About this video

Made by a small team of developers, Blue Sky Productions (who would later become Looking Glass Studios), Ultima Underworld : The Stygian Abyss was groundbreaking for the Ultima series. Released in March of 1992, it is historically significant because it was the first 3D Action CRPG. While not originally a huge success upon release, it became a cult hit and sold just under half a million copies, winning the Origins Award for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Computer Game of 1992. It paved the way for a sequel, Ultima Underworld : Labyrinth of Worlds. An attempt was made at a third installment to the series, but Origin declined. That project would go on to become a spiritual successor of Ultima Underworld known as 'Arx Fatalis'. The importance of this game cannot be overstated, as its success led to the creation of a new genre of RPG, and by extension to the creation of other beloved first person 3D action role-playing game series such as The Elder Scrolls.

Ultima Underworld : The Stygian Abyss begins with the avatar being haunted by an apparition who tells him of trouble stirring in Britannia. Deciding to check it out, he watches helplessly as the Baron's daughter Arial is kidnapped. Framed for the crime, the baron banishes him to the Great Stygian Abyss, setting him on a mission to rescue her. Once inside the vast dungeon, the avatar discovers the ruins of a fallen utopia and his true mission starts to unfold. Will you take up his quest?


Original score by George Sanger and Dave Govett ©1992 Origin Systems
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