Sequel to Ultima Underworld out on Kickstarter now!

[IndiraLightfoot]

Just two words: Back it!

[rjshae]

A couple of things I enjoyed from visiting the site: I like the rotating lock maze idea and the in-game backer items. The graphics... well I suppose it's a prototype at this point; but there's room for improvement.

[Nonek]

I'm afraid that i'll have to remain spectical, recreating Underworld seems to me an almost impossible task now, the game was so rich with content, features and depth that it makes modern 3d games still look like sparse tech demo's. The spells alone provided massive amounts of differing effects, the items and their manipulation was the equal of most modern crafting systems, the characters and their dialogues and reactions were impressively varied, while the gameworld itself was enormously reactive, detailed and full of atmosphere and narrative excellence.

 

Putting all of these things together, along with whatever i've forgotten, I really can't see how a modern game can compete. I will have to wait for release and reviews from trusted sources to see if it can, caveat emptor allows me to do nothing else unfortunately.

 

Still I wish them all the best.

[BruceVC]

I'm afraid that i'll have to remain spectical, recreating Underworld seems to me an almost impossible task now, the game was so rich with content, features and depth that it makes modern 3d games still look like sparse tech demo's. The spells alone provided massive amounts of differing effects, the items and their manipulation was the equal of most modern crafting systems, the characters and their dialogues and reactions were impressively varied, while the gameworld itself was enormously reactive, detailed and full of atmosphere and narrative excellence.

 

Putting all of these things together, along with whatever i've forgotten, I really can't see how a modern game can compete. I will have to wait for release and reviews from trusted sources to see if it can, caveat emptor allows me to do nothing else unfortunately.

 

Still I wish them all the best.

 

Nonek that is a very negative view of this KS, I'm glad I believe in the vision of this  game and will happily back it 

[Nonek]

 

I'm afraid that i'll have to remain spectical, recreating Underworld seems to me an almost impossible task now, the game was so rich with content, features and depth that it makes modern 3d games still look like sparse tech demo's. The spells alone provided massive amounts of differing effects, the items and their manipulation was the equal of most modern crafting systems, the characters and their dialogues and reactions were impressively varied, while the gameworld itself was enormously reactive, detailed and full of atmosphere and narrative excellence.

 

Putting all of these things together, along with whatever i've forgotten, I really can't see how a modern game can compete. I will have to wait for release and reviews from trusted sources to see if it can, caveat emptor allows me to do nothing else unfortunately.

 

Still I wish them all the best.

 

Nonek that is a very negative view of this KS, I'm glad I believe in the vision of this  game and will happily back it 

 

 

My view of the Kickstarter is not negative at all, and nothing that I stated even suggests as much! I just can't realistically see how a modern game can possibly match the original Underworld, the scope of games has shrunk and streamlined too much since the early nineties

 

Take the Labyrinth of Worlds that the second game offers, each rich, varied, reactive and sometimes massive, one can't look at modern games and ever think they'll match such a feat. Never mind the dungeons of Castle British or the Stygian Abyss itself!

 

Edit: I would love to be proven wrong on this, and see a resurgence of this type of quality and content rich games, but I honestly don't think most people want anything so rich and dense, or that it can be made now.

Edited February 4, 2015 by Nonek

[BruceVC]

 

 

I'm afraid that i'll have to remain spectical, recreating Underworld seems to me an almost impossible task now, the game was so rich with content, features and depth that it makes modern 3d games still look like sparse tech demo's. The spells alone provided massive amounts of differing effects, the items and their manipulation was the equal of most modern crafting systems, the characters and their dialogues and reactions were impressively varied, while the gameworld itself was enormously reactive, detailed and full of atmosphere and narrative excellence.

 

Putting all of these things together, along with whatever i've forgotten, I really can't see how a modern game can compete. I will have to wait for release and reviews from trusted sources to see if it can, caveat emptor allows me to do nothing else unfortunately.

 

Still I wish them all the best.

 

Nonek that is a very negative view of this KS, I'm glad I believe in the vision of this  game and will happily back it 

 

 

My view of the Kickstarter is not negative at all, and nothing that I stated even suggests as much! I just can't realistically see how a modern game can possibly match the original Underworld, the scope of games has shrunk and streamlined too much since the early nineties

 

Take the Labyrinth of Worlds that the second game offers, each rich, varied, reactive and sometimes massive, one can't look at modern games and ever think they'll match such a feat. Never mind the dungeons of Castle British or the Stygian Abyss itself!

 

Edit: I would love to be proven wrong on this, and see a resurgence of this type of quality and content rich games, but I honestly don't think most people want anything so rich and dense, or that it can be made now.

 

 

I played both Ultima Underworlds but never any Ultima game. The Underworld games were indeed rich in features and Í'm confident many people would be happy with that type of game being resurrected. I do have concerns about the Devs pulling it off though

[Zoraptor]

Yeah, going to back this. First one since Outcast (which failed) I'm definitely backing.

