DESCRIPTION

The eighth installation of the Ultima series from Origin Systems alters its approach from previous titles since events occurring in the end sequence of Ultima VII, Part Two: Serpent Isle changed the Avatar into a new type of elemental being. As such, he was transported by the Guardian to a world over which he ruled — a world known simply as Pagan. In this realm, the land of Britannia is thought of as nothing more than an obscure myth and, as a result, the Avatar's years of influential endeavors are meaningless. Much of the story involves your efforts to establish a foothold in this unfamiliar land with none of your companions from previous adventures available.

The SVGA graphics in Pagan include a significant number of landscapes and creatures. Audio consists of Ad-Lib compatible MIDI music and includes digital Sound Blaster sound effects. Ultima VIII: Pagan's interface is similar to the last few games of the series in that the right mouse button controls all movement-based activity and the left everything else. The play screen is similar to its predecessor with the game world filling the entire area and other menus (like the paper doll inventory system) popping up when required.

During combat, which is handled similarly to previous titles, you have a vast array of weapons and armor, each with varying strengths and weaknesses against the denizens of the world. The magic system, while still using the "words of power" seen in other games in the series, is expanded to include special forms of magic indigenous to the world of Pagan such as the necromantic style and various rituals.

The secrets of the Guardian's legacy may lay in wait in the strongholds of the world or the entire planet may be a ruse by the Guardian to divert attention from his other activities. Will you, as the Avatar, find the answers you seek and once again save the world from the evil genius of the Guardian? ~ Drew Hunt, All Game Guide