Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar

DOSGames.com Review:  Rating: 4
Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar is, unsurprisingly, the fourth in the famous and influential Ultima series of fantasy RPGs. In 1996 Computer Gaming World placed Ultima IV #2 on its "Best PC Games of All Time", and for good reason. Ultima 4 is considered a big step forward for the series, and for computer role-playing games in general. The world of Britannia is fleshed out more than the first three games and there is a lot more story and personality evident in the game and the world itself. Although the graphics are crude by today's standards, it's the gameplay of story, exploration, battles (using a great environmentally-aware battle system) and character customization that make the game a true classic. Worth playing for RPG fans, but take note that since it was made in 1987 this is a true hardcore old-school RPG with no hand holding that will take considerable effort to learn and get into! (Note that the full version of the game along with full manuals and other extras is available via GOG.com; free registration is required to download and play it.)