Worlds of Ultima: The Savage Empire Free Download [2023]

Worlds of Ultima Introduction:

Following the events of Ultima VI, the Avatar is transported to the exotic Valley of Eodon through a friend's ill-fated experiment involving an obsidian "moonstone." This otherworldly realm resembles a vast jungle and is inhabited by diverse tribes plucked from various historical eras and geographical locations, including Mesoamerican and tropical African societies. Despite being located on Earth, the valley remains inaccessible and impossible to map.

Upon the Avatar's arrival, the valley is in turmoil due to an assault by the insect-like Myrmidex. To restore harmony to the region, the Avatar must immerse themselves in the primitive cultures of these stone-age tribes and harness the mystical forces of their "jungle magic." The central storyline revolves around forging a coalition among the thirteen tribes against the Myrmidex threat. Each tribe presents unique prerequisites for their allegiance, ranging from vanquishing a Tyrannosaurus rex to reclaiming sacred artifacts. This intricate blend of realities stems from a corrupted giant moonstone owned by the Myrmidex, a stone that must be destroyed to avert cataclysmic instability.

Gameplay:

Guiding the Avatar and a group, typically comprising up to four members, is the player's task. However, pre-set events in the game introduce an additional character to the party, expanding the party size to a maximum of seven individuals.

In a review for Computer Gaming World, Dennis Owens praised the game, noting that while it displays minor flaws, it shines brilliantly in comparison to its counterparts, particularly The Savage Empire. Owens expressed concerns about a potential shift in the Ultima series' direction, labeling it as somewhat of a caricature.

Computer Gaming World described Savage Empire as moderately challenging yet occasionally perplexing. The magazine deemed it a suitable diversion while awaiting the next true installment of Ultima. In 1990, Game Player's PC Strategy Guide honored the game with the "Best PC Fantasy Role-Playing Game" award, lauding its splendid graphics and effective role-playing interface reminiscent of classic "lost world" tales from pulp magazines.

Final Words:

Upon release, the Super Famicom version received a score of 23 out of 40 from Famicom Tsūshin. Conversely, GamePro's review was critical, citing subpar visuals, minimal sound effects, bewildering menus, and the trial-and-error aspect of item combinations. The review also lamented lengthy dialogues, perplexing subplots, and seemingly arbitrary characters. Mike Weigand of Electronic Gaming Monthly echoed similar sentiments, stating that this conversion from PC RPGs failed to resonate, with Savage Empire offering slow-paced action more suited for strategic gamers.