much much better.

  • @dsmith3112
    @dsmith3112 Před 28 dny +28

    "How could something so unsurmountably evil be yet so pityably fragile" - Reminded me of Sauron. There are a lot of parallels if one thinks about it. He was impossible to defeat in a direct confrontation but was brought down by casting a small item, containing the essence of what he is, into a very specific fire.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 26 dny +10

      Very true! Garriott considered himself a student of Tolkien, and conscious or not, it came through in his work.

  • @Uncle-Jay
    @Uncle-Jay Před 29 dny +33

    Creativity is a funny thing, it comes and goes on it's own. I love painting, writing, all sorts of stuff. Sometimes projects take awhile because I suddenly lose that drive. Other times it burns as bright as the sun until my project is finished.

  • @mortchior
    @mortchior Před 29 dny +207

    You know I kind of love how the whole avatar arc of Ultima is technically an isekai. Man was really ahead of the times.

    • @hayaokakizaki4463
      @hayaokakizaki4463 Před 29 dny +82

      Isekai first got big in the 1400s with the hit classic "Inferno"

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +85

      Y'know, I've never really thought about it like that 🤔

    • @assortmentofpillsbutneverb3756
      @assortmentofpillsbutneverb3756 Před 29 dny

      Isekai was actually popular in the 70's through 90's, though it was usually a female lead and didn't include death

    • @JohahnDiechter
      @JohahnDiechter Před 29 dny +25

      Portal stories are as old as the hills.

    • @Cassandra112
      @Cassandra112 Před 29 dny +33

      yeah, Isekai are old as time. Gullivers travels, alice in wonderland, oz, never land, Orpheus traveling to the underworld. jack and the beanstalk, can argue the Odyssey as well.

  • @dsmith3112
    @dsmith3112 Před 28 dny +22

    The original canon was that, after his exile, Lord Blackthorn ended up with the Xenkan monks on Serpent Isle, where he found peace. This was unfortuntately undone/retconned in Ultima 9: Ascension.

    • @davidt3563
      @davidt3563 Před 22 dny +1

      I thought he married Navani Kholin?!?

    • @Minority119
      @Minority119 Před 7 dny +1

      Really annoying because that was a retcon that definitely could work within the frame
      Literally just say that him having been possessed before meant he was accessible again by them because they know his mind

    • @Loki-
      @Loki- Před 7 dny

      Ultima Online furthered the retcon too.

  • @Zee-bo1jb
    @Zee-bo1jb Před 29 dny +40

    Here we are. Back to enjoy Majulaar's dulcet tones and exceptional writing.

  • @wolffster25
    @wolffster25 Před 29 dny +41

    I’m now genuinely curious as to what a timeline we would have had if Origin and Falcom had teamed up. While Origin is defunct Falcom is still popular with JRPG fans for both Ys and The Legend of Heroes franchises both of which having long and storied histories. It’s always surreal when you find that kind of information thank you so much for your research!!!

  • @TheXell
    @TheXell Před 29 dny +15

    Your musical skills are remarkable, Avatar!
    Truly a grand performance!

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +11

      "Yabba dabba doo" - The Avatar of Legend

  • @ZeroCoolIsGod
    @ZeroCoolIsGod Před 29 dny +35

    For the longest time the only Ultima series retrospective was the spoony videos.
    These are much better. Thank you so much for your work.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny +1

      There are a few others nowadays but Majuulars here is probably the best. Especially if you have any empathy for human beings and are aware what Spoony was going through during most of his. It's hard to be entertained knowing about it.

    • @jlcdavenport6268
      @jlcdavenport6268 Před 29 dny +4

      These Ultima retrospectives are great too. czcams.com/video/ma26h-iu4OY/video.html
      They've got the annoying skits from old-school CZcams, but they're very thoughtful, introspective and considered videos. I really enjoyed them, and I'd rate them well over the Spoony ones, particularly the ones from when his internet persona started to take shape.

    • @SaltyChickenDip
      @SaltyChickenDip Před 28 dny +5

      So many videos game retros act like gaming started with super Mario. And ignore how influential CRPG were especially ultima.

  • @The24thWight
    @The24thWight Před 29 dny +19

    This series is something I look forward to a lot.

  • @Unquestionable
    @Unquestionable Před 29 dny +15

    Was just thinking how pumped I was for the next Ultima retrospective. Absolutely some of my favorite content on this platform, being both a history lesson and let's play simultaneously with the best of both represented. I was always just far enough removed from computer RPGs growing up that I knew of the series but only ever dabbled with the console ports. To see how the entire series formed from the beginning has been an absolute treat.

