Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss

Summary

The PlayStation version of Ultima Underworld I, available only in Japan, includes several improvements and modifications from the original, such as new 3D polygon graphics, revised controls and adjusted gameplay tailored for the console, a remixed soundtrack, and an updated video introduction.

Storyline

Setting Ultima Underworld is located in Britannia, the fictional realm of the Ultima series. The game specifically occurs within a vast underground labyrinth known as the Great Stygian Abyss. The entrance to this dungeon is found on the Isle of the Avatar, a land governed by Baron Almric. The Abyss was first introduced in Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar, where it served as the final destination for the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom. Ultima Underworld follows the events of Ultima VI: The False Prophet. In the years between the two titles, a man named Cabirus tried to establish a utopian community within the Abyss. The eight cities in the Ultima series each represent one of the eight virtues, and Cabirus aimed to create a ninth settlement that would embody all virtues. To do this, he brought together various cultures and races in a shared society and intended to foster peace by distributing eight magical artifacts, each infused with a different virtue. However, Cabirus died before he could complete the distribution, leaving no guidance on how to proceed. This led to chaos and conflict, and the artifacts were scattered. By the time of Ultima Underworld, the Abyss is home to the ruins of Cabirus's failed colony, now occupied by rival factions of humans, goblins, trolls, and other creatures. Story Before the game begins, the wizard brothers Garamon and Tyball, who reside in the Abyss, unintentionally summon a demon known as the Slasher of Veils while experimenting with dimensional travel. Garamon offers himself as a lure to draw the demon into a chamber infused with virtue. However, the demon tempts Tyball with immense power in exchange for betraying his brother. Tyball accepts the offer, but the betrayal backfires; Garamon is killed, yet he manages to trap the demon within the chamber. Because Tyball lacks virtue, he cannot enter the chamber on his own, so he plots to sacrifice Baron Almric's daughter, Arial, at the entrance to gain access. In the game's opening, the spirit of Garamon appears in the Avatar's dreams, warning of a looming threat in Britannia. The Avatar allows Garamon to lead him to the Abyss, where he witnesses Tyball abducting Arial. Tyball flees, leaving the Avatar to be captured by the Baron's guards. The guards deliver him to Baron Almric, who exiles him into the Great Stygian Abyss with the mission to rescue Arial. Following the prologue, the Avatar navigates the dungeon, uncovering traces of Cabirus's lost colony. Possible storylines include resolving a conflict between two feuding goblin clans, learning a new language, and playing a musical instrument to advance a quest. Ultimately, the Avatar confronts and defeats Tyball, freeing Arial.

Screenshots

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