 

Won't necessarily be expecting UU3, I'd be more than happy enough with something like Arx Fatalis 2.

[teknoman2]

here's the link

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/othersidegames/underworld-ascendant?ref=video

you should always add the link... people are too lazy to look it up if you dont have the link

anyway, im broke for now so i cant back it

[IndiraLightfoot]

While I certainly get your optimism, BruceVC, I also get why Nonek is concerned. I actually wrote this in the comments section just now:

I agree with Mieu, Dablue and others about their emphasis on devs being active here at Kickstarter, in the comments section, in updates, and via cool vids, in a Kickstarter campaign.

And I agree with Gothmog about perhaps ditching the MP feature, and go all in on the SD features instead. You guys have a lot to live up to. A fellow forum member wrote this about the original UU:
"Recreating Underworld seems to me an almost impossible task now, the game was so rich with content, features and depth that it makes modern 3d games still look like sparse tech demo's. The spells alone provided massive amounts of differing effects, the items and their manipulation was the equal of most modern crafting systems, the characters and their dialogues and reactions were impressively varied, while the gameworld itself was enormously reactive, detailed and full of atmosphere and narrative excellence."

I also agree wholeheartedly with British:
"Regarding Co-op/MP, that would be an abberation for any kind of Underworld game. The point of the initial games was that the player was on his own, trying to get out (allow me the simplification). No sidekick (that I can remember... it's been a while) over your shoulder as you discover the places... and no need for it. Just because MP has been all the rage lately, doesn't mean it HAS to be everywhere, in whatever shape. Or maybe you also want some social network shenanigans ?"

 

It reflects three of the concerns that have been raised over night, and I took the liberty to use Nonek's nice post to the best effect, by bringing it straight into the lion's den. I hope he doesn't mind.

[BruceVC]

While I certainly get your optimism, BruceVC, I also get why Nonek is concerned. I actually wrote this in the comments section just now:

I agree with Mieu, Dablue and others about their emphasis on devs being active here at Kickstarter, in the comments section, in updates, and via cool vids, in a Kickstarter campaign.

And I agree with Gothmog about perhaps ditching the MP feature, and go all in on the SD features instead. You guys have a lot to live up to. A fellow forum member wrote this about the original UU:

"Recreating Underworld seems to me an almost impossible task now, the game was so rich with content, features and depth that it makes modern 3d games still look like sparse tech demo's. The spells alone provided massive amounts of differing effects, the items and their manipulation was the equal of most modern crafting systems, the characters and their dialogues and reactions were impressively varied, while the gameworld itself was enormously reactive, detailed and full of atmosphere and narrative excellence."

I also agree wholeheartedly with British:

"Regarding Co-op/MP, that would be an abberation for any kind of Underworld game. The point of the initial games was that the player was on his own, trying to get out (allow me the simplification). No sidekick (that I can remember... it's been a while) over your shoulder as you discover the places... and no need for it. Just because MP has been all the rage lately, doesn't mean it HAS to be everywhere, in whatever shape. Or maybe you also want some social network shenanigans ?"

 

It reflects three of the concerns that have been raised over night, and I took the liberty to use Nonek's nice post to the best effect, by bringing it straight into the lion's den. I hope he doesn't mind.

 

Fair enough, those are valid concerns. I also don't want them to implement MP, I feel it would indeed dilute the UU experience 

[Heijoushin]

I would also love to see some new Ultima magic that's not an MMORPG...

But personally, I'm more interested in the other Ultima kickstarter: Shroud of the Avatar.

[Humanoid]

I will happily back it, but I do have to admit that UU was never my cup of tea. But it's a cup of tea that I respect and admire both as a genre pioneer and huge technical achievement. It's easy to forget that UU predated the comparatively primitive Wolfenstein 3D, despite all the kudos the latter title tends to receive.

[mieu]

I would also love to see some new Ultima magic that's not an MMORPG...

But personally, I'm more interested in the other Ultima kickstarter: Shroud of the Avatar.

"We’re especially excited to reveal that, just as the original Ultima and Underworld shared a connection on backstory and fictional elements, so too will Shroud of the Avatar and Underworld Ascendant. There is a portal between the two worlds, which over the ages travelers have crossed, some bringing with them artifacts and arcane lore."

 

[BruceVC]

 

I would also love to see some new Ultima magic that's not an MMORPG...

But personally, I'm more interested in the other Ultima kickstarter: Shroud of the Avatar.

"We’re especially excited to reveal that, just as the original Ultima and Underworld shared a connection on backstory and fictional elements, so too will Shroud of the Avatar and Underworld Ascendant. There is a portal between the two worlds, which over the ages travelers have crossed, some bringing with them artifacts and arcane lore."

 

 

 

Thats actually a cool concept, a portal between the two game worlds. I approve  

[Endrosz]

I played both Ultima Underworlds but never any Ultima game. The Underworld games were indeed rich in features and Í'm confident many people would be happy with that type of game being resurrected. I do have concerns about the Devs pulling it off though

Are you hoping for emergent romances?