  • @mawiiile706
    @mawiiile706 Před 29 dny +15

    You are on a generational run. Every video you put out is something I look forward to... And your pace for releasing these is really remarkable now, TY mr maj.

  • @PXAbstraction
    @PXAbstraction Před 29 dny +69

    Been in a not great headspace lately and have been going through the channel for some fascinating comfort food. Haven't been so happy to see a new video in my feed in a long time. I don't know how you put these out so fast my dude, but I appreciate you.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +38

      Thanks very much. Truthfully I'll probably pull it back a bit in terms of writing/editing hours for my next video. gonna spend more saturday afternoons with my family & friends instead of screaming as Adobe Premiere crashes for the 67th time. I do love the work though!
      Hope things get better for you sooner rather than later bud. They always do.

    • @Valkbg
      @Valkbg Před 29 dny +9

      Hopefully you get out of that headspace soon.

    • @PXAbstraction
      @PXAbstraction Před 29 dny +10

      @@Valkbg Thanks. 🙂 I am dealing with it as I have before, it's just a slow process.

    • @PXAbstraction
      @PXAbstraction Před 29 dny +9

      @@Majuular I don't think anyone would fault you for that. Heck, I don't even know how you can play the game and make a script in a month, let alone record and edit the thing. Well done regardless!
      I appreciate the kind words. I've been here before and I am dealing with it, it's just a frustrating and slow process. But it'll get there. Cheers. 🙂

    • @Valkbg
      @Valkbg Před 29 dny +4

      @@PXAbstraction As someone who is in the same boat I know its a slow process but worth the effort

  • @Nemo2342
    @Nemo2342 Před 29 dny +13

    I'm living the retro dream right now: watching this fantastic Ultima V retrospective while grinding in the Wizardry 1 remake.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny +3

      Murphy's Ghosts turn Bishops into Ninjas yo! Just make sure you MALOR properly. Don't forget that part. :(

    • @Nemo2342
      @Nemo2342 Před 29 dny +1

      @@CaptainRufus I benched my Bishop, but used the ghost to turn my Mages into Clerics and my Clerics into Mages :D

  • @cookieskoon2028
    @cookieskoon2028 Před 29 dny +24

    It's things like Romero changing the floppies brazenly that always make me, a Millennial, look at that generation with awe and bitterness.
    This, the same generation who did those things to get ahead, also made it impossible for mine to do those same sorts of things without it being an actual punishable crime. That sort of boldness is genuinely unthinkable to most people my age.

    • @cybercop0083
      @cybercop0083 Před 28 dny +1

      Awww poor millennial can’t prance into buildings to successfully demand a job anymore😢

    • @cookieskoon2028
      @cookieskoon2028 Před 28 dny +18

      @@cybercop0083 Well... yeah. Yanno, that exact thing Boomers constantly told us to do growing up. Literally that.
      I know you are probably trying to be a troll but it's not much of a punchline if it's just the actual root problem laid out. haha

    • @cybercop0083
      @cybercop0083 Před 28 dny +5

      @@cookieskoon2028 I am with you. Prancing in and asking for jobs. Pulling „Bill Murray switches the floppies“-stunts. Handshake agreements. It was all haphazard and volatile. The fallout of their haphazardness is us having to waste seventy percent of any process on often redundant paperwork

    • @cookieskoon2028
      @cookieskoon2028 Před 28 dny +8

      @@cybercop0083 Haha I get ya. You never know on YT! %90 of the comments here are bots, and %8 of the remainder are trolls. The rest of us are cool. :)
      I still remember my grandmother, who was a "silent gen", downright demanding I just march into the (place x here) and not leave until they hire me just like she did at GE in the 19-somethings. It took me over an hour to explain to her that by the 2000's there was a little thing called "security kicking you out".

    • @cybercop0083
      @cybercop0083 Před 27 dny

      @@cookieskoon2028 😂😂😂

  • @PraecorLoth970
    @PraecorLoth970 Před 28 dny +4

    This series is quickly becoming my go to ultima retrospective. I will probably save these and rewatch for years to come.

  • @bookbagfox
    @bookbagfox Před 28 dny +4

    This series is really incredible and shows what makes these games special better than any other reviews.

