GAME SOLUTION: Ultima I
From: Len Stys (aa399)
Date: 02/24/90-01:31:23 PM Z
From: aa399 (Len Stys)
Subject: GAME SOLUTION: Ultima I
Date: Sat Feb 24 13:31:23 1990
ULTIMA I Strategy
Strategy suggestions for playing "Ultima I" are presented in this file,
which is divided into five sections: I) The Beginning, II) The Dungeons,
III) Space Travel, IV) Saving the Princess, and V) Battling Mondain.
Descriptions of the terrain of the four continents of Ultima are provided in
the next file, entitled "Layout."
I. THE BEGINNING
Once you create your character, and endow him or her with race, type, and
attributes, you are ready to begin your adventure. Each race and type of
character has its own advantages and disadvantages. Obviously, a fighter is
vicious in battles, wizards or clerics throw potent spells, and thieves are
good at thievery. Experiment with different characters. Your first step,
upon finding yourself in the middle of a grassy plain, is to ready your
armor (leather) and a weapon (dagger). Thus prepared, you may then begin to
explore the world of Ultima.
You will encounter a number of strange creatures during your travels. On
land, you will find Orcs, Evil Trents, Hoods, Knights, Bears, Wandering
Warlocks, Necromancers, Hidden Archers, Thieves, Dark Knights, and Evil
Rangers. In the ocean, there are Giant Squid, Ness Creatures, Dragon
Turtles, and Giant Octopi. It is likely that you'll be killed quickly. If
so, you will be reincarnated. (If you're reincarnated in the middle of
water, keep trying to move or attack. These actions will use up your food
and hit points, and you'll be reincarnated again -- hopefully on land the
next time.) However, your resurrected self is lacking in food, gold, and
weapons. Take heart! Although the process of building up your points and
possessions seems slow, if you persevere you will "ultimately" be
victorious. The following strategy hints should be helpful:
1) It is often advisable to avoid combat. Try to run away from an enemy
until you can build up your hit points.
2) Buy and steal as much armor as possible. If you are killed, you will
retain your armor, vehicles, and spells, but you will lose your weapons.
3) To increase your gold supply, you can sell some of your armor.
4) As soon as possible, descend into a dungeon. By entering a dungeon and
killing a number of creatures, you will gain hit points, experience points,
and gold (and food, if you're killed in a dungeon). You can do this again
and again, building up your character.
5) Always buy a drink from Varg the tavern keep in a pub. He may give you
some helpful clues.
6) As you gain experience points, you will find that more advanced weapons
and transportation become available in the cities. Items such as pistols,
blasters, and phazors are invaluable in battles (in fact, sea creatures will
be "out of weapon range" until you get a hold of, at least, a set of bow and
arrows). By a strange quirk in the game, you may be able to steal
technologically advanced weapons or armor even before they're available for
purchase! Use of a vehicle will conserve your food supply during your
travels. Seagoing vessels and air cars allow you to visit islands and cross
oceans. Once you've obtained a frigate or an air car, you can use its
cannons or lasers to fire on enemies. A space shuttle will be required for
space travel.
7) When you enter a castle, be sure to transact with the King. If you have
sufficient gold, he will sell you hit points. If you offer service, he will
send you on a quest for which you will be handsomely rewarded.
8) Save the game frequently. You never know when 7 Hidden Archers or 4 Ness
Creatures might attack and kill you.
9) Beware of Wenches, Jesters, and Bards. They like to steal your
possessions.
II. THE DUNGEONS
Dungeon experience is vital in order to increase your hit points. It can
also be fatal. If your character is a novice, it's best to explore only the
1st or 2nd level of a dungeon. Then you can retrace your steps, climb out of
the dungeon alive, and repeat the process. As you become stronger, you can
descend deeper into a dungeon. There you will do battle with increasingly
powerful creatures, but you may also gain hundreds of hit points and gold
pieces. You will encounter the following enemies in any dungeon:
Levels 1 and 2: Thieves, Rangers, Skeletons, Bats, Giant Rats
Levels 3 and 4: Giant Spiders, Cyclopes, Orcs, Gelatinous Cubes, Vipers
Levels 5 and 6: Ettins, Minotaurs, Mimics, Carrion Creepers, Lizard Men
Levels 7 and 8: Wraiths, Wandering Eyes, Liches, Tanglers, Gremlins
Levels 9 and 10: Daemons, Balrons, Mind Whippers, Zorns, Invisible Seekers
Even if you have accumulated many thousands of hit points, some of the more
powerful creatures can easily destroy you. You will have to discover,
through trial and error, which weapons or spells you should use against
them. (Note: Only a wizard can use the Blink, Create, Destroy, and Kill
spells.) The following strategy hints should help you in surviving dungeon
travel:
1) Use the Inform and Search command frequently. This will disclose traps
which you can then avoid (rope and spikes will save you from falling through
a hidden trap, but you lose them).
