Ultima IV

System: Commodore 64
Release date: September 1985

Embark on a noble quest for virtue with Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar on the Commodore 64, the September 1985 RPG that redefined the genre by swapping monster-slaying for soul-searching. As a hero striving to become the Avatar of Virtue, you’ll roam Britannia to master compassion, honour, and more—but does this ambitious epic still inspire in 2025? Let’s unsheathe our sword, boot up the C64, and see if this quest is a holy grail or a faded parchment.

Gameplay: A Quest for Virtue, Not Victory

Ultima IV casts you as a customisable hero tasked with embodying eight virtues—think honesty, valour, and sacrifice—while exploring Britannia’s towns, dungeons, and wilderness. The C64’s keyboard handles the dense controls, letting you chat with NPCs (by typing keywords), fight turn-based battles, and manage your party of up to eight companions. Unlike most RPGs, there’s no big bad to bash; instead, you prove your worth through actions like giving to beggars or sparing foes. The open world, with its moongate travel and reagent-based magic, feels massive for ’85.

The catch? The interface is a proper faff—expect constant key-pressing for every action. Tracking virtues and obscure clues can feel like herding sheep without a guide, and the grind for gold and stats drags. Still, the moral depth and freedom to explore keep you invested like a monk in meditation.

Graphics: Britannia in Blocky Glory

On the C64, Ultima IV paints a vivid world with simple tools. The top-down view uses colourful tiles to depict forests, castles, and lava-filled dungeons, with enough detail to spark the imagination. Character sprites are tiny but distinct, and monsters like reapers or balrons add menace. The first-person dungeon segments are basic but atmospheric, with stark lines and flickering torches. It’s not a graphical stunner, even for ’85, but the cohesive art and vast world make Britannia feel alive.

Sound: Sparse but Soulful

The C64’s SID chip delivers a handful of haunting chiptunes, with town and overworld themes that evoke a medieval mood. Combat and dungeon tracks ramp up the tension, though the looping can wear thin. Sound effects—sword clangs, spell zaps, and footsteps—are minimal but functional, fitting the era’s limits. The lack of variety might have you humming your own bard’s tune, but the music’s charm carries the quest’s weight.

Replayability: A Pilgrimage Worth Repeating

With eight character classes, a sprawling world, and choices that shape your virtue, Ultima IV offers near-endless replayability. Tweaking your party or chasing perfect virtue scores keeps things fresh, and the open-ended exploration rewards curiosity. The steep learning curve and dated mechanics might deter some, but dedicated adventurers will relish revisiting Britannia to refine their path. It’s a commitment, but one that pays off like a well-earned enlightenment.

The Retro Looney Verdict

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar on the Commodore 64 is a groundbreaking RPG that trades hack-and-slash for heart and soul. Its moral depth, vast world, and ambitious scope shine, even if the clunky interface and cryptic quests test your patience. Fire up your C64 (or an emulator) and start your pilgrimage—this virtuous journey is still a revelation in 2025.