  • @redaim25
    @redaim25 Před 29 dny +42

    You somehow always upload when I'm about to go on some form of vacation. The weather is dark and stormy and the vibe is cozy, thanks Majuular.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +9

      Dark and stormy is peak 'talking about Ultima V' weather!

  • @tshiif
    @tshiif Před 29 dny +5

    The leaps in quality in the late 80s and early 90s sure were impressive, with storytelling ambition to boot. In any case, now we're getting to my favourite Ultimas! I was old enough to understand them at the time, and they're really just masterpieces anyway.

  • @AshuraKojiro
    @AshuraKojiro Před 29 dny +22

    Been looking forward to this one even since I caught up on the Ultima saga. Thankfully that wait is over. Love your vids dude, thank you for the comprehensive history of a game that I never knew inspired so many of my favourite games.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +6

      My pleasure, thanks for watching them!

  • @Longlius
    @Longlius Před 29 dny +13

    A timeline exists where the Falcom-Origin relationship actually worked out, Falcom bought up the rights once EA sucked Ultima dry, and there are now Japan-original Ultima entries detailing the daily life of students at Avatar Academy.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny

      Isn't that just the later seasons of My Little Pony G4? Twilight Sparkle pretty much is the Avatar already. Though I'd be lying if a crossover RPG with Adol Christin and Estelle Bright teaming up to beat up the Guardian doesn't sound like the most Hype thing ever...

    • @Longlius
      @Longlius Před 29 dny +2

      @@CaptainRufus I mean, Ultima is essentially an isekai already. I can already envision a full reboot of the series.

    • @thegobbojones
      @thegobbojones Před 29 dny +4

      Could only imagine how much more dangerous sea travel would be in a Falcom-made Ultima game.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 28 dny +1

      @@thegobbojones don't forget how thirsty everyone would be for the Avatar then. Cuz like Ys has everyone wanting Adol's sword if you dig. Britannians aren't usually that hot for the Avatar. Usually.

    • @thegobbojones
      @thegobbojones Před 28 dny +2

      @@CaptainRufus Ha that's true. Adol flies through love interests so much you swear the boy's got wings.

  • @froggyranger
    @froggyranger Před 29 dny +12

    I was just watching the Ultima IV video again last night thinking it was almost time for the video on the fifth game. lo and behold, here it is! this is gonna be good

  • @CiccioImberlicchio
    @CiccioImberlicchio Před 29 dny +16

    I started listening to your Ultima retrospective today at worm and i am at number 4 now, this is such perfect timing

  • @RilsR
    @RilsR Před 29 dny +20

    One step closer to our knowledge of the land being great.

    • @j.2512
      @j.2512 Před 29 dny +1

      one step closer to the edge and i'm about to break

    • @ElectricBarrier
      @ElectricBarrier Před 25 dny +1

      I'm not entirely sure...

  • @Cornerdog
    @Cornerdog Před 29 dny +41

    I never write CZcams comments, but I have to tell you how much I love this series. Just, every aspect these videos is so good. The history of the people involved in their production, the game review itself, your sense of humor and editing, the glimpses of whats going on in the wider world of gaming when these released, it's all completely enthralling. I had no idea these games had so much to offer before your videos on them.
    Just the fact that Ultima IV is about mastering a complex belief system, and then Ultima V is a deconstruction of that belief system is so wild to me. I love it. Great work man.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +11

      You're too kind. I'm as excited to learn about these games as anyone, just glad to share it with others.

    • @zoso279
      @zoso279 Před 28 dny +3

      It's something I've enjoyed as well. I remember seeing Ultima IV in my GOG library when I first made it among other games but ignored them all. It's been fascinating though seeing the journey Lord British has gone on with developing these games and gives me an immense appreciation for them even if they are too difficult for me to play.

  • @GundamGokuTV
    @GundamGokuTV Před 29 dny +4

    As I sit and watch this video the more I see similarities to other RPGs, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Fire Emblem, Fallout and the Elder Scrolls. This totally feels like the predecessor of those games. I could imagine a first person Ultima reboot or a Ultima Tactics style game. Because these games are the foundation of modern RPGs.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny

      That would require EA to care enough. They don't. According to Garriott himself (who isn't known for being 100% honest mind you..) he has talked to EA about doing remakes and being told no or not getting any form of response.

  • @trogdoar149
    @trogdoar149 Před 28 dny +3

    God Ultima V is such a good game. 4 and 5 were pinnacles of crpgs.

