In \"Ultima Forever,\" players must make choices based on questions that often don't have black-or-white answers. <\/p>\n
STORY HIGHLIGHTS <\/p>\n
(CNN) -- Making a video game espousing the virtues of compassion, sacrifice and spirituality doesn't sound like a winner in today's battle-happy gaming environment. But 27 years ago, it was exactly the type of game that caught the imagination and spurred excitement in gamers. <\/p>\n
Developers at Bioware are hoping to catch that same virtual lightning in a bottle with \"Ultima Forever: Quest for the Avatar,\" the next chapter in the search for the Avatar of Britannia. <\/p>\n
In it, the hero must achieve the highest levels in eight virtues: Valor, Justice, Honor, Compassion, Honestly, Humility, Sacrifice and Spirituality. Through actions in the game, players strive to become a shining example of good for the population. <\/p>\n
The new title is based off \"Ultima IV,\" a computer game dating all the way to 1985. It is considered one of the most innovative games ever because of its divergence from the typical hack-and-slash approach. Lead designer Kate Flack said \"Ultima Forever\" hopes to bring back the appeal of being a good person in a video game. <\/p>\n
\"Games are a cultural artifact. They are affected by all the things around them,\" Flack said. The developers of \"Ultima IV\" \"were saying games can be about being a good person. At the time, it was in reaction to a backlash against the violence and things in video games. <\/p>\n
\"I think the parallel nowadays is that we are almost frightened of high fantasy. If it's not covered in blood, we don't believe it. I'm going to be as subversive as 'Ultima IV' was at the time.\" <\/p>\n
\"Ultima Forever\" picks up 21 years after \"Ultima IV\" left off. Players can join up to three friends, as each works toward the goal of becoming the virtuous \"avatar\" of the land. <\/p>\n
While the graphics, look and feel have obviously been upgraded due to advancements in technology over the years, Flack said the concept still remains true to what it was nearly three decades ago. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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'Ultima Forever' wants you to be 'good'<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In \"Ultima Forever,\" players must make choices based on questions that often don't have black-or-white answers. STORY HIGHLIGHTS (CNN) -- Making a video game espousing the virtues of compassion, sacrifice and spirituality doesn't sound like a winner in today's battle-happy gaming environment Continue reading