Ultima VII Clue Book
The Ultima VII Clue Book: Key to the Black Gate (ISBN 0-929373-09-X) is 64 pages long. It was published in 1992 and originally retailed for USD$14.95. In-universe, Anton is the author, while in real-life Andrew Morris has written the book.
Description[edit]
In-universe, Anton, the apprentice of Alagner, with the help of the Xorinite wisp and the Time Lord, wrote the book. The wisp gives more general hints, while the Time Lord gives concrete help and advice. Other people, who can all be met in the game itself, narrate the various sections about the cities, dungeons and shopping opportunities. One of them, the merchant Octavius, only appears in this book. The book contains maps to all cities and dungeons, two different walkthroughs (one with hints and one with detailed help), and comprehensive tables of game statistics for Ultima VII concerning weapons, armour and all other goods, spell prices and healing.
The book is also filled with custom-made illustrations, including portraits of many persons that also appear in the game itself, making these a good comparison to the pixel art.
Book Content[edit]
The clue book has the following content:
- The towns of Britannia
- The dungeons of Britannia
- The generators of the Guardian
- Supply purchase lists
- Spells
- Healers
- Trainers
- Walkthroughs
- Conclusion
Other Editions[edit]
A Taiwanese edition of the clue book exists. Apart from the translation work being done, it is the same as the original book content-wise.
Alternate Covers[edit]
The Taiwanese edition
Trivia[edit]
- The cover originally was supposed to look quite different from the final version, as seen in an advertisement at the back of the Ultima Underworld Clue Book. The key in that preview cover would have pointed sideways, the cover would have been completely black and the title was above the key in white letters and inside a box. It can be seen in the gallery.
- The original painting of the final cover art showing the key was found and is shown in the gallery. The art is mirror-inverted.
- The book, surprisingly, can be found in the game itself, creating an interesting case of breaking the fourth wall.
Gallery[edit]
The introduction
Original cover art
The preview cover
External Links[edit]
- Key to the Black Gate (PDF)
- Key to the Black Gate (PDF) – alternate version
| Official Origin Clue Books | |
|---|---|
| The Books | Ultima III ☥ Ultima IV ☥ Ultima V ☥ Ultima VI ☥ Ultima VII ☥ Ultima VII Part Two ☥ Ultima VIII Savage Empire ☥ Martian Dreams ☥ Ultima Underworld ☥ Ultima Underworld II |