Ultima IV: Quest of The Avatar

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar is the fourth installment in the renowned role-playing game series, released in 1985 by Origin Systems under the direction of Richard Garriott. Unlike the previous games in the series, Ultima IV radically changed its concept: instead of the traditional battle against evil, the player must embark on a path of moral development, becoming the embodiment of eight virtues.

The game abandoned the typical "hero vs. evil" narrative and introduced a new goal - to become the Avatar, the spiritual leader of Britannia, chosen by society as a model of virtuous living. The eight virtues - honesty, compassion, valor, justice, honor, sacrifice, spirituality, and humility — are not just story elements, but core gameplay mechanics, influencing everything from dialogue choices to helping those in need and refusing unnecessary violence.

Compared to Ultima III, the game greatly improved world interaction: full conversations with NPCs were introduced, the morality system became more complex, character progression became closely tied to the player's actions, and combat became more tactical. The world gained depth, and the objectives became personal, making Ultima IV a revolutionary RPG for the mid-1980s.

The game was praised for its innovative approach and philosophical depth, and it became one of the most influential RPGs in history. Despite the technical limitations of its era, Ultima IV continues to inspire developers and players alike.

Thanks to the release of the source code and the dedication of fans, the game has received many unofficial adaptations, including graphical remakes, modern OS versions, and even mobile ports. Ultima IV remains relevant today thanks to its unique philosophy and is regarded as a classic that redefined the genre.