Ultima: Runes of Virtue II

Ultima: Runes of Virtue II

Introduction

While the mainline Ultima series is legendary for its deep, turn-based role-playing systems and complex philosophical themes, the Runes of Virtue spin-offs took a decidedly different, action-oriented approach. Ultima: Runes of Virtue II (often referred to as Ultima: Runes of Virtue 2) is a direct sequel that refined the real-time adventure mechanics introduced in its predecessor. Developed to capture a broader console and handheld audience, this title bridges the gap between traditional dungeon crawling and fast-paced exploration, offering a unique and accessible way to experience the beloved land of Britannia.

Story & Setting

The narrative of the game begins with an unusual and somewhat whimsical catalyst: boredom. The nefarious Black Knight, seeking to disrupt the peace of Britannia simply because he has nothing better to do, kidnaps Lord Tholden. In the Japanese release, which was titled Ultima Gaiden: Kurokishi no Inbou (translated as "The Black Knight's Conspiracy"), the stakes are presented with a similar sense of urgency.

With one of the realm's key leaders missing, Lord British summons you, the Avatar, to return to Britannia once more. Your mission is to navigate a world filled with mystery, recover the kidnapped Lord Tholden, and restore order to the kingdom. Unlike the sprawling political epics of the core PC series, this story is a classic rescue mission that keeps the focus on immediate action and environmental storytelling.

Gameplay

Ultima: Runes of Virtue II shifts the series' focus toward an action-RPG style reminiscent of top-down adventure games. Before beginning the quest, players can choose to play as one of four iconic companions from Ultima lore: Shamino the Ranger, Iolo the Bard, Mariah the Mage, or Dupre the Knight. Each character starts with different attributes and equipment, allowing for varied playstyles. To ensure the game is accessible to everyone, it also includes three distinct difficulty modes.

Combat takes place in real-time, requiring players to swing swords or fire projectiles at monsters rather than navigating menus. However, the game remains true to its roots through its heavy emphasis on puzzles and exploration. Players must traverse dangerous dungeons, use special tools like the magic whip or grappling hook, and find various runes to unlock new areas. The world is filled with interactive elements, from pushing blocks to navigating trap-laden corridors, making every dungeon a test of both reflexes and logic.

Platforms

This game was released on multiple platforms, bringing the world of Britannia to both home consoles and portable devices during the 1990s.

  • SUPER NINTENDO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM: PAL, NTSC-U

Legacy

Ultima: Runes of Virtue II occupies a fascinating niche in gaming history. While some purists of the mainline series initially found the shift to action-adventure jarring, the game was eventually praised for its clever puzzle design and solid controls. It proved that the Ultima universe was flexible enough to support different genres beyond the traditional RPG.

The Super Nintendo version, in particular, is remembered for its significantly enhanced audio and visual presentation compared to the original handheld release. As part of the Ultima Gaiden sub-series, it remains a cult favorite for retro enthusiasts who enjoy "Zelda-style" gameplay combined with the rich lore of Richard Garriott's legendary franchise.

Fun Facts

  • The four playable characters—Shamino, Iolo, Mariah, and Dupre—are all based on Richard Garriott’s real-life friends, who have appeared in nearly every Ultima game.
  • While the Game Boy version was monochrome, it was designed to be compatible with the Super Game Boy, allowing for a custom border and limited color palettes.
  • The game includes many classic Ultima staples, such as the Moongates for fast travel and the presence of the Eight Virtues, even if they aren't as central to the mechanics as in the main series.
  • The title Ultima Gaiden: Kurokishi no Inbou uses the term "Gaiden," which is a common Japanese suffix for side stories or spin-offs.

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