2) Use the Destroy spell to dissolve force fields.
3) Use the Blink spell to escape to another place on that level (useful when
monsters are attacking from all sides or when you're surrounded by force
fields and have no Destroy spells).
4) Map each level so you don't get lost. Or, purchase plenty of Ladder Up
and Ladder Down spells to allow you to move easily between levels.
5) Remember: You cannot save the game from within a dungeon. Also, you
cannot put on any new armor if it has been destroyed (by a Gelatinous Cube,
for example).
6) You may wish to use an Unlock spell to open chests, and an Open spell to
open coffins. You will find additional gold in these containers.
7) If you are on a quest (to kill a Balron, Liche, Cube, or Creeper), do not
dally on other levels. Go straight down to the level where the creature you
are seeking lives (using Ladder Down spells), kill it, then get out of the
dungeon quickly (using Ladder Up spells). It is very easy to be overwhelmed
by enemies on the lower levels, and you could be killed. Gremlins may steal
all your food; Invisible Seekers may annihilate you before you can locate
them; Mind Whippers may destroy your intelligence with their mental attacks.
III. SPACE TRAVEL
You have been exploring the four continents of Ultima, crossing plains and
oceans, and increasing your attributes and possessions. Suddenly, you find
advanced weapons, armor, and vehicles in the cities. Purchase a space
shuttle as soon as you have enough gold. The shuttle will carry you out
into space where you will strive to destroy 20 enemy vessels. If you do
this, you will be designated a "Space Ace." You will want to be a Space Ace
before rescuing the princess. If you destroy the enemy spacecraft, and
return alive to Ultima, you will have gained thousands of experience points
and will be ready to save the Princess. Space movement can be tricky, and
the following strategy hints should help:
1) The first view you will see is your shuttle, motionless in space. Nearby
is a Base, a Star, and Ultima. You can use your shuttle for continued
travel, or you can dock at the base and purchase a different vehicle (500
gold pieces each time you exchange ships). The smaller vehicle has limited
fuel, but a lot of shield power. The larger vehicle has plenty of fuel, but
negligible shielding. Take the smaller ship since you won't want to go very
far from base.
2) Docking with the base in order to exchange ships takes a little practice.
If you do not dock exactly at the entry point in the base, you will destroy
your shields and be disintegrated. Try this method: One forward thrust
until you are near the base; one retro to stop your vehicle; one left turn
or right turn to position your ship in the direction you want to go; one
forward thrust to get it moving again; one retro to stop it; etc. In this
way, you can slowly and carefully position your shuttle so that you can make
a precision docking. Exchange ships.
3) Once you have a new ship, you must do a sector scan. This is
accomplished by the Inform and Search command. Note: You will always be in
the center of the sector scan. When you start out in space, you will be
where the "B" is in the middle of the sector scan. The blank lines indicate
empty space, the stars indicate stars, and the carets indicate enemy
spaceships.
4) Since you don't want to get too far from your starting point, and you
don't want to get lost and run out of fuel, always check the sector scan to
make sure you know where you are. If the scan shows enemy ships to the
left, turn your ship to the left. If the scan shows enemy ships below you,
turn your ship downward. Apply thrust, then go into View change. Now
you're in open space. Hit the Hyperspace key. At this point, you will be
in a sector containing enemy ships.
5) Once you've destroyed the enemy ships (usually three), go into View
change mode again. Stop your ship with one retro. If you went left
originally, you'll want to return right. If you went down originally, you
must turn your ship upward, and so on. Turn your ship to the appropriate
direction, and apply thrust. Change the view again, hit hyperspace again,
change the view again. You should be near your origination point, by a
base. You can exchange ships again, or return to Ultima. This process can
be repeated many times until you become a Space Ace. The game
IV. SAVING THE PRINCESS
In each castle, there is a Princess imprisoned. You will see her pacing in
her cell in the lower right of the castle. The key to her cell may or may
not be in the possession of the Jester (hopping around near the King). You
must kill the Jester in order to get the key. Keep trying until you get the
correct key that will unlock the Princess' cell. The following strategy
tips should assist you in freeing the Princess:
1) You'll notice that the Jester sometimes comes near you as you enter the
King's throneroom. Try to get him to stay near the entrance. Then you can
kill him, and run (quickly!) down and over to the Princess' cell. Hit "U"
to unlock the door. The Princess will follow you out of the cell if the
correct key has been used. If you have not obtained the correct key, and
the one you have does not unlock the door, follow the instructions below
anyway in order to try to escape with your life.
