Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uunet!servio!dalel From: dalel@servio.UUCP (Dale LaFountain) Newsgroups: comp.sys.apple2 Subject: Ultima VI...sigh... Keywords: Origin, evaluation, pessimism Message-ID: <661@servio.UUCP> Date: 28 Aug 90 16:59:02 GMT Lines: 69 In response to a recent note in InCider, I wrote to Origin showing my support for an Apple II (or GS-specific, preferably) version of Ultima VI. Less than two weeks later, I received a letter back from their customer service department. Here are a couple of interesting tidbits from it: In response to your inquiry regarding whether or not Ultima VI: The False Prophet is going to be available on the Apple platform, we would like to fill you in on ORIGIN's current thinking. Unlike all previous Ultimas, number 6 is the first one that was completely designed and implemented on the IBM PC. When Richard "Lord British" Garriot learned that he could make use of the growing IBM market, with machines featuring 640k RAM, hard drives, and 256-color VGA graphics, he could not resist the opportunity. Utilizing this would give him the chance to, as he put it, "...create the ultimate ULTIMA!" Copuple that with the ever-present fact that the Apple market is continuing to diminish at an alarming rate (beginning with base support from Apple Computers, Inc. and trickling down to the Apple specific magazines, and even the disaffected Apple users), it is little wonder that the question about developing Ultima VI on the Apple has arisen. As of this date, a technical evaluation of such an endeavor is being conducted by Origin. When one considers the daunting task of converting a 640k game down to 128k, and doing so in a timely and cost-efficient manner, the air of pessimism is unavoidable. Also, it is a widely recognized trend among entertainment software publishers today to focus title development on remaining strong markets, namely IBM & compatibles, Amiga, and Commodore. However, the subject regarding an Apple Ultima VI will not be entirely decided until all of the facts are in, including whatever comments and enthusiasm YOU (the Apple user) can muster. Because you have taken the time to express your support for an Apple Ultima VI by writing your letter, we are able to build a better case for the potential development of it. [rest deleted] ORIGIN Customer Service (signed name Kirk ) ------- Anyone have any comments about this? They certainly hit the nail on the head about Apple's interest (lately). I suggested in my letter that they use the GS as a platform for this game, as it has comparable graphics and superior sound (IBM VGA version was only 320x200x256). I don't see how it could be terribly hard to port a version to the GS. Of course, this is kind of abandoning the II+/e/c users, but I guess one has to move on at some point. It DOES seem kind of unrealistic to cram all that into 128k RAM (I've seen the IBM version; it's much more complicated than any of the previous Ultimas). On another thread, would it be out of line for a software company to require an accelerator of some sort for their software? I'm sure speed will be Origin's biggest complaint with the GS. And how many of the GS users out there don't already have a TransWarp GS or are planning to buy either that or a Zip GS in the near future? (Please, no flames here, I'm just speculating). It looks like another letter writing campaign would be advantageous here, folks. At least Origin is giving US a fair chance to express our opinions and support before they decide about the Apple version of their software. If we want good software, we're going to have to fight for it ourselves, because it seems like no one else is going to stand up for us. Please let me know if you find out more information. Fellow Ultima enthusiast (hopefully), Dale LaFountain dalel@servio.SLC.COM (before Sept. 18) prophet@oxy.edu (after Sept. 20)