Ultima VII: Serpent Isle

Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle is a role-playing game created by ORIGIN, released in 1993 for MS-DOS.

It is one of the most fascinating and narratively rich entries in the entire saga created by Richard Garriott. Released as a direct sequel to Ultima VII: The Black Gate, the game is set 18 months after the events of The Black Gate. Another entry of the Ultima universe, Ultima Underworld II: Labyrinth of Worlds, is set between the two games. Ultima VII Part Two marks a significant departure from the traditional setting of Britannia, transporting the player to the mysterious continent of Serpent Isle—a land divided by cultures, ancient religions, and simmering tensions.

While it uses the same engine and window-based interface that made The Black Gate revolutionary, Ultima VII: Serpent Isle stands out for its darker tone and more linear structure. This is not a game where the player roams freely to discover their purpose: instead, the story is broken into clear chapters, unfolding almost like a stage play, with dramatic twists and morally challenging choices.

The Avatar’s journey through Serpent Isle is intensely personal. What begins as a pursuit mission soon transforms into a confrontation with belief systems, ideological extremism, and the weight of past actions. The game introduces a new philosophical framework through the three Serpent Virtues—Order, Chaos, and Balance—replacing Britannia’s moral system and providing a more ambiguous and thought-provoking narrative.

In terms of gameplay, Serpent Isle refines the real-time combat system and continues the simulation-style world where virtually every item can be manipulated, cooked, combined, or destroyed. However, the increased narrative focus limits the free-form exploration somewhat, favoring a guided experience rich in storytelling and character development.

Technically, the game was among the most detailed and immersive RPGs available for MS-DOS. Its atmospheric soundtrack and extensive written dialogues help create a believable world, even without voice acting.

Ultima VII: Serpent Isle is often regarded as one of the last truly classic entries in the series, before the engine and gameplay shifted radically with Ultima VIII. Its thematic depth, writing quality, and willingness to challenge the player with uncomfortable truths make it a standout example of narrative-driven game design—still revered today by fans of the series and anyone seeking a deep and engaging role-playing experience.