The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that has been around for decades, bringing joy and excitement to gamers of all ages. Among the numerous iconic games available on this console, one game stands out as a masterpiece - Ultima IV: Exodus. In this article, we will delve into the world of Ultima IV: Exodus, explore its features, and provide an overview of its age rating.

Ultima IV: Exodus is an action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Richard Garriott's team at Origin Systems and released in 1988 for the NES. The game is the fourth main installment in the Ultima series, a beloved franchise that has captivated gamers with its rich storytelling, engaging characters, and immersive gameplay.

Storyline

In Ultima IV: Exodus, players take on the role of Lord British, a knight who has been tasked with restoring peace to the land of Salsa. The game begins with Lord British standing in front of his throne, surrounded by the ruins of his kingdom. As he looks out at the desolate landscape, he is filled with a sense of despair and hopelessness.

The player's goal is to explore the world, complete quests, and vanquish evil forces that threaten the land. Along the way, they will encounter various NPCs (non-player characters), including villagers, knights, and other heroes who will aid or hinder their progress.

Gameplay

Ultima IV: Exodus is an open-world game that allows players to explore the world freely. The gameplay is divided into two main components: exploration and combat.

Exploration involves navigating through the various environments, interacting with NPCs, and completing quests. Players can also engage in non-combat activities such as fishing, mining, and crafting.

Combat is a crucial aspect of the game, where players must use their skills, magic, and weapons to defeat enemies. The game features a unique skill system, where players can assign points to different attributes, such as strength, intelligence, and courage. This allows players to customize their character's abilities and approach combat in various ways.

Features

Ultima IV: Exodus boasts several innovative features that set it apart from other games of its time. Some notable features include:

1. Open-world exploration: The game's open-world design allows players to explore freely, discovering new locations, characters, and quests.
2. Moral system: Ultima IV introduces a moral system, where players can choose to follow a virtuous path or succumb to evil forces.
3. Character customization: Players can customize their character's attributes, skills, and abilities to suit their playstyle.
4. Real-time combat: The game features real-time combat, where players must react quickly to defeat enemies.

Age Rating

Ultima IV: Exodus is rated T for Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating indicates that the game contains mild violence, suggestive themes, and brief strong language.

Parental Guidance

Parents are advised to exercise caution when allowing their children to play Ultima IV: Exodus. While the game is not excessively violent or explicit, it does contain some mature themes, including:

1. Mild violence: The game features combat, which can be intense at times.
2. Suggestive themes: Players may encounter characters who are flirtatious or suggestive in their behavior.
3. Brief strong language: Some NPCs use mild profanity.

Conclusion

Ultima IV: Exodus is an iconic game that has stood the test of time. Its open-world exploration, moral system, and character customization features make it a timeless classic. While the game's age rating may raise some concerns for parents, it remains a great option for gamers looking for a challenging and engaging experience.

If you're interested in exploring more games like Ultima IV: Exodus, we recommend checking out other NES classics, such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros., or Metroid.

Rating Breakdown

• Storyline: 9/10
• Gameplay: 8.5/10
• Graphics and Sound: 7.5/10
• Replay Value: 8/10

Overall Rating: 8.3/10