Lowlander 9+

The design of this game is quite simple but for a one handed game that is a plus. For how streamlined and intuitive the controls and graphic is the story is cool and gameplay is charming and challenging. The game is basic but given but the map feels big. The world is open and interesting to explore but not overwhelming in it being a grind. I would say it’s a perfect balance. I have played ultima in the past (apple iie and nes) and some other ultima clones (one for ti-82 that was excellent) and this is top notch.

Finally I would like to say that the gameplay loop is appropriate for old school gamers that have since lost interest in gaming as well as modern gamers interested in retro style gaming. It’s the perfect balance of retro vibe and streamlined gameplay. With very little confusion.

Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of info on how to play online or game faqs. I would seek out a gameplay demo of the first 10 minutes so you don’t starve to death or die.

I have a bad habit of downloading (or even paying for) games and then not playing them. I have tried out many Ultima style games and even though I loved the original series as a kid, I haven't really enjoyed any of them since Jeff Vogel’s Exile series back in the 90s. Lowlander was a wonderful exception! I admit it took a while to get started (I starved to death several times before finding food), but after that initial hurdle, I spent many hours with it (often killing time on airplanes). Even the glitches made it feel more like the original! Just downloaded Lowlander 2 today (hilarious title, btw). Special kudos to Richard Garriot for giving it his blessing.

Lowlander is a nice callback to the early Ultima games. I completed Ultima I and IV back int the day (although I never saw II, which this game is apparently particularly indebted to), and Lowlander really scratches that Ultima itch.

Once or twice it was confusing or frustrating (less so than the originals), so note the existence of a lengthy discussion thread on the toucharcade forums that has hints and advice from players and the developer (and somewhere around page 26 somebody posted a map of the overworld).