2) The moment you kill the Jester, the guards will be upon you. They are
virtually impossible to kill, so your best course is to outrun them. First
of all, try to position the Princess between yourself and the guards. This
will take a little practice, but eventually you should learn how to line the
guards up behind you as you run for the castle exit.
3) Move quickly, being careful not to run into walls, trees, or ponds. One
false move, and you'll be trapped between guards. In the far left room, try
exiting to the north of the pond, and out left. It's tricky, but possible.
As you leave the castle, the Princess will reward you handsomely and will
tell you where to find the Time Machine.
V. BATTLING MONDAIN
Once you rescue the Princess and locate the Time Machine, you are ready to
do battle with the evil wizard Mondain. Board the craft and launch.
Although you are now an expert fighter (you've done away with Balrons and
Liches, right?), Mondain will nevertheless engage you in the battle of your
life. The following tactics should help you destroy the Evil Gem, kill
Mondain, save the universe and, not incidentally, win the game:
1) You must first destroy the Evil Gem. Immediately approach the gem and
hit "G" to get it. This action will destroy the gem. It will also drain
away most of your hit points.
2) If you do not destroy the gem immediately, you will not be able to
permanently kill Mondain. The Evil Gem that he created makes him immortal,
so you must destroy the gem before turning to Mondain.
3) Now, begin to attack Mondain. Kill spells will not work against him;
they only make him stronger. Just keep firing away until he weakens.
Persist in your attack even though he unleashes an onslaught against you.
4) If your character is a wizard, you can use the Create spell to place a
force field in front of you, however, it's best to continuing attacking
Mondain. Hopefully, he will be weakening. You can tell that this is
happening because he changes into a bird and ceases attacking you. Continue
firing until you receive the message that Mondain is dead and that you're
victorious.
ULTIMA I Layout
The game of "Ultima I" involves travel on land and sea and through space and
time. This file is to help you map a dangerous world. The planet consists
of four continents separated by oceans. These continents contain many
cities, castles, dungeons, and landmarks which the traveler must explore.
Once the adventurer has purchased a seagoing craft or an air car, he or she
may traverse the oceans with ease. When sufficient gold and experience
points are accumulated, a space shuttle may be obtained for extraterrestrial
journeys.
I. CONTINENT ONE
1) Overview
Continent One contains two castles (Lost King and Lord British); eight
cities (Yew, Fawn, Britain, Montor, Grey, Paws, Moon, and Tune); nine
dungeons (Perinia, Lost Caverns, Mondain's Gate to Hell, Unholy Hole, Mines
of Mt. Drash (1 and 2), Death's Awakening, Montor, and Doubt); and two
landmarks (Pillars of Protection and Tower of Knowledge).
2) Quests
Quest for King of the Castle of the Lost King: The King will ask you to
destroy a Gelatinous Cube. To do so, you must climb down to level 3 or 4 of
any dungeon and kill a Gelatinous Cube. Having done so, return to the King
who will give you a red gem. He will also tell you that you will need four
gems to launch the Time Machine.
Quest for the King of the Castle of Lord British: His Majesty will send you
to find the Tower of Knowledge. The landmark is located on an island to the
northeast of the continent. You will receive additional strength from the
King when you complete your quest and return to him.
3) Landmarks
Pillars of Protection: This landmark is located on an island to the
northwest of the continent. Enter the landmark, and your agility will be
increased.
Tower of Knowledge: The Tower of Knowledge is on an island to the northeast
of the continent. Your intelligence will be increased when you enter this
landmark.
4) Bartenders' Clues
Pubs: In the cities, there are pubs. Be sure to transact with Varg the
tavern keep, since he may give you clues such as: "Destroy the Evil Gem," or
"Best watch out for the wench."
II. CONTINENT TWO
1) Overview
This continent is located across the ocean to the east of Continent One.
