BACK TO THE DUNGEON: Initially released in March 1992 for MS-DOS systems, Ultima Underworld is considered the first role-playing game featuring "real" 3D environments and action. Now, old-timers and curious newcomers can enjoy the experience with a more modern touch – though they will have to obtain the original game's assets somewhere first.
Unity Underground (UU) is a fan project designed to recreate the Ultima Underworld experience with the Unity engine. The developers worked on the project for more than ten years, and they have now shared the results with the wider gaming community. The original Ultima Underworld is historically important but a bit rough around the edges. UU might prompt more gamers to (re)discover one of the most influential games that came out of the Nineties.
The UU project clearly strives to faithfully recreate the original game, and it even needs the original game assets and files to run. Users might get the assets by purchasing Ultima Underworld on GOG, Steam, or even from the original MS-DOS media if they can still access them.
The Unity-based remake includes new 3D models, full models and animations for all enemies, all inventory and environment objects, plus "unique" audio and particle effects. The developers describe the project as complete, though they have been fixing bugs for a couple of months. Curiously, players apparently need an Xbox controller to properly enjoy the experience. Back in the DOS days, no gamer in their right mind would dare face such a complex 3D "simulation" without using a keyboard.