  • @larsrikardsen4964
    @larsrikardsen4964 Před 29 dny +22

    My favorite series on CZcams right now

  • @elasmojones
    @elasmojones Před 29 dny +3

    Nothing comes close to this game. I'll never be a kid again, but it will always be #1 in my heart. 16 colors, lets go!

  • @Gizzor
    @Gizzor Před 29 dny +6

    I appreciate all the work towards telling the backstory of the game's development, not just because it gives context to why things are the way they are in the game, but just the raw effort of research for fun

  • @largegoop
    @largegoop Před 28 dny +2

    Every new tidbit of history that comes with each video has left me speechless. The Ultima resonance cascade is real

  • @arios6443
    @arios6443 Před 29 dny +12

    No matter how many times I see it, the channel intro puts a smile on my face. Keep up the good work, Majuman!

  • @geo_ruhark
    @geo_ruhark Před 28 dny +4

    I was dying of boredom at work with nothing to listen to. Then, salvation arrived.

  • @johndelanie3649
    @johndelanie3649 Před 29 dny +3

    My man put out 2 two hour long videos in the span of a month, absolute madman

  • @supermariosunshine64
    @supermariosunshine64 Před 29 dny +4

    Yes, I watch every video in the series again when a new episode is dropped.

  • @Valkbg
    @Valkbg Před 29 dny +35

    This series has blown my mind. Its a must see for everyone who loves gaming history.
    Also as a Bulgarian I indeed dont get lost in Britannia

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 29 dny +11

      Thank you for saying so!

    • @Valkbg
      @Valkbg Před 29 dny +7

      @@Majuular Im more of a M&M fan but Ultima will still be an important part of our culture. Also the effort you have put in in this series is awe-inspiring

  • @CatMandiano
    @CatMandiano Před 29 dny +2

    Love all of your video essays. As soon as you release a video, I’m watching it.
    Keep up the good work, sir.

  • @MrRyoogi
    @MrRyoogi Před 29 dny +3

    It cheers my soul to hear Falcom being mentioned, albeit with the slightly unfortunate turn of events.

  • @RemnantCult
    @RemnantCult Před 29 dny +3

    These videos do an amazing job in keeping the memory and legacy of Ultima alive.

  • @justovision
    @justovision Před 29 dny +3

    Thank you for this series. I feel like I played the game and in the context of the time and place it was released. Ultima VI was the first Ultima game that I bought and loved. Reading the history of Britannia I could only imagine the adventures the Avatar had been on before.

  • @jamesbb4448
    @jamesbb4448 Před 29 dny +3

    Man, I love this video series. My introduction to Ultima was a dusty old cartridge of Ultima IV that i played on my grandpas NES as a kid

  • @primmybingus2597
    @primmybingus2597 Před 28 dny +2

    Love listening to this series when cooking or doing dishes. I know so much more about this foundational rpg series thanks to your videos. You have a really engaging way of walking us through these games without just flatly describing the lore or mechanics from point a to point b - its a warm cozy documentary, or seasoned and enthused historian lecture kind of feeling.

  • @Mobysimo
    @Mobysimo Před 28 dny +1

    While I'm a bit too young to have nostalgic memories of Ultima, this is a series that fascinates me.
    So relatively primitive yet so damn ambitious in its storytelling, themes, and gameplay, and Ultima V I think is the standout of those for me. A story about taking something that seems so good, so unquestionably positive...and making it a totalitarian nightmare as being a good person is suddenly forced upon pain of torture and death, with a man who has been deluded into thinking he's the benevolent, hero unaware he's the pawn of three monsters. The addition of the Xenkan Monastery, showing that Blackthorn had found peace after his exile, knowing that despite the corruption he brought to the land, he was still able to come to terms with it and let go of the things the Shadowlords used to corrupt him was the cherry on top.

  • @j-biscuitz7370
    @j-biscuitz7370 Před 29 dny +4

    So here I am stressing about what I can watch tomorrow on a need for long form content and one of my top 5 people of all platforms just drops 2 hours worth of undoubtedly well edited, well commented and well written video. My goodness I'm blessed - thank you!!

  • @SoulUnion
    @SoulUnion Před 25 dny +1

    Videos like these are really important. Going through the history of something so culturally phenominal and documenting it is very important.
    CZcams is a library of Alexandria.

