Ultima VIII: Pagan is a role-playing video game developed by Origin Systems and published by Electronic Arts in 1994. It is the eighth installment in the long-running Ultima series and is set in the fictional world of Pagan. The game takes a departure from the traditional Ultima formula by featuring a more action-oriented gameplay and a darker and more sinister storyline. In Ultima VIII: Pagan, the player takes on the role of the Avatar, the hero from Earth who has been summoned to the world of Pagan by the Guardian, a malevolent being who seeks to conquer and enslave all of creation. The Avatar finds himself stripped of his powers and stranded in the city of Tenebrae, a corrupt and decaying metropolis ruled by the sorceress Mordea. The gameplay in Ultima VIII: Pagan focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat.
The witch monument in Vardø is in memory of the 91 witch trial victims
The Witches’ Memorial in Vardø takes us back to a gruesome period in European history and into the darkest recesses of the human mind. The Steilneset Memorial was erected in memory of 91 victims of the witch trials held in Finnmark during the 17th century.
The Steilneset Memorial, often called the “The Witches’ Memorial”, is a monument to 91 people who were burned as witches during the period of 1600 to 1692 in Vardø. The memorial consists of a building, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, and the “Flammehuset” artwork featuring a sculpture by the Franco–American artist Louise Bourgeois.
The gameplay in Ultima VIII: Pagan focuses on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The player must navigate through the various regions of Pagan, each with its own unique challenges and dangers. The game features a non-linear structure, allowing players to tackle quests and challenges in a variety of ways.
The witch trials were a European wide phenomenon
The witch trials were a pan-European phenomenon and, from the 15th century through to around 1750, up to 100,000 people were prosecuted or suspected of being witches, and maybe 40-50% of them were found guilty and burded as witches. Most of them were burned in Germany and Scotland. However, relative to the population, a large number were burned in Finnmark, perhaps more than anywhere else in the whole of Europe. The reasons for this are complex and not entirely clear. Perhaps the idea that some people were secretly working with the devil resonated more in remote fishing villages that experienced storms and bad weather. The witches came from both the Norwegian fishing villages and the Sami settlements. They were taken to Vardø for a summary trial. If there was any doubt as to the question of guilt, the suspect was thrown into the sea. If she floated, she was a witch. The water test was used in around a third of the trials held in Finnmark.
01: A hollow structure with memorial within: The witch memorial in Vardø ©Jarle Wæhler, Statens vegvesen 02: A striking memorial in a striking landscape © Fredrik Fløgstad / Statens vegvesen 03: Winter view of the memorial site © Helge Stikbakke / Statens vegvesen
One of the key features of Ultima VIII: Pagan is the introduction of a magic system based on the eight elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Moon, Death, Chaos, and Ethereal. The player must learn and master spells associated with each element to progress in the game and defeat enemies. Ultima VIII: Pagan was praised for its immersive atmosphere, detailed graphics, and challenging gameplay. However, it was also criticized for its departure from the traditional Ultima formula and the limited interactivity and depth of the game world. Overall, Ultima VIII: Pagan stands as a unique entry in the Ultima series, offering a darker and more action-oriented gameplay experience. While it may not have been as well-received as its predecessors, it remains an intriguing chapter in the history of the franchise..
Reviews for "Reviving the Magic: Ultima VIII: Pagan's Place in Gaming History"
1. John - 2/5 stars
Ultima VIII Pagann was a highly anticipated game for me, as a fan of the Ultima series. However, I was left extremely disappointed with this installment. The gameplay was clunky and confusing, with a lack of clear objectives and direction. The graphics were also subpar, even for its time, which made it hard to become fully immersed in the game world. Overall, Ultima VIII Pagann fell short of its predecessor's greatness and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars
I have been an avid gamer for many years, but Ultima VIII Pagann was one of the worst gaming experiences I have ever had. The controls were incredibly frustrating, making it difficult to perform even basic actions. The storyline was weak and lacked depth, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. The game seemed rushed and unfinished, with numerous glitches and bugs. I would not recommend Ultima VIII Pagann to anyone looking for a well-executed RPG experience.
3. Robert - 2.5/5 stars
Ultima VIII Pagann had some interesting ideas and concepts, but it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying gaming experience. The combat mechanics were clunky and unpolished, requiring more luck than skill to succeed. The level design was confusing, often sending me in circles without providing clear objectives. Additionally, the game lacked the depth and immersion that I had come to expect from the Ultima series. While it had potential, Ultima VIII Pagann fell short in execution and left me feeling underwhelmed.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars
I regret purchasing Ultima VIII Pagann. The game was filled with frustrating puzzles and mazes that added nothing to the overall experience. The lack of a compelling story and unengaging dialogue made it hard for me to feel invested in the game. The graphics were outdated, even at the time of its release, and the soundtrack failed to create a captivating atmosphere. Overall, playing Ultima VIII Pagann was a waste of time and money for me, and I cannot recommend it to others.