Ultima 9: Ascension is the final installment in the core Ultima series, a first/third-person perspective RPG that sees the Avatar return to Britannia to face a mysterious threat corrupting the land. Released on November 5, 1999, by Origin Systems, Ultima 9: Ascension tasks players with purifying eight shrines representing virtues. Despite its ambition, the game suffered from numerous technical issues and design changes, leaving a mixed legacy among long-time fans.
Ultima 9: Ascension – A Flawed Finale to a Legendary Saga
Ultima 9: Ascension offers a sprawling open world, albeit one significantly smaller and less interconnected than previous entries. You’ll travel across Britannia, battling corrupted creatures, solving quests, and interacting with familiar characters. The core gameplay loop revolves around purifying the eight shrines, each requiring the Avatar to confront a moral dilemma and overcome challenges. While exploring, you must manage your inventory, engage in combat, and uncover the secrets behind the Black Gate’s reappearance. The game attempts to deliver a narrative conclusion to the Avatar’s journey, but many feel it deviates from the established lore and themes of the series.
The game supports both first-person and third-person perspectives, offering flexibility in how you experience the world. Despite its ambition, Ultima 9 suffered from numerous bugs, performance issues, and a departure from the traditional Ultima gameplay, leading to a controversial reception.
Highlights of Ultima 9: Ascension
- Explore a Familiar World: Return to Britannia and revisit iconic locations, now corrupted by a mysterious force. The map is smaller than previous games but still offers exploration opportunities.
- Purify the Shrines: Embark on quests to purify the eight shrines of virtue, facing moral challenges and combat encounters. Each shrine presents a unique test of the Avatar’s principles.
- Engage in Real-Time Combat: Battle corrupted creatures using a revamped combat system that emphasizes real-time action. Experiment with different weapons and spells to overcome your enemies.
- Unravel the Mystery: Investigate the reappearance of the Black Gate and uncover the forces corrupting Britannia. The narrative aims to provide closure to the Avatar’s saga.
Community Reception
Ultima 9: Ascension received mixed reviews upon release, and its legacy remains controversial among fans. While some appreciated the ambition of the story and the return to Britannia, many criticized the numerous bugs, performance issues, and design changes. The game currently holds a modest score on aggregate sites. Despite its flaws, some players find enjoyment in the world exploration and the attempt to conclude the Ultima saga. For long-time fans, it’s a bittersweet experience.
Ultima 9: Ascension System Requirements
Ultima 9: Ascension requires a mid-range PC for its time. Here are the detailed specifications:
Minimum Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 95/98
- CPU: Pentium 200 MHz or equivalent
- RAM: 32 MB
- GPU: 4MB PCI or AGP Video Card with DirectX 7.0a compatible driver
- Hard Drive: 1.5 GB free space
Recommended Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 95/98
- CPU: Pentium II 300 MHz or equivalent
- RAM: 64 MB
- GPU: 8MB PCI or AGP Video Card with DirectX 7.0a compatible driver
- Hard Drive: 1.5 GB free space
Ensure your PC meets these requirements for a playable experience.
Download Ultima 9: Ascension Directly
Ultima 9: Ascension is typically available through abandonware sites or through purchasing the Ultima Collection. Ensure your download is from a reputable source for safety.
DOWNLOAD LINK
Warning: Exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources.
Tips for Playing Ultima 9: Ascension Effectively
- Patch the Game: Install community patches to fix bugs and improve performance.
- Explore Thoroughly: Search every nook and cranny for items and secrets, as resources can be scarce.
- Experiment with Skills: Try different skills and spells to find a playstyle that suits you.
- Manage your Inventory: Inventory space is limited, so prioritize essential items.
Who is Ultima 9: Ascension For?
Ultima 9: Ascension is for hardcore Ultima fans who want to experience the (albeit flawed) conclusion to the Avatar’s story. If you enjoy open-world RPGs and are willing to overlook technical issues, you might find something to appreciate. However, if you are new to the Ultima series or are easily frustrated by bugs, this might not be the best entry point.
Conclusion
Ultima 9: Ascension is a controversial but significant entry in the Ultima series. While riddled with flaws, it attempts to provide a narrative conclusion to the Avatar’s journey. Download Ultima 9 today, with caution, and decide for yourself!
Have you played Ultima 9: Ascension? Share your thoughts in the comments!