Difference between revisions of "Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=UltimaIV title.png
 
| bobscreen=UltimaIV title.png
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| publisher=[[Sega]]
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| publisher=[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.]]
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| developer=[[Origin Systems]], {{SMS}} [[Sega]]
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| developer={{company|[[Origin Systems]]}}
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{{company|[[Sega R&D 2]]|system=SMS}}
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| distributor={{company|[[Tec Toy]]|system=SMS|region=BR}}
 
| system=[[Sega Master System]]
 
| system=[[Sega Master System]]
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| romsize=512kB (+8kB backup RAM)
 
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
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| peripherals=
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| peripherals=[[FM Sound Unit]]
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
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| genre=RPG
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| genre=Adventure Role-Playing{{fileref|UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg}}
 
| releases={{releasesSMS
 
| releases={{releasesSMS
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| sms_date_uk=1990-12 {{fileref|ACE UK 40.pdf|page=165}}
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| sms_date_eu=1990-12{{magref|ace|40|165}}
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| sms_rrp_uk=39.99 {{fileref|ACE UK 35.pdf|page=61}}{{fileref|SegaDoMeAFavour SMS UK PrintAd 1990-10.jpg}}
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| sms_rrp_uk=39.99{{magref|ace|35|61}}{{magref|cvg|107|117}}
 
| sms_code_uk=9501
 
| sms_code_uk=9501
 
| sms_date_fr=199x
 
| sms_date_fr=199x
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| sms_date_de=199x
 
| sms_date_de=199x
 
| sms_code_de=9501
 
| sms_code_de=9501
−
| sms_date_br=1991-09 {{fileref|Supergame BR 03.pdf|page=29}}
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| sms_date_br=1991-09{{magref|supergame|3|29}}
 
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 +
| savetype={{SaveType
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|SMS|battery
 
}}
 
}}
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{{stub}}
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'''''Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar''''', known as '''''Última IV''''' in Brazil, is an entry in the ''Ultima'' series of RPGs created by Richard Garriot at [[Origin Systems]]. It was originally released in 1985 for the Apple II computer, before being brought to the [[Sega Master System]] five years later in 1990 (the only ''Ultima'' game to be released on a Sega platform).
+
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known as '''''Última IV''''' in Brazil, is an entry in the ''Ultima'' series of RPGs created by Richard Garriot at [[Origin Systems]]. It was originally released in 1985 for the Apple II computer, before being brought to the [[Sega Master System]] five years later in 1990 (the only ''Ultima'' game to be released on a Sega platform).
  
 
''Ultima IV'' is the first in the "Age of Enlightenment" trilogy, and though references ''Ultima III: Exodus'' and prior games, knowledge of previous adventures is not strictly necessary to understand ''Ultima IV''.
 
''Ultima IV'' is the first in the "Age of Enlightenment" trilogy, and though references ''Ultima III: Exodus'' and prior games, knowledge of previous adventures is not strictly necessary to understand ''Ultima IV''.
 +
 +
A North American release was planned and advertised{{fileref|SMSII US Catalog.pdf|page=2}}, but did not materialise. The same is true for a Japanese release.{{ref|https://archive.ph/6J1Yc|https://twitter.com/judy_totoya/status/1725134313589805358}}{{ref|https://archive.ph/vsobk|https://twitter.com/Mazin__/status/1725493857847234914}}
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 
''Ultima IV'' is unusual as unlike other games in the series, there is not a defined end boss, or overarching villain in which the player needs to defeat. Instead, the player goes on a spiritual quest as "The Avatar" under instructions of Lord British (a.k.a. Garriot) to promote his eight virtues; honesty, compassion, valor, justice, sacrifice, honor, spirituality and humility, becoming a better person in the process and inspiring the people of Britannia.
 