  • @SuperLlama42
    @SuperLlama42 Před 29 dny +5

    Lord British literally out-Postal'd Postal with the child room.
    The entire point of Postal 2 is that you don't HAVE to choose the violent option, it's just the most convenient thing to do. Any violence you commit is all on you.
    And of course, Running With Scissors considers violence against children to be the one line they refuse to cross. They even stripped out the Elementary School cutscene from Postal 1 (where Postal Dude tries to commit a school shooting but apparently none of the kids are real and he has a mental breakdown and gets caught) with the Redux version because real life school shootings killed the "joke".

  • @MsRmart999
    @MsRmart999 Před 22 dny +3

    Ultima 5 is the TotK to Ultima 4's BotW. Both include a largely reused world with many minor changes, new high elevation areas, and a massive underground area unveiled by the lands' uplift

  • @TdotBOOGIE_
    @TdotBOOGIE_ Před 7 dny +1

    Every time I finish a Majuular video, I feel like a 9 year old boy king, who is being carefully manipulated behind the scenes by his father' treacherous chamberlain, after a juggler finishes his set --- clapping my hands, chortling, shouting "MORE! MORE! MOOORE!"

  • @opa-age
    @opa-age Před 29 dny +3

    I always felt this game was a gift to the true Ultima fans. It was also the last of the great 8-bit RPGs IMHO.

  • @ZagnutBar
    @ZagnutBar Před 29 dny +13

    There's a modern "Ultima" programmed in 6502 assembly language for the Apple // called Nox Archaist. It has the blessing of Lord British (he appears as a character in the game).
    The programmer grew up playing the early Ultimas and pushed the Apple hardware to it's absolute limit. For example he created a lightning bolt spell which allows you to select a target, and crosses tiles in a straight line. The math calculation to cross tiles at uneven angles in a single unbroken line was thought to be beyond the capabilities of the Apple. It's well worth a look.

    • @Skullkan6
      @Skullkan6 Před 28 dny +3

      Definitely going to give this a look!

  • @rlmm
    @rlmm Před 28 dny +1

    I remember watching Spoony's videos on Ultima back in the day. Good times.

  • @swempytimes
    @swempytimes Před 29 dny +2

    Was just about to go on a 2-hour drive when I found this had dropped. Blessings from above

  • @andrewlavigne44
    @andrewlavigne44 Před 26 dny +1

    Echoing the sentiment of others by saying thank you for bringing this series some light. Of course, I always love when you deliver into the JRPG Mines too.

  • @bjg8638
    @bjg8638 Před 29 dny +3

    I've never played Ultima, but I love this series about it. Good stuff, dude. Your channel is great.

  • @stevemanart
    @stevemanart Před 29 dny +59

    Without a single hint of hyperbole, I feel like Ultima V is the single most important RPG ever made.

    • @elasmojones
      @elasmojones Před 29 dny +5

      the absolute best.

    • @Nukle0n
      @Nukle0n Před 29 dny +3

      It's hard to ignore now how primitive Ultima 4 and 5 are, but also you have to consider how instrumental they were for future games, narrative in games, game design, the roles of game design. Games in the mid-late 80's where your objective isn't just to kill everything that moves is rare.

    • @j.2512
      @j.2512 Před 29 dny

      meh

    • @SaltyChickenDip
      @SaltyChickenDip Před 28 dny +2

      ​@@Nukle0n the technology may have been limited but the game design rivals modern games. Those early game devs were wizards with computers

    • @stevemanart
      @stevemanart Před 27 dny

      @@Nukle0n The lack of advancement in the technology has zero impact on it's importance of the two games that proved in-depth narratives and nonlinear storytelling weren't just possible but that the audience wanted it so much they'd muscle through needlessly complex interfaces to get it.

  • @IloveOtherPplsMsry
    @IloveOtherPplsMsry Před 29 dny +6

    I remember first being exposed to Ultima through Spoony. I think you've managed to surpass him.

    • @Skullkan6
      @Skullkan6 Před 29 dny +2

      Absolutely, but I do think as the games go on its useful to watch both videos. Spoony describing the scene you get captured in V is still burned into my brain even after all these years.

    • @IloveOtherPplsMsry
      @IloveOtherPplsMsry Před 29 dny +2

      @@Skullkan6 Oh there's some classic bits in his retrospective for sure.

    • @j.2512
      @j.2512 Před 21 dnem

      Spoony is a lolcow

  • @MrMatthias
    @MrMatthias Před 29 dny +2

    I got so hyped when I saw this video pop up as a recommendation after finishing another video!
    It's always a good day when Majuular uploads!

