GothikOrk: I'm an uninitiated gamer to the Ultima series. I've played most of the classic console and PC RPGs, but never got around to Ultima. I'm considering getting Ultima 7, but I'm not sure.
The GOG version with all the extras and expansions, and the long gameplay is what put it on my wishlist. But I'm a little put off by the overhead perspective. Is it something you get used to? Or is it an acquired taste?
Would also like to know what the battle system is like.
One more question I could ask that would help me make up my mind. Is Ultima 7 the franchise's equivalent to Final Fantasy's FF 7? Meaning one of the best examples of the series, or of RPGs in history?
You'll get used to the overhead perspective I'd imagine. I actually had to get used to first person and over the shoulder third person perspectives because I grew up with the overhead perspective in my RPGs. :)
The battle system in VII is usually considered to be the game's weak point. Previous games in the series gave you total control over the characters during battles (or at least the option) so you could play it a bit more tactically and the game paused after each action during battle. In VII, you start combat, and all the characters in your party follow their attack scripts. There's no pausing after the attacks and you can only control the Avatar (if that even, I haven't played the game in quite a while and it was never my favorite, 6 was.)
Ultima VII is considered by quite a lot of people to be the best game engine ever for RPGs and one of the best stories. In that regard yes I'd say it's pretty much the franchise's "FF7". Personally I enjoyed VI's plot much more and I know a lot of people who agree, but that game's UI is a major turn-off for most people, otherwise I'd suggest that one be played first. Actually, if you can force yourself to set aside the clunky interfaces I suggest going back at least as far as 4. However, that's a stretch for most gamers, even those that grew up in the 70's and 80's. Modern games have spoiled us.
The thing about the Ultima series is that taken as a whole it's probably better than most RPGs out there to date. Most of the greatest RPGs of the modern era are
heavily influenced by the Ultimas (Skyrim is probably the biggest example, check out Underworld if you get a chance.)
My final verdict would be yes get the game. It's well worth playing and the overhead perspective will become more natural over time. If you play RPGs for battle systems, this one isn't going to win any awards, but for player immersion and world interactivity you should love it.
