Ultima Collection

Bad as the graphics in the early games are, they are still some of the most fun role-playing titles we've ever experienced. We were shocked that something created more than 20 years ago was still eminently playable and highly addictive. Things just kept getting better as we progressed through the later games in the series, which peaked with The Complete Ultima 7. Origin went all out with these titles to create living, breathing worlds that were completely interactive. From hunting for food to dealing with the passage of night and day, players always have something to do.

What makes the Ultima games so great is that their overarching stories never get in the way of the players' freedom to explore and play the games the way they want to. Players can interact with practically every object in the game universe, from monsters to frying pans to chairs to other characters roaming the streets. There's always so much to see and do that the main goal can seem like a secondary consideration at times, and even Ultima 1 managed to maintain our full attention from the moment we created our character. If you want to see a terrific example of how timeless great game engines can be, grab a copy of the Ultima Collection. It's an outrageous bargain for those who value gameplay over graphics. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• 10 Ultima games in one box at a low price
• Tons of addictive gameplay if you can suffer through the primitive graphics

• Hard to get these games running unless you have a lot of computer experience (lack of printed manuals doesn't help)