Ultima - Quest of the Avatar (USA)

Ultima - Quest of the Avatar on NES is a classic role-playing game (RPG) that casts the player as the Stranger from Earth, returning to the mystical world of Britannia. The primary goal is to become the Avatar, the embodiment of eight noble virtues: Honesty, Compassion, Valor, Justice, Sacrifice, Honor, Spirituality, and Humility.

Gameplay in Ultima - Quest of the Avatar unfolds on a vast overworld map, where players are free to explore towns, dungeons, and wilderness areas. The game combines exploration with turn-based combat. While moving on the overworld or within dungeons, players may encounter monsters. Combat takes place on a separate screen, where both the player's party and enemies take turns performing actions.

Players can recruit other members into their party, each with their own skills and attributes. Managing equipment, items, and magic is crucial. Magic spells are cast using reagents that must be collected. Quests often involve interacting with NPCs, solving puzzles, and seeking out important artifacts or locations. Conversations with NPCs provide vital information and hints about objectives.

A unique aspect of Ultima - Quest of the Avatar is its virtue system. Players need to perform actions aligned with the eight virtues to advance their Avatar status. For example, telling the truth for Honesty, or helping the weak for Compassion. The game also features basic survival elements, such as needing to eat and rest to recover. While the NES graphics are simple, they effectively convey the adventurous atmosphere. The soundtrack and sound effects also contribute to a deep RPG experience for a game of its era.