  • @elkston
    @elkston Před 24 dny +1

    Can you believe that when I first this on the PC back in '89, I got all the way down to LB I. The underworld and didn't have the Sandlawood box.
    Imagine my surprise when he asked about it. I was like... "what box..." lol.
    Backed all the out and up back to Britain to get the box then trekked all the back! :) good times

  • @Tharnatos
    @Tharnatos Před 29 dny +1

    Glad to see all that information on this series is now being collected into a single series.
    You're doing something really important here!

  • @beanburritos6393
    @beanburritos6393 Před 24 dny

    This is just the absolute definitive work not only on Ultima, but on Garriott and Origin Systems at large. So much detail and journalism and, at this point, history. Well done as always, looking forward to U6!

  • @AvalancheReviews
    @AvalancheReviews Před 27 dny +4

    It still blows me away that these videos are so good. I truly could not give a shit about Ultima, but a 2 hour Majuular video about Ultima? Now you're talkin my language.

    • @Majuular
      @Majuular  Před 26 dny +1

      Thanks buddy 🤝
      You are my target audience!

  • @Chamele7n
    @Chamele7n Před 29 dny +1

    Never played Ultima but have been watchin these start to finish. Great work!

  • @jon-from-tx
    @jon-from-tx Před 29 dny +4

    So neat to find out that Origin is the origin for so many titans in the video games industry.

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 29 dny

      And the mega scam known as Star Citizen which is... SPECIAL.

    • @jon-from-tx
      @jon-from-tx Před 29 dny +1

      @@CaptainRufus As one of the original backers from the launch, I am very very disappointed with the fact that it's not finished.
      As someone uninterested in early access games, I was planning to play the game when it was finished. Then ten years went by

    • @CaptainRufus
      @CaptainRufus Před 28 dny

      @@jon-from-tx yet people shovel money at Roberts. Sunk Cost Fallacy at its finest. At this point these people only have themselves to blame. Like gamblers. It amazes me these sorts aren't even willing to admit they are screwed or are making a bad value proposition.

  • @HoltAllen
    @HoltAllen Před 12 dny +1

    I can't wait to see what you make of Ultima VI and VII! This series is fantastic!

  • @audiosurfarchive
    @audiosurfarchive Před 28 dny +2

    For the love of Lord British: Mr. Majuular, I implore, nay _BEG_ I am _BEGGING YOU_ to use both your platform and amazing paradoxical eloquent Everyman schtick to cover *Underrail.* For how much you've put into the Ultima series so far, I know that you could easily make the definitive Underrail video. You have just the right balance of patience, love of great world building, gameplay brutality that sells the atmosphere and themes.. if you can play all these older Ultimas, as well far worse schlock, it's much more doable than many think. You're a BigGuy4U™ and I know it can be done amazingly.

  • @nono9543
    @nono9543 Před 29 dny +1

    Ah yes. My favorite gaming channel.

  • @To3To3To3
    @To3To3To3 Před 14 dny

    Thanks to youtubers like you who make series like these for games I know I could never get myself to play but found them so interesting.

  • @americanmeowth3336
    @americanmeowth3336 Před 29 dny +1

    With another Majuular banger, this series continues to be amazing! All the history, all the deep dive of mechanics and just the right amount of humor throughout.

  • @momstopflashing
    @momstopflashing Před 4 dny

    I haven't seen a documentary in this field ckose as emersive as this series. I love the personal details about everything around the main topic. Thanks a lot!! ❤

  • @AggelosKult
    @AggelosKult Před 26 dny +1

    Majuular is quickly becoming my favorite youtuber

  • @rreckinreturns
    @rreckinreturns Před 29 dny +6

    Maajular is the absolute GOAT. I'm grateful that you are the reason I've become familiar with the Ultima franchise. You're a great man, in the classical sense.

    • @thebuddhasmiles
      @thebuddhasmiles Před 28 dny

      GrimBeard is the goat, but majuular's work is absolutely magical.

  • @Redfoxe
    @Redfoxe Před 26 dny +3

    Just wanna thank you for your videos Majuular. Really great stuff.
    I wish we could get remakes of the Ultima games, akin to the newly released Wizardry Remake.

