Posted February 12, 2021
* In particular, with Ultima 4 I really like the NES version, which streamlines some things and makes some nice improvements to the game mechanics. (I don't like the fact that "AUTO", which sometimes has the character casting Missile, resulting in the use of one ash and one pearl, is the default command in battle.)
* Ultima 4 got a Sega Master System port which is quite faithful to the original, unlike the NES port, but still has some nice improvements. (But why did they get rid of the first person view in dungeons? The SMS can definitely handle that, as Phantasy Star did just that.) It even has the original music, unlike the NES version with its completely different OST. (When I am in the mood to play a non-NES version of Ultima 4, this is the version I prefer.)
* Ultima 6 SNES is somewhat simplified compared to the original, but what's there is pretty faithful; even the graphics and music are basically unchanged, aside from the music taking advantage of the SNES sound chip.
* Ultima 7 SNES, as I mentioned, should be treated as a different game entirely. It's still decent, but it's not the same game as the PC game of the same name.
* Ultima 3 NES is decent, though it suffers from level scaling, and I don't like the fact that Druids don't get the fast MP regen they get in other versions.
* Ultima 5 NES is the only console port I would consider bad.
* There's also the Runes of Virtue games, which are basically Zelda-likes with a heavy focus on dungeon puzzles, and very little to do outside of dungeons.