[Bryy]

1) pretentious as fudge.

2) KS Exclusives as stretch goals.

 

Pass.

[samm]

I think they're not communicative enough currently. While the "StarCitizen" video provided some more insight, including a surprisingly down to earth Garriott, I'm not sure they'll make it if they continue in the current style.

[Keyrock]

To be honest, I'm pretty underwhelmed by this.  I'll keep an eye on it, maybe a future update will convince me, but, as it stands, I'll pass and see what it looks like when it comes out.

[Vaeliorin]

Maybe if one of the goals was a non-terrible combat system, I'd be interested. But I hated UU's combat, and I'm not interested in funding anything that uses the same, or a similar, system.

[Bryy]

To be honest, I'm pretty underwhelmed by this.  I'll keep an eye on it, maybe a future update will convince me, but, as it stands, I'll pass and see what it looks like when it comes out.

They really only have "LOOK AT US" right now.

[ktchong]

EA still owns the Ultima registered trademark. 

 

Be careful: you do not want to kickstart an EA project.  EA has been talking forever about finding some way to get money from consumers to kickstart their products.  As if EA has not already ripped off people enough already,  The thought of giving money to a Kickstarter that benefits EA makes me want to vomit.

Edited February 8, 2015 by ktchong

[rjshae]

EA still owns the Ultima registered trademark. 

 

Be careful: you do not want to kickstart an EA project.  EA has been talking forever about finding some way to get money from consumers to kickstart their products.  As if EA has not already ripped off people enough already,  The thought of giving money to a Kickstarter that benefits EA makes me want to vomit.

 

Are you suggesting that this is an EA project? If not, then your opinion doesn't seem relevant.

[Bryy]

EA still owns the Ultima registered trademark. 

 

Be careful: you do not want to kickstart an EA project.  EA has been talking forever about finding some way to get money from consumers to kickstart their products.  As if EA has not already ripped off people enough already,  The thought of giving money to a Kickstarter that benefits EA makes me want to vomit.

This is not an EA Kickstarter.

[Hurlshort]

Might & Magic X was pretty much crowdfunded, despite the developer being under the wings of Ubisoft, and it turned out to be a great choice for all parties involved, including the gamers.  If EA was behind a developer looking to kickstart a new and interesting game design, I don't see why that would stop me.  It gives us a chance to see good studios branch out in different directions.

[ktchong]

 

EA still owns the Ultima registered trademark. 

 

Be careful: you do not want to kickstart an EA project.  EA has been talking forever about finding some way to get money from consumers to kickstart their products.  As if EA has not already ripped off people enough already,  The thought of giving money to a Kickstarter that benefits EA makes me want to vomit.

 

Are you suggesting that this is an EA project? If not, then your opinion doesn't seem relevant.

 

 

Then it is NOT actually a "sequel" to Ultima Underworld, because EA still holds the trademark for Ultima.  Whoever is making this "sequel" cannot just use the Ultima name without EA's explicit permission or authorization.  And EA, being as they are, certainly ain't gonna let some Kickstarter use the Ultima brand without monetary compensation.  Which means if it is an "Ultima" Underworld, then EA is getting involved and getting a cut.    This is legal common sense, and I do not know rjshae could be so ignorant and/or stupid about it. 

 

Or, the topic title or the Kickstarter title is misleading: the Kickstarter  is NOT for an actual Ultima Underworld sequel; it is more of a "spiritual" successor to Ultima Underworld. In which case, we already had at least one spiritual successor: Arx Fatalis.  (Which was a pretty darn good one.)  Okay, so it is another spiritual successor to Ultima Underworld.  Yeah, whoopie.  Whatever.

 

Of, the Kickstarter will go ahead and call it an Ultima Underworld sequel without getting the permission from EA.  In which case, the project will get a cease and desist letter from EA lawyers soon, and then the project will be dead, or forced to drop the Ultima name, or forced to let EA in on the Kickstarter.  So we're back to my original point.  Then again, it is nott a bad way to rip off people like rishae: get his money first, and then tell him, "oh, we're sorry, EA lawyers tell us that we have to stop the development, but we're keeping the Kickstarter money!"  Maybe that *is* the plan.

 

 

Might & Magic X was pretty much crowdfunded, despite the developer being under the wings of Ubisoft, and it turned out to be a great choice for all parties involved, including the gamers.  If EA was behind a developer looking to kickstart a new and interesting game design, I don't see why that would stop me.  It gives us a chance to see good studios branch out in different directions.

 

Ubisoft owns the Might & Magic trademark.  And guess what?  Ubisoft was involved with Might & Magic X.  Ubisoft is the publisher.  Might & Magic X requires UPlay activation. 

 

BTW, I looked through the Might & Magic X wiki page on information about its development, and it does not say anything M&M X being a crowd-funded project.  I do not think it is.  I know Ubisoft partially if not entirely funded the game.  Where did you get the information that M&M X was crowd-funded?

Edited February 8, 2015 by ktchong