Paper doll

Paper dolls are the mainstay of an inventory management system, integrated late in the Ultima series. Through this system, armour, weapons, and equipment are managed via an interface that visually represents the character, or at least a humanoid form.

History of the System[edit]

The development of the paper doll system within the Ultima series started with Ultima VI, when the whole interface was rebuilt for mouse control. The item slots were separate and displayed on stylized doll art that was generic across all characters, visually indicating where the selected item was equipped. The same system was used in both Worlds of Ultima spin-off games; Savage Empire introduced new paper doll art for different types of characters, however, truly individualized paper doll art for each party member was not introduced until Martian Dreams.

With the subsequent interface rebuild for Ultima VII, the core system remained consistent, though the visual presentation of the artwork was significantly enhanced. All party members now had large, individual full-body portraits. This art is shown in the gallery below.

The system in Ultima Underworld and Ultima Underworld II represented a transition, blending elements of the older and the soon-to-be-unveiled newer system. Armour could now be directly dragged onto the Avatar, with the paper doll visually reflecting the equipped armour, while weapons and other items continued to be managed through the old slot system.

A complete overhaul of the system occurred with Ultima VII Part Two. The paper doll interface was now comprehensive, managing armour, weapons, items, and carrying containers. The visual representation displayed a realistic depiction of each character with his equipped items, although certain unique items continued to be shown in separate slots. This system was again used for Ultima VIII, although it only applied to the Avatar – the sole party member.

By Ultima IX, the paper doll system was abolished, with items being directly manipulated on the Avatar sprite instead.