- any info on the source code being released (are there even plans for such?) or at least releasing an enhanced version with a few Quality of Life improvements?
Otherside Entertainment has the source code for both Underworld games, but have so far not shown any interest in trying to use it.
And last but not least: any good tutorials, walkthroughs, tips & tricks and stuff to get me started, beside studying the manual? I don't know why, but I'm kind of scared I will not like it without some hand holding at first.
I'm not aware of any decent walkthroughs for the games (though they are available) but I can throw out some basic tips to get you through the worst of it:
# During character creation you determine the three basic stats (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence) as well as what Skills you start with points in. Skills can be increased, but the stats are permanent and cannot be modified later on.
# Strength mostly determines your carry weight, so many players will want that as high as possible (Max value is 30). Intelligence determines how much Mana you have, and Dexterity does... something. Can't remember specifically what right now.
# You also pick one of eight available classes, and your selection determines how high you can train various skills. Max skill value is 30, but some classes may cap that at 25 or even lower.
# Depending on your character build you'll want some skills maxed out, while others will only need a handful of points put into them. Acrobat (reduces fall damage) and Swimming (reduces exhaustion damage by swimming for too long) only need about 8 points or so to be useful, Search (spot secret doors and buttons) you may want up to about 12.
# Some skills are totally useless, like Appraise (get better deals in trading) and Charm (better reactions from critters). Repair (speaks for itself) is made redundant by the blacksmith found in the game, while Track (a strange kind of radar), Traps (Finding and disarming them) and Sneak (speaks for itself) are only marginally useful.
# Attack, Defense, Lore (identify items) and Lockpick (speaks for itself) are considered essential by most UW players. You'll want these at least in the 20-range, otherwise as high as possible.
# Due to how the Lore skills works, you will want to get skill points into it as quickly as possible. You may otherwise miss out on finding magical items.
# There are five weapon skills, pick one and stick to it. Unarmed is the weakest, but it requires zero maintenance and you don't need to carry a weapon.
# Where you click in the window to charge up your attack determines what kind of attack you'll made (thrust, swing, or bash). Use the attack that's best suited to your weapon. (Does not apply to Unarmed.)
# You'll need to pump up Casting (and Mana) if you're going to be using magic, as Casting determines your chance of success.
# Spells are cast by combining runes from the Runic Alphabet. The manual has the spells listed, but there are a few 'hidden' spells as well to discover.
# What gender or apperance you choose for your character has no effect in-game.
# Death is permanent unless you've found and activated the Silver Sapling. Fortunately it's located just a stone throw's away from your starting position. (Find a way through the first door on your right, then take a right from there.)
# To activate it, Pick Up the plant and then Use the Seed you've given while it's in your inventory, with an open patch of dirt in front of you, of which there is some right where you find the plant. You may need to back up or move forward to get it right.
# Once you've re-planted the plant you'll be respawned at the plant's location instead of just dying. IIRC there's no penalty for dying like this, but if there is any it's a small XP loss.
# There's plenty of XP in the game to max out your character. You cannot be drained of stats, skills or levels.
# You have a giant, glowing yellow eye, don't be afraid of using it! The Look command is VERY useful.
# Critters can come in four kinds of moods: 'Peaceful'/'Friendly', 'mellow', 'upset' and 'hostile'. You can learn what mood they're in by Looking at them. Only hostile critters will attack you.
# If a critter is not attacking you, try Talking to it. You never know...
# You'll need to eat to rest properly and regain Hit Points/Mana, but food can come in various conditions. Remember to Look at foodstuffs before eating them.
# Food left about in the dungeon may degrade in quality, food in your inventory however does not.
# There's rudimentary crafting in the game. Combine a Flask of Oil with a Wooden Stick (sp?) to create a Torch, for example.
# Doors come in four levels of quality. 'Massive' is the strongest one and you can't bash those down. Any other quality means that you can bash the door open instead of messing with the lock.
# Mushrooms are edible, but there may be side effects...
# No previous Ultima experience is needed to play and enjoy the first Underworld game. The sequel, however, is a direct follow-up to
Ultima VII: The Black Gate AND ties into
Ultima VII Part 2: The Serpent Isle. You may want to play The Black Gate before playing Ultima Underworld 2.
This should get you started, but you kinda have to study the manual to figure out the interface.
EDIT: Wrong word.
