NES-Port of Ultima III

Ultima III was the first Ultima ported to a console. The port took place some years after the original release, 1989. It is interesting that altough FCI is credited for the port, all the work was actually done by Origin. The reason were problems with Nintendo'sdeveloper licensing restrictions scheme, which forced Origin to nominally have a third party sell the game.

Since the original game by that time was already six years old, it was clear that the port wouldn't graphically look like it too much. However, what Origin did proved to be somewhat controversial. The NES had a reputation for bein a kid's toy and numerous publishers followed the reputation by releasing their games in colorful and cute cartoon, mostly anime-like, graphics. Origin obviously felt that they needed to do this as well, resulting in a graphical representation that gives the impression that the game was made in Japan.

The sound was changed as well, with none of the original music remaining. Reviewers felt that the new music was rather repetitive and annoying after some time.

Other changes concern the interface. While it is logical that a console can't have the same interface as a compter due to the lack of a keyboard, Origin went a step further and hid everything behind pop-ups. The only thing always visible is the moon phase-indicator. Also walking works different, with all party members following the leader.

Other points of interest:


 * The NES port has a hilarious bug that can short-circuit the plot. You actually don't need the Four Cards. It just is enough to make it to Exodus himself. This can be done the quick way just by mis-using the Moongate to the Isle of Fire until a pirate ship spawns in the small pond behind the snake (impossible in the computer versions), enabling access to the castle.


 * Japanese Ultima Mangas were released with the game in a big advertising campaign. Their content is rather bizarre, as described in the article.


 * The game added a short intro with the party appearing before Lord British. However, a goof is that Lord British has a cross on his scepter. It should have been an Ankh. (see screenshot at the right)