Ultima VI: The False Prophet

About

Ultima VI: The False Prophet is a classic role-playing game where you explore the world of Britannia to thwart an invasion by shape-shifting gargoyles. Playing as a customizable character, you wander villages, talk to NPCs, and solve problems with dialogue or combat. Turn-based battles require strategy as you manage a party of allies. Your actions influence the world through moral choices that affect the story and relationships. The game blends political intrigue, religion, and ancient secrets as you uncover why the gargoyles target Britannia and what they seek. The game stands out for its open-ended design and emphasis on player agency. Unlike linear RPGs of the time, it lets you tackle quests in any order, using stealth, diplomacy, or force. Though released in 1990, its focus on narrative depth and ethical dilemmas feels ahead of its era. Fans praise its rich worldbuilding and the way small decisions ripple into larger consequences. With versions on multiple platforms from DOS to SNES, it remains a touchstone for CRPG enthusiasts.

Storyline

Though believed to be mythological creatures the existence of Gargoyles was discovered shortly after the first expedition into the geologically unstable underworld. At first, they seemed content to remain in their subterranean domain, but recently they began appearing in our world, seemingly bent on doing us great harm. These diabolical nemeses have begun to seize our holy shrines and places of enlightenment. Scores of homes and villages in our land have been destroyed during nocturnal raids mounted by the daemonic fiends, while countless others stand empty and deserted. Local and government militias have organized in opposition to the calamitous invasion from below. Whole brigades of skilled warriors from Serpent's Hold have clashed with these tireless foes on the field of battle, but to no avail. The Gargoyles' methods suggest that they are searching for something of great value. It is even rumored that they may seek your destruction, though why this should be is not known to us.