Combat themes

Going into battle in a dangerous part of the games. This is reflected in the various battle themes heard throughout the games.

Ultima III

In Ultima III the battle theme, so-called "Combat", is like most of the music of the game, not yet as developed as in later games. This theme reflects the mayhem of battle.

Listen to the theme in its MIDI version here:
Video Game Preservation Foundation hosts multiple renderings.

Ultima IV

The battle theme of Ultima IV, so-called "Combat", is much more thought-out than from the previous game. It is a very fast-paced theme played on a guitar. The fast pace of the theme fits to the hectic battles.

Listen to the theme in its MIDI version here:
Video Game Preservation Foundation also has renderings for desktop versions as well as the NES.

Ultima V

The battle theme of Ultima V, so-called "Engagement and Melee", is a much more complex piece of music than in the previous game. Essentially, three instruments, a lyre, panpipes and a horn are used.

Listen to the theme in its MIDI version here:
Video Game Preservation Foundation hosts multiple renderings.

Ultima Underworld

The battle theme of Ultima Underworld is a very chaotic piece, played on drums, a synthesizer, bells and a chorus in the background. A very fitting theme for the battles in the ego-perspective.

Listen to the theme in its MIDI version here:
Video Game Preservation Foundation hosts a Roland MT-32 version.

Ultima VI

In Ultima VI, "Engagement and Melee" was re-used as the combat music. However, it is played in a different pitch and mixed with other instruments, giving it a different feel overall.

Listen to the theme in its MIDI version here:
Video Game Music Preservation Foundation Wiki hosts multiple versions.

Ultima VII

The Ultima VII battle music, so-called "Combat", consists of numerous hard percussive sounds. It is played on drums, a trumpet and a synthesizer and is a rather hectic theme.

Listen to the theme in its original MIDI version here:
Video Game Music Preservation Foundation hosts the Roland MT-32 version.

Ultima Underworld II

The battle theme of Ultima Underworld II is played mainly on horns and a lyre. Like the combat theme to the previous Underworld, it has a fast pace.

Listen to the theme in its original MIDI version here: