Significant improvements in the ongoing port of «Ultima V» for Atari 8-bit computers
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Atlan Roland, an enthusiastic member of the AtariAge forum, has recently shared version 0.14 of his ambitious ongoing project: a reimplementation of the «Ultima V» engine for Atari 8-bit computers.
This project, which has captivated the community since its inception, is based on assets from the MS-DOS version of Ultima V and aims to bring the experience of this classic RPG to a platform with far more limited resources.
Version 0.14 introduces a series of significant improvements that bring the project closer to its final vision. One of the most notable additions is the integration of the latest version of the QuickMusic engine and its melodies, courtesy of Zolaerla, who has greatly contributed to the game’s sound design. Additionally, a startup menu has been implemented to facilitate initial navigation, and new NPC behavior modes, such as fleeing and chasing, have been added, enriching in-game interactions.
The development of this version has also incorporated numerous refinements that enhance the overall experience, including the implementation of shrines, a prison, and even the grandfather clock’s hands. These seemingly minor details are crucial in recreating «Ultima V»’s unique atmosphere and demonstrate the developer’s commitment to authenticity. Thanks to the use of the external Mad Pascal library, the game engine has undergone significant optimization, drastically reducing loading times and improving performance on the limited hardware of Atari 8-bit computers.
To run this version, users need at least 128K of RAM. The installation process involves extracting a folder and executing a batch file called mk_disks.bat in a Windows command console. This script creates ATR disk images, which are essential for running the game on emulators or real hardware. During the initial execution, sector indexes for the data files are generated, which may take some time and require disk swaps. However, this process is only necessary once, as the created indexes are reused in subsequent sessions.
The game’s controls are intuitive and well-documented, allowing players to use a joystick or keyboard to move and perform various actions, such as attacking, boarding ships, lighting torches, and more. The community has responded positively to these advancements, expressing enthusiasm and support, though there is also curiosity about how more complex features, such as combat and party management, will be implemented in future updates.
Ultima V ver. 0.14 for Atari 8-bit computers
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