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Ultima: Exodus Remastered
 Hack of Ultima: Exodus
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| Released By | Fox Cunning |
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| Category | Complete |
| Platform | NES |
| License | N/A |
| Patching Information | No Special Requirements |
| Genre | Role Playing |
| Mods | G,L,T,GP,Other |
| Patch Version | 2.06 |
| Hack Release Date | 29 December 2020 |
| Readme | Readme File |
| Downloads | 4647 |
| Last Modified | 29 December 2020 |
Description:
An almost complete overhaul of this classic RPG, aimed at improving the game without compromising its original appeal and charm. Sprites, backgrounds and UI elements have been redrawn using later entries in the series as a reference.
The interface has been improved within the limitation of the game engine, introducing Quality-Of-Life changes that reduce some of the frustration with the original release. Most notably, cancelling an action during combat (e.g. pressing B at magic spell selection, or selecting Magic on a character that is not capable of casting spells) will not forfeit that character’s turn. It is still possible to pass a turn by pressing B before selecting any action.
Many aspect of the gameplay have been slightly altered to make grinding at lower levels unnecessary, and level progression more rewarding. Defeating monsters found in more dangerous locations such as dungeons is also more rewarding as it provides better loot and more XP.
The combat AI has also been improved, and changes have been introduced to better differentiate the 11 professions and 5 races, including “special abilities” such as critical hits for high level Thieves and extra melee damage for Barbarians.
Almost all the enemies that were present in the computer versions of the game have been added, including Chests (only in Castle Death), Wizards and the Orcus.
Numerous typos and inconsistencies in the game’s text/dialogues have also been fixed, and many dialogue lines that were present but not accessible in the original release have been re-instated. This includes one important clue that had been infamously “removed” (but was actually present in ROM, just not referenced).
Version 1.01 and later include an optional, alternative font which is based on the Commodore 64 version of Ultima V.
Version 2.00 introduces a completely new dungeon, accessible from the hidden continent of Ambrosia.
The full, detailed list of changes is included in the Release Notes file.
ROM / ISO Information:
- Database match: Ultima - Exodus (USA)
- Database: No-Intro: Nintendo Entertainment System (v. 20180803-121122)
- File SHA-1: 5CCA5711144626A28F9BC2B4445E1C334FCEA770
- File CRC32: C1A9E6C0
- ROM SHA-1: 053DAE5A60DAB8AF9BDD8C70BE72A805276658EB
- ROM CRC32: A4062017
Links:
Screenshots:
Credits:
| Contributor | Type of contribution | Listed credit |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Cunning | Hacking | Everything |
Never Play the Original Again
Reviewed By: Phaxuji on 22 Feb 2020The things that hackers can achieve is incredible to me. Some of my favorite games have been tweaked in ways that have breathed new life into them. But the thing that astonishes me is when someone manages to fully replace the original game; as in, there’s no reason to ever go back to the vanilla version again.
This is not an easy thing to do. If a game is good to start with, it’s hard to improve upon in such a way as to not violate whatever made it good in the first place (and if it’s bad, it’s hard to make it good). There are many hacks that I love but would never have anyone play as a substitute for the original. This hack, however, is a very rare exception.
Virtually every single thing that could have been fixed or improved upon from the original has been. Aspects of the game that I hadn’t ever even considered changing have gone through a makeover that can only be described as an upgrade. This hack isn’t some personal flavor that only appeals to certain people, it’s just better. Better in every way than the original.
Character creation is infinitely superior. Battles are smoother and make much more sense. Leveling is no longer a counter-intuitive punishing mess. The towns are gorgeous as are the inhabitants (frankly, I am surprised that this in particular was pulled off on the NES). Most importantly, however, is the replay value. Having solved every major problem with the vanilla version, there is a lot of fun in trying out different class combinations and playing through the game more than once.
The only possible complaint that I have is that there is still some slowdown and graphical glitches but my assumption is that this is more related to the limitations of the NES hardware than it is the game itself. But who knows? The hacking community continues to amaze me.
If you are thinking of playing Ultima: Exodus on the NES for the first time, do not even bother with the original version. This hack is an upgrade in every sense of the word. Playing the original would just be an exercise in needless frustration.
Thank you to the author for taking on this project. You have reforged a problematic game with potential into a true gem.
Version 1.00 Recommended - Yes
| Headline | Author | Date | Version | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not recommended | Mikey | 19 Jan 2023 | 2.06 | No |
| The definitive version of Ultima Exodus | Ok Impala! | 08 Feb 2021 | 2.06 | Yes |
| This is the real Ultima: Exodus. | RomerPlayer | 23 Feb 2020 | 1.00 | Yes |
| Never Play the Original Again | Phaxuji | 22 Feb 2020 | 1.00 | Yes |