Exult ACTIVE
Exult is an open-source reimplementation of the Ultima VII game engine, allowing players to run both The Black Gate and Serpent Isle (with their respective expansions) on modern Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
Features
- Runs the original Ultima VII data files (available via GOG) on modern operating systems
- Supports resolutions up to 4K - far beyond the original 320×200
- Bug fixes for the original game's many glitches
- Integrated Exult Studio modding tool
- Enhanced pathfinding and UI improvements
- Active development with regular releases since 1999
How to Use
1. Purchase Ultima VII from GOG.com (includes both games and expansions)
2. Download Exult from exult.sourceforge.net
3. Point Exult at your GOG installation folder
4. Play Ultima VII at any resolution on any modern system
Nuvie ACTIVE
Nuvie is an open-source engine replacement for Ultima VI: The False Prophet, running the original game data on modern systems. Less well-known than Exult, Nuvie is the recommended way to play Ultima VI today.
Features
- Supports the DOS, Mac, and SNES versions of Ultima VI
- Extended viewing distance beyond the original
- Modern input support (mouse-driven interface improvements)
- Windows, macOS, and Linux compatible
- Various bug fixes from the original
Ultima Forever: Quest for the Avatar COMPLETED / SHUT DOWN
EA's mobile attempt at a free-to-play Ultima revival, Ultima Forever: Quest for the Avatar launched in 2013 for iOS and Android. Set in Ultima IV's Britannia, it adapted the Virtue system for touchscreen RPG gameplay and featured beautiful pixel art.
The game was shut down in 2014, less than a year after launch, following poor monetisation results. Its brief existence confirmed that EA had no coherent long-term plan for the Ultima IP. Many fans consider the game a missed opportunity: the art direction and setting were well-received, but the free-to-play design conflicted with Ultima's values.
Fan Projects
Ultima Ratio WIP
A fan-developed spiritual successor to the classic Ultima series, built by longtime community members as a tribute to the design philosophy of Ultima IV–VI. Focused on the Virtue system and moral choice mechanics.
Underworld Ascendant RELEASED
OtherSide Entertainment's spiritual successor to Ultima Underworld, featuring a fully interactive 3D dungeon with physics and emergent gameplay. Released in 2018 with mixed reviews, but recognised as the genuine heir to Underworld's design principles.
Shroud of the Avatar ACTIVE
Richard Garriott's own spiritual successor to the Ultima online experience, combining single-player and multiplayer. Launched into full release in 2018. Active community continues development and hosting.
Ultima VI Recreated (Dungeon Siege) COMPLETE
A fan recreation of Ultima VI using the Dungeon Siege engine, part of the "Ultima VI Project." Recreates the full game world with 3D graphics while preserving the original dialogue, characters, and moral structure.