Play Ultima IV - Quest of the Avatar (Europe) (Beta) Online

Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar for the Sega Master System was an unreleased beta version of the game, developed by Origin Systems and intended for a console audience. It arrived during a period when home consoles were beginning to explore deeper, more narrative-driven role-playing experiences, though this particular iteration never saw a commercial release.

You control a single character from an overhead perspective, exploring the world of Britannia screen by screen, engaging in turn-based combat with monsters using swords, bows, and spells. Your main goal is not to defeat a great evil, but to embody the eight virtues and become the Avatar, a spiritual exemplar. Key mechanics include conversing with townsfolk to gain clues and improve your virtue ratings, as well as delving into multi-level dungeons filled with traps and enemies. The pacing is deliberate, with progress tied to understanding moral choices rather than mere combat prowess; the difficulty comes from internal consistency, not just enemy strength. It feels like a personal journey where your actions carry tangible, ethical weight.