''Ultima IV'' is unusual as unlike other games in the series, there is not a defined end boss, or overarching villain in which the player needs to defeat. Instead, the player goes on a spiritual quest as "The Avatar" under instructions of Lord British (a.k.a. Garriot) to promote his eight virtues; honesty, compassion, valor, justice, sacrifice, honor, spirituality and humility, becoming a better person in the process and inspiring the people of Britannia.
 +
 +
==History==
 +
===Legacy===
 +
Despite the game being created by an American company, the Master System version of ''Ultima IV'' was only released in Europe (in English, French and German variations) and Brazil (although a US version was advertised to arrive in the summer of 1990 at a price of $49.95{{magref|vgce|18|52}}). The direct sequel, ''Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny'' was released in 1988 and skipped Sega platforms, however at one stage the spin-off ''[[Ultima Underworld]]'' (which takes place after ''Ultima VI: The False Prophet'') was set to arrive on the [[Sega Mega-CD]].
  
 
==Versions==
 
==Versions==
 
The Master System version is very much like the Apple II original, however features updated graphics, music and gives its dungeons are played from top-down perspective (as opposed to the pseudo-3D first person view seen in the original). The NES version, released a year prior, makes more significant changes in terms of art design to appease a Japanese audience - the Master System version is hence seen as the more accurate of the two.
 
The Master System version is very much like the Apple II original, however features updated graphics, music and gives its dungeons are played from top-down perspective (as opposed to the pseudo-3D first person view seen in the original). The NES version, released a year prior, makes more significant changes in terms of art design to appease a Japanese audience - the Master System version is hence seen as the more accurate of the two.
  
−
==History==
+
==Production credits==
−
===Legacy===
+
{{creditstable|
−
Despite the game being created by an American company, the Master System version of ''Ultima IV'' was only released in Europe (in English, French and German variations) and Brazil (although a US version was advertised to arrive in the summer of 1990 at a price of $49.95{{fileref|VG&CE US 18.pdf|page=52}}). The direct sequel, ''Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny'' was released in 1988 and skipped Sega platforms, however at one stage the spin-off ''[[Ultima Underworld]]'' (which takes place after ''Ultima VI: The False Prophet'') was set to arrive on the [[Sega Mega-CD]].
+
*'''Artist:''' [[Yasushi Yamaguchi]]
 +
| source=Developer mentions{{ref|https://archive.ph/6J1Yc|https://twitter.com/judy_totoya/status/1725134313589805358}}
 +
| console=SMS
 +
}}
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
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==Promotional material==
 
==Promotional material==
−
<gallery>
 
−
SegaDoMeAFavour SMS UK PrintAd 1990-10.jpg|UK print advert
 
−
</gallery>
 
 
{{gallery
 
{{gallery
−
|SegaPower UK 13.pdf¦page#2¦Master System UK print advert in {{MagazineName|segapower|13}}
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|segapower|13|2
 +
|cvg|109|168
 +
|ace|39|102
 +
|segapower|14|2
 +
|cvg|110|98
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|cvg|107|116-117
 +
|cvg|108|58
 +
|ace|38|92
 +
 
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
−
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|SMS}}
−
| icon=SMS
 
−
| ace=93
 
−
| ace_source={{num|35|page=61|pdf=ACE UK 35.pdf}}
 
−
| allgame=80
 
−
| allgame_source=''[https://web.archive.org/web/20141210165454/www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2734 AllGame]''
 
−
| cgtc=89
 
−
| cgtc_source={{num|4|page=109|pdf=CGtC UK 04.pdf}}
 
−
| cvg=86
 
−
| cvg_source={{num|105|page=88/89|pdf=CVG UK 105.pdf|pdfpage=88}}
 
−
| defunct=50
 
−
| defunct_source=''[http://www.defunctgames.com/review/995/ultima-iv 2009-02-14]''
 
−
| egm=70
 
−
| egm_source={{num|15|page=85|pdf=EGM US 015.pdf}}
 
−
| egmbuyersguide=70
 
−
| egmbuyersguide_source={{num|1993|page=45|pdf=EGM US BuyersGuide 1993.pdf}}
 
−
| egmbuyersguide_1=70
 
−
| egmbuyersguide_source_1={{num|1999|page=142}}
 
−
| joystick=87
 
−
| joystick_source={{num|10|page=107|pdf=Joystick FR 010.pdf}}
 
−
| playerone=90
 
−
| playerone_source={{num|4|page=32/33|pdf=PlayerOne FR 004.pdf|pdfpage=32}}
 
−
| s=92
 
−
| s_source={{num|9|page=8/9|pdf=StheSegaMagazine UK 09.pdf|pdfpage=8}}
 
−
| segapower=100
 
−
| segapower_source={{num|23|page=60}}
 
−
| segapower_1=94
 
−
| segapower_source_1={{num|25|page=47}}
 
−
| segapro=95
 
−
| segapro_source={{num|6|page=30|pdf=SegaPro UK 06.pdf}}
 
−
| zero=<!-- No rating -->
 
−
| zero_source={{num|12|page=92}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 
| console=Master System
 
