Tag Archives: RPG Classics

Grammy Win Highlights the Legacy of Wizardry and Its Impact on RPGs

Video game music composer Winifred Phillips has won the Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media for her work on the 2024 remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord. Originally released in 1981Wizardry is often credited with laying the foundation for Final FantasyDragon Quest, and countless other RPGs.

The 2024 Remaster of Wizardary, Credit: Steam

Phillips, known for her contributions to God of War (2005) and LittleBigPlanet 2, composed an entirely new score for this remake, as the original game lacked a dedicated soundtrack. Her work triumphed over notable nominees, including Bear McCreary (God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla)John Paesano (Marvel’s Spider-Man 2)Wilbert Roget II (Star Wars Outlaws), and Pinar Toprak (Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora).

In her acceptance speech, Phillips thanked Digital Eclipse, the studio behind the remake, and emphasised the unique experience of composing for interactive media—where the music adapts dynamically to the player’s actions.

The 1981 Original

This Grammy win not only celebrates Phillips’ achievements but also highlights Wizardry’s lasting influence on the RPG genre, cementing its place in gaming history over four decades after its debut.

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Ultima VII Revisited: Version 0.1.0 Breathes New Life Into a Classic RPG

Fans of Ultima VII: The Black Gate, one of the most celebrated RPGs of all time, have reason to rejoice with the release of Ultima VII Revisited Version 0.1.0. This ambitious open-source project, spearheaded by ViridianGames, aims to rebuild and enhance the beloved game from the ground up, making it accessible to a modern audience while preserving its intricate world and storytelling.

What is Ultima VII Revisited?

Ultima VII Revisited is an open-source reimplementation of Ultima VII: The Black Gate, originally released by Origin Systems in 1992. Built using modern programming techniques and tools, the project seeks to recreate the original game’s depth and charm while addressing the technical limitations of its early ‘90s engine.

The project is hosted on GitHub, allowing contributors to collaborate on its development, ensuring that the essence of the original remains intact while benefiting from community input.

Key Features of Version 0.1.0

The release of version 0.1.0 marks a significant milestone in the project’s development. Here’s what players can expect:

1. Faithful Reconstruction:

The game world, characters, and iconic storytelling of The Black Gate have been meticulously recreated to mirror the original experience.

2. Modern Compatibility:

No need to struggle with DOSBox or emulators—Ultima VII Revisited runs natively on modern systems, bringing the game’s timeless story to a new generation.

3. Improved UI and Controls:

Updated interface elements and streamlined controls provide a more intuitive experience without sacrificing the game’s classic feel.

4. Open Source Accessibility:

The project is open to community contributions, allowing fans and developers to add their own improvements or features.

Why This Matters

Ultima VII: The Black Gate is often hailed as a masterpiece for its open-world design, compelling characters, and deep narrative. However, running the original game on modern hardware can be challenging due to its reliance on dated software and hardware. Ultima VII Revisitedsolves this problem by bringing the game into the 21st century with updated tools, ensuring it remains playable for years to come.

Version 0.1.0 is just the beginning. While it is a foundational release, it paves the way for future updates, including potential quality-of-life improvements and expansions that build on the original experience.

Getting Started

Interested players can download version 0.1.0 of Ultima VII Revisited directly from its GitHub repository. Installation instructions are detailed on the site, making it easy for newcomers and veterans alike to dive in.

For more insights into the project, visit the official site at Ultima VII Revisited.

As you rediscover Ultima VII in its revitalised form, don’t forget to protect your original retro games with RetroShell premium game protectors.

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