  • @actionvestadventure
    @actionvestadventure Před 28 dny +1

    While i started my love for Ultima (and RPGs in general) with Exodus on the Atari 800XL... i have a soft spot for Ultima 5. This game was a team collaborating effort to beat and i have lots of fond memories. I had gathered my own party of 3 to take on the challenge of Ultima 5; whenever one of us got stuck, eventually someone else would find the solution. Ah those where good times.

  • @Cowables
    @Cowables Před 29 dny +2

    These are coming out so fast, dang. Thanks for the quality content

  • @jasonfails237
    @jasonfails237 Před 18 dny

    It feels like every episode of this series gets better in better, a fun reflection of the games steady improvements as well. Props to all the amazing research that went into this video. Already excited for the next one!

  • @radthepaisley
    @radthepaisley Před 29 dny +79

    Im so happy that I took those edibles 40 minutes ago

    • @Skullkan6
      @Skullkan6 Před 29 dny +5

      This would be such a mind-blowing video while high af

    • @DMWatchesYoutube
      @DMWatchesYoutube Před 29 dny +1

      I wish. I hope you had fun.

    • @KCUFyoufordoxingme
      @KCUFyoufordoxingme Před 29 dny

      I am too. I am happy for you that someone is experiencing that. Give a gonzo report of how it went listening to the child room build up and section.

    • @BlueTurn
      @BlueTurn Před 26 dny

      ​​@@Skullkan6 How I watched most of it. Actually had to reach watch high again since I fell asleep watching high the first time. Was good af both times.

    • @j.2512
      @j.2512 Před 21 dnem

      weed is for loser manchildren

  • @hemangchauhan2864
    @hemangchauhan2864 Před 29 dny +7

    Thanks for showing the USA map to show distance between offices.
    As foreigners, it is very very helpful

  • @cheekythesp7475
    @cheekythesp7475 Před 28 dny +1

    I am very much looking forward to ultima 6-9 as they are what I grew up with, 7 and serpent isle being my favorites.
    They truly did mean a lot to this nerd.
    Glad you are going over the series man.

  • @adamp6320
    @adamp6320 Před 29 dny +1

    I had the C128 version and the music was absolutely amazing, really truly a work of art in and of itself.

  • @fabamatic
    @fabamatic Před 28 dny +1

    Loved the Looking Glass reference. The underworld will be part of the retrospective too

  • @analogmoz
    @analogmoz Před 28 dny +10

    As an *Elder* who played all these games:
    V is the last great new idea.
    Think "Morrowind."
    VI is basically "Oblivion." A huge move forward. The biggest jump foward ever. Strangely genius.
    VII is when everyone gave a shit, this is Skyrim. Like Skyrim, this is where everything starts to die.
    Nothing is new under the Sun.

  • @raspymorten
    @raspymorten Před 29 dny +3

    Oh how DARE you release this right as I'm about to go to bed and gotta get up early tomorrow! You devious man!

  • @AquaShibby3000
    @AquaShibby3000 Před 29 dny +2

    That story about the fight over the pencil probably sounds insane to anyone who doesn't have a brother XD

  • @NigelMelanisticSmith
    @NigelMelanisticSmith Před 29 dny +1

    Tears of the Kingdom's Depths immediately came to mind. This whole package reminded me of ToTK a bunch actually. I guess trends come in waves.

  • @ryanladuke9399
    @ryanladuke9399 Před 28 dny

    Best work on the Ultima series yet Majuular. Can't wait for the next video!

  • @smd242
    @smd242 Před 28 dny +1

    Loving this series. Its great to learn more about Origin and their history.

  • @InfamousSSoA
    @InfamousSSoA Před 29 dny +2

    My day was already going good and now it’s going great

  • @mercster
    @mercster Před 19 dny +1

    Ahhhhh finally... the first Ultima I played and my all time favorite. WOOP!

  • @krakerbox1108
    @krakerbox1108 Před 29 dny +1

    Always a highlight to see another entry in the Ultima retrospective series.

  • @YakiAttaki
    @YakiAttaki Před 29 dny +1

    I put your videos on in the background when I'm at work, so this is a nice treat to start my morning. Thanks Majuular!

  • @Warweazel
    @Warweazel Před 29 dny +1

    If nothing else, I love that the design philosophy of Ultima has lived on. You can't deny some level of inspiration in games like Dwarf Fortress, Project Zomboid, and Cataclysm.

  • @deveus1
    @deveus1 Před 28 dny +3

    I just realized that the next installment is Ultima 6 and it's gonna be hard to wait