Geez, *everything* about the graphics was better. Everything was animated, the graphics were done by professional graphic artists versus Richard Garriott himself. The visibility algorithm was awesome - it didn't exist in Ultima 1. It's like comparing an Atari 2600 game to Zelda:The Minish Cap.
For some strange reason I still have the cloth map from Ultima V ! Don't ask me why. I agree it was one of the best Ultimas out there. I think after V they was too much micromanagement going on. I remember being able to pick up plates and all sorts of non-useful items. I also remember reading about how Richard was very proud that everyone in the towns had unique schedules. I found that annoying actually. When I go to town to buy a sword that guy better be awake damn it! Games are about my reality, not some NPC's.
Ultima III was also one of my favorites. At the time it was leaps and bounds greater than I and II. I think this was also the first time he programmed the entire game in Assembly. I read some place that Ultima IV is Richard's favorite though. I never played it through.. it seemed a little bit of a downer.
Ultima... Good stuff!
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