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 and see whether 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 while exploring Britannia’s towns, dungeons, and wilderness. The controls manage turn-based combat, NPC chats via typed keywords, and a party of up to eight companions. Unlike most RPGs, there’s no final villain to defeat; instead, you prove your worth through actions such as giving to beggars or sparing foes. The open world, with its moongate travel and reagent-based magic, feels vast and full of possibility.

The trial? The interface is a proper faff, with constant key-pressing for every action. Tracking virtues and deciphering obscure clues can feel overwhelming 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 deep in meditation.

Graphics: Britannia in Blocky Glory

Ultima IV paints a vivid world with simple tools. The top-down view uses colourful tiles to depict forests, castles, towns, and lava-filled dungeons, with enough detail to stir the imagination. Character sprites are tiny but distinct, and monsters such as reapers and balrons bring menace. First-person dungeon segments are basic but atmospheric, with stark lines and flickering torches adding tension. The consistent art direction helps Britannia feel alive despite hardware limits.

Sound: Sparse but Soulful

Haunting chiptunes set a medieval mood, with town and overworld themes that convey the quest’s weight. Combat and dungeon music ramps up the tension, though looping tracks can wear thin. Sound effects such as sword clangs, spell zaps, and footsteps are minimal but functional. The simplicity shows its age, yet the melodies carry an earnest charm.

Replayability: A Pilgrimage Worth Repeating

With eight character classes, a sprawling world, and choices that shape your virtue, Ultima IV offers impressive replay value. Tweaking your party or striving for perfect virtue scores keeps things fresh, and open-ended exploration rewards curiosity. The steep learning curve and dated mechanics might deter newcomers, but devoted adventurers will relish revisiting Britannia to refine their path. It demands commitment, but the spiritual payoff is worth it.

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 still shine, even if the clunky interface and cryptic quests test your patience like a monk’s vow.