| console=Master System
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| cover=UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=UltimaIV SMS EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=UltimaIV SMS EU Cart.jpg
−
| manual=UltimaIVSMSEUManual.pdf
+
| manual=Ultima IV Quest of the Avatar SMS EU Manual.pdf
 
| item1=UltimaIVBookOfWisdomSMSEU.pdf
 
| item1=UltimaIVBookOfWisdomSMSEU.pdf
 
| item1name=The Book of<br/>Mystic Wisdom
 
| item1name=The Book of<br/>Mystic Wisdom
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| cart=UltimaIV SMS BR Cart.jpg
 
| cart=UltimaIV SMS BR Cart.jpg
 
| manual=UltimaIV SMS BR Manual.pdf
 
| manual=UltimaIV SMS BR Manual.pdf
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Technical information==
 +
===ROM dump status===
 +
{{romtable|
 +
{{rom|SMS|sha1=A90E21E5961BCF2E10B715A009C04E7C2017A3B1|md5=C54C1A2559CEC189F53E794177D002AF|crc32=B52D60C8|size=512kB|date=|source=Cartridge (EU)|comments=8kB backup|quality=good}}
 +
{{rom|SMS|sha1=bb1ae06b62a9f7d3259c51eee4cfded781eb5d30|md5=d92b72c87179b718c8b1506b347c2e36|crc32=de9f8517|size=512kB|date=|source=EPROM cartridge|comments=|quality=|prototype=yes|protoname=prototype}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{NECRetro|italics=yes}}
 
{{NECRetro|italics=yes}}
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
{{UltimaIVOmni}}

Latest revision as of 03:04, 20 November 2024

n/a

UltimaIV title.png

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
System(s): Sega Master System
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Master System
Tec Toy (BR)
Peripherals supported: FM Sound Unit
Genre: Adventure Role-Playing[1]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Master System
EU 		9501
Sega Master System
DE 		9501
Sega Master System
FR 		9501
Sega Master System
UK 		£39.9939.99[4][5] 9501
Sega Master System
BR
Non-Sega versions

This short article is in need of work. You can help Sega Retro by adding to it.

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, known as Última IV in Brazil, is an entry in the Ultima series of RPGs created by Richard Garriot at Origin Systems. It was originally released in 1985 for the Apple II computer, before being brought to the Sega Master System five years later in 1990 (the only Ultima game to be released on a Sega platform).

Ultima IV is the first in the "Age of Enlightenment" trilogy, and though references Ultima III: Exodus and prior games, knowledge of previous adventures is not strictly necessary to understand Ultima IV.

A North American release was planned and advertised[7], but did not materialise. The same is true for a Japanese release.[8][9]

Gameplay

Ultima IV is unusual as unlike other games in the series, there is not a defined end boss, or overarching villain in which the player needs to defeat. Instead, the player goes on a spiritual quest as "The Avatar" under instructions of Lord British (a.k.a. Garriot) to promote his eight virtues; honesty, compassion, valor, justice, sacrifice, honor, spirituality and humility, becoming a better person in the process and inspiring the people of Britannia.

History

Legacy

Despite the game being created by an American company, the Master System version of Ultima IV was only released in Europe (in English, French and German variations) and Brazil (although a US version was advertised to arrive in the summer of 1990 at a price of $49.95[10]). The direct sequel, Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny was released in 1988 and skipped Sega platforms, however at one stage the spin-off Ultima Underworld (which takes place after Ultima VI: The False Prophet) was set to arrive on the Sega Mega-CD.

Versions

The Master System version is very much like the Apple II original, however features updated graphics, music and gives its dungeons are played from top-down perspective (as opposed to the pseudo-3D first person view seen in the original). The NES version, released a year prior, makes more significant changes in terms of art design to appease a Japanese audience - the Master System version is hence seen as the more accurate of the two.

