From Newsgroup: comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action


Here's a some cool news: an Indie developer has released a port of
classic CRPG "Ultima Underworld" remade in the Unity engine. This
isn't the first time this has been attempted, but it does seem to be
the most complete. This port features fully 3D objects and monsters as
well as improved lighting and various effects. The textures are
slightly scaled up but still looks very reminiscent of the grainy 1991
artwork (to the point that the modern 3D models often look out of
place).

I'm not entirely sure I LIKE the new look to the game (the discrepancy
between new and old is, as mentioned, a bit jarring, and a lot of the
new art looks a bit too cartoony for my preference) but you can tell
this was obviously a labor of love, and anyway it's really nice seeing
the game playing in full-screen rather than viewing the world through
a tiny window.

Also, it currently only works with a gamepad, which is purest
sacrilege. Mouse-keyboard support is apparently in the works, though.

The port is free but it does require you to have a copy of the
original game installed on your hard-drive somewhere.

Is this the best way to play the original? I'm not sure; I think the grungieness of the 1991 version does job of setting the mood. But
those same pixelated graphics and clunky controls also make it
difficult for new players to understand why this game is so beloved. I
can see this modernized version being more attractive to them, and if
that's what it takes to get more people playing "Ultima Underworld",
I'm all for it!

Available for download here:
https://kweepa.itch.io/unity-underground

Video showing gameplay here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWJ3ZdATsDs&t=6s




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