Continent Two contains two castles (Rondorlin and Barataria); eight cities
(Snake, Owen, Gerry, Arnold, Linda, Helen, John, and Wolf); eight dungeons
(Scorpion Hole,
The Labyrinth, Where Hercules Died, Advari's Hole, The Savage Place, Horror
of the Harpies, Gorgon's Hole, and Dead Warrior's Fight); and two landmarks
(Pillars of the Argonauts and Pillar of Ozymandias).
2) Quests
Quest for the King of Rondorlin: The King orders you to kill a Carrion
Creeper. This dread creature may be found on the 5th or 6th level of any
dungeon. When you accomplish your task and return to the King, he will give
you a green gem and tell you that you must use the Time Machine.
Quest for the King of Barataria: This quest involves locating the Pillar of
Ozymandias (on an island to the southwest of the continent). The King will
grant you increased strength upon completion of the quest.
3) Landmarks
Pillars of the Argonauts: The pillars are located on an island to the west
of the continent. You are rewarded with various weapons whenever you visit
this landmark.
Pillar of Ozymandias: Increased wisdom is your reward for entering the
pillar (southwest of the continent).
4) Bartenders' Clues
Pubs: If you buy a drink from a tavern keep, he may give you a hint such
as, "Best you should know about space travel, and that you must destroy at
least 20 enemy vessels to become an Ace!" or "The Princess will reward you
if you save her, and will give an additional gift to a player of 8th level
or higher."
III. CONTINENT THREE
1) Overview
Continent Three is located across the ocean to the east of Continent Two.
This land mass contains two castles (Black Dragon and Olympus); eight
cities (Poor, Ponder, Clear Lagoon, Gauntlet, Nassau, Wealth, Imagination,
and Stout); nine dungeons (The End, The Metal Twister, The Long Death,
Viper's Pit (1 and 2), Guild of Death, Troll's Hole, Tramp of Doom, and Slow
Death); and two landmarks (Sign Post and Southern Sign Post).
2) Quests
Quest for the King of Black Dragon's Castle: The King orders you to kill a
Liche (which may be found on the 7th or 8th level of any dungeon). If you
complete this quest, His Majesty will give you a blue gem and tell you that
the Princess helps the Space Ace.
Quest for the King of the Castle of Olympus: On this quest, you must find
the Sign Post. It is located on an island to the northwest of the
continent. The King will reward you with additional strength for completing
this task.
3) Landmarks
Sign Post: This landmark is located on an island to the northwest of the
continent. Upon entering the Sign Post, you will receive additional stamina.
Southern Sign Post: Additional charisma is your reward for finding this
landmark. It is located on an island to the southwest of the continent.
4) Bartenders' Clues
Pubs: The tavern keep may let you in on the following information: "One
thousand years ago, Mondain the Wizard created an Evil Gem which makes him
immortal. You must traverse the lands until you find a Time Machine. Go
back in time to destroy the Evil Gem and save the universe." Or, the
bartender may tell you that "Most, if not all, of the lakes and ponds have
magical powers."
IV. CONTINENT FOUR
1) Overview
Going east across the ocean from Continent Three, you will arrive at
Continent Four. This land mass contains two castles (Shamino's Castle and
White Dragon's Castle); eight cities (Lost Friends, Dextron, Turtle,
Wheeler, Bulldozer, Gorlab, Brother, and Magic); nine dungeons (Skull
Smasher, Doom, Dead Cat's Life (1 and 2), Dead Man's Walk, Hole to Hades,
Spine Breaker, The Morbid Adventure, and Free Death Hole); and two
landmarks (Grave of the Lost Soul and the Eastern Sign Post). If you wish to
revisit Continent One, simply continue east across the ocean from Continent
Four.
2) Quests
Quest for the King of Shamino Castle: You must descend to the 9th or 10th
level of any dungeon and kill a Balron. After you do this, return to the
King. He will give you a white gem and allow you to take nine items from
the holds of his castle.
Quest for the King of White Dragon's Castle: You must find the Grave of the
Lost Soul (which is on an island to the northwest of the continent). His
Majesty will reward you with added strength when you return to him.
3) Landmarks
Grave of the Lost Soul: Upon reaching this landmark, enter it. You will
receive additional stamina.
Eastern Sign Post: This landmark merely has a sign saying, "Go east to go
east."
4) Bartenders' Clues
Pubs: Varg may tell you to "Have a strong one, bub," or "Go back in time."
Or, he may simply say that this is a great game (as indeed it is!).
--
-----------------------------------------
Return to message index
