The Ultima III Exodus Theme: A Revolution in Game Music and Design

Ultima III: Exodus is a landmark game in the Ultima series, marking a significant shift towards more complex storytelling and music. The game's soundtrack, composed by Ken Arnold, who co-created the original Ultima I, sets a new standard for video game music. For the first time in the series, Exodus features an actual soundtrack, which adds depth and atmosphere to the game world.

The graphics of Exodus have also undergone significant improvements. Many tiles are now animated, creating a more immersive experience. The game opens with an impressive animated title screen, showcasing how the game works as a party of adventurers explores and gets into trouble. This innovative feature would remain in the series until Ultima VI, when it was replaced by cutscenes.

In Exodus, players take on the role of four heroic adventurers hand-picked by Lord British to stop the monster Exodus. Along the way, they will encounter various challenges, including exploring dungeons, finding exotic arms and armor, discovering the sunken city of Ambrosia, meeting with an immortal time lord, and ultimately facing off against the beast in his castle on the Isle of Fire.

Ultima III: Exodus is notable for being the first game in the series to include adventuring parties, among many other additions and improvements that redeem the awkward Revenge of the Enchantress. The half-demon, half-machine progeny of Mondain and Minax, stronger than either of its parents, has arrived to bring doom to the lands that slew them.

The game's story is deeply integrated with the gameplay, making Exodus a more developed and mature experience than its predecessors. Lord British has united Sosaria under his banner after the cataclysmic upheaval of Minax' defeat, and is busy sending expeditions out to map the world when the darkness looms up stronger than ever before.

Ultima III: Exodus is often considered the first 'modern' CRPG due to its focus on storytelling, design, and graphical improvements. Richard Garriott threw out all the old code for Revenge of the Enchantress and started fresh with the programming for Ultima III, resulting in a game that has aged surprisingly well.

In conclusion, Ultima III: Exodus is a landmark game in the series, featuring innovative music, graphics, and storytelling. Its impact can still be felt today, making it a joy to play even decades after its release.

Ultima iii exodus theme