Production credits

Source:
Developer mentions[8]


Magazine articles

Main article: Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Power (UK) #13: "December 1990" (1990-11-01)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Computer & Video Games (UK) #107: "October 1990" (1990-09-16)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[17]
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
50
[18]
ACE (UK)
93
[4]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
83
[19]
Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)
89
[20]
The Complete Guide to Sega (UK) PAL
89
[21]
Console XS (UK) PAL
92
[22]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
86
[23]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
70
[24]
Game Mania (UK)
89
[25]
Joystick (FR)
87
[26]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
89
[27]
Player One (FR)
90
[28]
Power Play (DE)
86
[29]
S: The Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
92
[30]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
100
[31]
Sega Power (UK)
94
[32]
Sega Pro (UK)
95
[33]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
92
[34]
Tilt (FR)
85
[35]
Sega Master System
 85
Based on
20 reviews

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar

Master System, UK
UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
UltimaIV SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Ultima IV Quest of the Avatar SMS EU Manual.pdf
Manual
UltimaIVBookOfWisdomSMSEU.pdf
The Book of
Mystic Wisdom
UltimaIVHistoryOfBritanniaSMSEU.pdf
The History
of Britannia
UltimaIVSMSMapFront.jpg
Map (front)
UltimaIVSMSMapBack.jpg
Map (back)
Master System, FR
UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
UltimaIV SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, DE
UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg
Cover
UltimaIV SMS EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Master System, BR
UltimaIV SMS BR Box.jpg
Cover
UltimaIV SMS BR Cart.jpg
Cart
UltimaIV SMS BR Manual.pdf
Manual

Technical information

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Master System
✔
CRC32 b52d60c8
MD5 c54c1a2559cec189f53e794177d002af
SHA-1 a90e21e5961bcf2e10b715a009c04e7c2017a3b1
512kB Cartridge (EU) 8kB backup
Sega Master System
 ?
CRC32 de9f8517
MD5 d92b72c87179b718c8b1506b347c2e36
SHA-1 bb1ae06b62a9f7d3259c51eee4cfded781eb5d30
512kB EPROM cartridge Page

References

Necretro-round.svg
NEC Retro has more information related to Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
  1. ↑ File:UltimaIV SMS EU Box.jpg
  2. ↑ ACE, "January 1991" (UK; 1990-12-xx), page 165
  3. ↑ File:BristolEveningPost UK 1990-11-29 Page 67.jpg
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 ACE, "August 1990" (UK; 1990-07-xx), page 61
  5. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "October 1990" (UK; 1990-09-16), page 117
  6. ↑ Supergame, "Setembro 1991" (BR; 1991-09-xx), page 29
  7. ↑ File:SMSII US Catalog.pdf, page 2
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 @judy_totoya on Twitter (archive.today)
  9. ↑ @Mazin__ on Twitter (archive.today)
  10. ↑ VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "July 1990" (US; 1990-0x-xx), page 52
  11. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-11-16), page 168
  12. ↑ ACE, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-11-xx), page 102
  13. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1991" (UK; 1990-12-06), page 2
  14. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "January 1991" (UK; 1990-12-15), page 98
  15. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-10-16), page 58
  16. ↑ ACE, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-10-xx), page 92
  17. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 244
  18. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 323
  19. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "August/September 1990" (DE; 1990-07-27), page 64
  20. ↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume IV" (UK; 1990-11-xx), page 109
  21. ↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 62
  22. ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 146
  23. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "August 1990" (UK; 1990-07-16), page 88
  24. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 18
  25. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 81
  26. ↑ Joystick, "Novembre 1990" (FR; 1990-1x-xx), page 107
  27. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 136
  28. ↑ Player One, "Décembre 1990" (FR; 1990-xx-xx), page 32
  29. ↑ Power Play, "8/90" (DE; 1990-07-13), page 126
  30. ↑ S: The Sega Magazine, "August 1990" (UK; 1990-07-05), page 8
  31. ↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 60
  32. ↑ Sega Power, "December 1991" (UK; 1991-10-30), page 47
  33. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 30
  34. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
  35. ↑ Tilt, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 52


Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar

UltimaIV title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception


Sega Master System
Prototypes: Prototype
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