Exult or DOSBox?

[S. Huber]

Obviously Exult has the graphical enhancement advantage here, but are all of the original features, details, etc, fully implemented in this engine?

I've played all the original Ultima games up until U7 and want to make the most of it.

[Dominus]

It comes down to whether you want to play the original or the enhanced version. Most of the original features (without the bugs) are implemented. See the FAQ for issues.

[Paulon]

I'd say that unless you want to use Doug the Eagle's walkthrough, (which is more of an anti-walkthrough and incredibly funny if and only if you've already played the game) stick with Exult.

[Quentin]

There are gameplay improvements (hotkeys, ease-of-use setting, combat features, etc) on Exult that you won't get from the original. Makes for a much better U7 experience IMO.

[Dominus]

And by the way, we are very biased of course

[TDI]

Exult makes improvements to Ultima VII across the board and fixes many plot errors in Serpent Isle. But there are some intricacies that still aren't as polished in Exult as in the original U7, like some NPC schedules and combat.

If you want to make the most of it, maybe you should play The Black Gate with Dosbox, to get a feel for how the original was like, and then play Serpent Isle with Exult.

[Guest]

How does the combat in Exult differ som the original version?

[TDI]

Last time I checked combat in Exult was more clunky, slower and not as engaging as in the original, but this was at least 6 months ago. Maybe some improvements have been made since then.

I'd advise to check the differences for yourself. If you've never played the original Ultima7 before, you probably won't care. If you're an old-time fan, you might miss some of the details of how the NPCs interact with each other and the world.

[Guest]

Thanks for the answer, I do think the combat in Exult is a bit clunky and slow, but I haven't tried the original version for ages.

It's a pain in the arse to get running on a modern computer (hence Exult )

[MkM]

If you want authentic experience and like to do all fun stuff in the game, I would recommend dosbox. The immersion is much better in original because of character schedules etc.

But if you just want to play the game and enjoy the story, then exult.

Yes, I'm purist. I want the Ultima VII like it was

[Guest]

How big would you say the difference in experience is on a scale between 1-10?

[TDI]

Actually, I think you can do more fun stuff in Exult. With Exult you can include the Keyring Mod, which allows you to perform extra quests, meditate at the shrines, create new items...

If you prefer smooth scaled graphics, better usability and the ability to -DO- more stuff, you should play Exult with the Keyring mod.

If you prefer to -SEE- the NPCs run around, performing their various jobs and duties, and want faster-paced combat, the original provides a better "living world" experience.

[Guest]

Why has the development of Exult slowed down so dramatically?
Wouldn't it be nice to implement the NPC schedules and combat also?

It's great as it is and a huge undertaking, but I mean to keep the anvil hot

[Guest]

Better combat I meant.

[Dominus]

Just remember, both schedules and combat work, just not as smooth and especially the original combat was something often regarded as a piece of bad design ( to put it nicely)

[Guest]

Yeah, that's a shame. The combat is one of the worst parts of the game. :/

[TDI]

I like the combat in U7. It's fast, chaotic, unpredictable, you have limited control over the situation... kinda like real combat.