Ultima IV Unboxing | Quest of the Avatar | Apple II & Commodore 64 Classic RPG
0In this video, I share my SUPER lucky find at a second-hand store—a bunch of old Commodore 64 games, including one of the most iconic RPGs of all time: Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar. Originally released in 1985 by Origin Systems and designed by Richard Garriott, this game is widely regarded as a breakthrough in the role-playing genre. Unlike previous games that focused heavily on combat and treasure hunting, Ultima IV introduced a more thoughtful approach to morality and personal growth. Players must navigate a world where their choices, virtues, and actions have a real impact, setting the game apart from other titles of its era.
I go through the unboxing of this classic RPG, showcasing the nostalgic Apple II and Commodore 64 packaging, including the original floppy disks, instruction manual, maps, and more. This game stands out because it was one of the first to encourage players to focus on living a virtuous life rather than merely winning battles. The "Avatar" is a spiritual leader in the game who must embody eight virtues: Honesty, Compassion, Valor, Justice, Sacrifice, Honor, Spirituality, and Humility.
Ultima IV was the fourth game in the Ultima series, developed by Richard Garriott, also known by his in-game persona, Lord British. Origin Systems, Garriott's company, was well known for pushing the boundaries of the RPG genre, and Ultima IV was no exception. Garriott's vision for the game was to break away from the typical "slay the evil wizard" storyline and instead focus on a deeper moral narrative. This emphasis on ethical decision-making laid the groundwork for the game's lasting legacy.
The game's release on the Commodore 64 and Apple II was part of its wide-reaching appeal. The 64K version brought the rich world of Sosaria to life in ways that were remarkable for the hardware at the time. With tactical turn-based combat, dungeon exploration, and an open-world environment, it was one of the most expansive RPGs available in the mid-1980s.
In this video, you'll get a look at the retro Apple II 64K version of the game, which included many of the same features and graphical elements as the Commodore 64 edition. I'll walk through the items that came with the game, discuss the history and importance of the Ultima series, and talk about how Ultima IV continues to influence modern RPGs.
This game was truly ahead of its time, paving the way for moral decision-making in video games, which is still a core feature in many modern RPGs. If you're a fan of retro gaming, RPG history, or just love the Commodore 64 and Apple II, this is one video you won't want to miss!