Summer Games Challenge 2017 - Begin when ready!

[MrPopo]

Oh wow, you're doing the Apple II version on hardware? That's hardcore.

[marurun]

OK, this suggestion is a little pointless given that you have the original hardware, but you could emulate the Apple version on a modern PC to get the color.

Did you know that Woz invented the NTSC conversion circuitry that the Apple II uses to output color to TV RF?

[BoneSnapDeez]

So today I did indeed begin my adventure with Ultima IV. And by that I mean... I didn't play the game at all. I spent several hours reading two lore books, duplicating a cloth map on paper, taking copious notes, figuring out a rune alphabet, and having to take a nap in the middle of it all because my brain needed a break.

When I finally got to the end of the Player Reference Card -- literally the last page of the last piece of documentation I had to read -- I discovered that the rune translations were already there for easy access. But no matter! I shall remain my own Britannian linguist will happily rely on my personal findings instead.

One thing I'm slightly worried about is that my Apple II monitor is monochrome amber, and some spells and energy fields rely on color recognition. It would be a hassle to move the computer within range of the CRT, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

I gotta say, though... those lore books are gorgeous. I'm in love with the illustrations, and the writing is succinct and inspiring. I'm excited to start the adventure proper in the coming days.

This is an awesome post. Takes me back to my childhood. I fell in love with Final Fantasy VI, but my parents were strict about things and wouldn't let me play it as often as I wished. I had the strategy guide and I spent hours reading it, studying the maps, marveling at the character artwork, memorizing spell lists, and so on. I still have that guide, and it's in rough shape.

Amazing to see people possess an Apple II. I love old computers but those are tough to find.

Oh, and Ultima IV is awesome.

[marurun]

Apple II models should still be pretty prevalent. My parents still have their old //c in the basement somewhere.

[Key-Glyph]

@marurun: It's true that I could emulate, but my ridiculous attachment to the hardware (the actual computer I'm using is the one we had during my childhood) has me hoping I won't have to pry myself away. Plus, I'm using a Mockingboard soundcard clone in there, which brings me a joy I can neither explain nor describe. I think I'll just move the CRT itself if I have to. It's small.

I must have known this about the Woz, but the details are fuzzy. Did he figure it out while programming Breakout? Maybe I'm conflating some things, though. I read his autobiography, iWoz, many years ago.

@BoneSnapDeez: What do you know, Final Fantasy VI is another game that required so much learning of me that I had to take a nap after reading the manual and playing it for the first time! It's definitely that kind of experience.

[Ack]

So today I did indeed begin my adventure with Ultima IV. And by that I mean... I didn't play the game at all. I spent several hours reading two lore books, duplicating a cloth map on paper, taking copious notes, figuring out a rune alphabet, and having to take a nap in the middle of it all because my brain needed a break.

When I finally got to the end of the Player Reference Card -- literally the last page of the last piece of documentation I had to read -- I discovered that the rune translations were already there for easy access. But no matter! I shall remain my own Britannian linguist will happily rely on my personal findings instead.

One thing I'm slightly worried about is that my Apple II monitor is monochrome amber, and some spells and energy fields rely on color recognition. It would be a hassle to move the computer within range of the CRT, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

I gotta say, though... those lore books are gorgeous. I'm in love with the illustrations, and the writing is succinct and inspiring. I'm excited to start the adventure proper in the coming days.

I just want you to know that I respect the hell out of you, Key.

[Segata]

Played all the Ultima games in 2015 for the first time. I enjoyed all of them.

Even liked 9. Fight me.

[BogusMeatFactory]

Played all the Ultima games in 2015 for the first time. I enjoyed all of them.

Even liked 9. Fight me.

The plot may have its flaws, but I loved the presentation and the mechanics were enjoyable. I really dug it as well.

[Xeogred]

I never set any definite goals, already beat a chunk of Contra anyways... I mainly just want to put another dent in my backlog.

But I do think this is happening soon for sure:

Naturally the best follow up to Arkane's Prey?

[MrPopo]

Make sure you're playing either the EE or you apply the mouselook patch to the original. But yes, this is a fantastic follow up to Prey.