"Britannia has a new... Guardian"

The Black Gate is the first part of the epic two part Ultima VII. All of the Ultima games since Ultima IV have starred ''The Avatar'', whom is the embodiment of the eight virtues of Britannia (this is essentially Britannian religion). As the Avatar you are basically expected to act as the Hero of Britannia, abandoning your home on Earth to fight against the forces of evil. Our story begins with the Avatar sitting at home, about to enjoy his favorite computer game, when suddenly an evil red face appears on the monitor. The face taunts the Avatar for a bit and then disappears. At that moment, the Avatar is once again summoned to Britannia.

Graphics (10/10):
The world is rendered in 2D and palette used is certainly colorful. There is a lot of attention to the small detail. In the world of Britannia there is weather, day/night, hundreds of unique objects and every NPC has their own unique portrait, the Avatar can control 8 boats each of them with a unique headpiece. Although these graphics wouldn't turn heads today, for the day they were certainly
something.

Story (10/10):
Britannia sure is a different place since you last visited during Ultima VI. The world seems to be at peace, and a charitable organization called ''The Fellowship'' has emerged. However, there are some things about Britannia that aren't quite right. Mages have gone insane, moongates cause damage to those whom walk through them, magic in general seems to have ceased functioning, there is rampant pollution in the Cove area and the Gargoyle's are both having trouble adjusting to their new home, and being persecuted. Britannia may not be facing any one terrible disaster, but it faces a whole host of little problems which aren't connected. Or.... are they?

Music/Sound (8/10):
The music or Ultima VII is ok, but not great. ''Stones'' and ''Hail Britannia'' are the only memorable tunes. The sound is a different story, as the deep ominous voice of an evil force speaks to you throughout the game. He torments you while you sleep, gives you bad advice while you're awake and LAUGHS when one of your friends dies.

Gameplay (10/10):
Here is where the game shines, Ultima VII has the element of environmental activity which games even to this day are not able to hold a candle to. Every object (and there are around 400-500 unique items in the game) some important function except for the ''clacker'' which simply... uh, clacks. It is possible to equip anything that looks like it remotely be used for combat, such as knifes, forks and even dirty diapers. The game only contains about 300 NPCs, but each of them has a large quantity of unique dialogue. When in towns NPC's act according to a ''weekday'' and ''weekend' schedule, and they will move about accordingly. For example, the Stablehand will start his day at home, and then go to work. At the end of work he will go to the pub for a drink with his mates and then head to the fellowship for his meeting. Afterwards, it's straight back to home.

Another thing, the detail given the environments is astounding. Each NPC's home is filled with items that correspond to his personality. Within the Blacksmith's home for example are books about being a blacksmith and some of his nicer equipment. Stealing may not be a very nice thing for the Avatar to do, but it'll be a temptation hard to pass up. Heck, if you kill someone on the street on their corpse will be items that reflect that person (including his clothes!). Anything that exists in the world, yes ANYTHING even people, walls, streetlights and the very ground on which you walk, can theoretically be interacted with. For example, one can take all the devices used for torture in an inquisitors basement and put it in their own room. It is possible to buy a virtual FLEET of ships, ride on a few carts and there is even one ''secret'' mode of transportation just waiting to be found.

What's wrong with Gameplay? COMBAT. Success and failure in combat seems almost random. There are some neat things, for example the Avatar has around 80 spells to cast. Another is the use of the Black Sword, which you can get in the ''Forge of Virtue'' expansion. However, for the most part combat is simply a ''sit and pray'' affair.

Replay (9/10):
You're probably not going to want to replay this game after you've beaten it. It's a very long game, probably around 50 hours.

Overall (10/10):
I can't say enough positive things about Ultima VII, if you can overlook the dated graphics you'll be rewarded with a robust world to explore. If you manage to beat this game, you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to play the second part of Ultima VII: Serpent Isle.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/26/03