Sarah Jane Avory, known for her work on C64 games like Zeta Wing and Briley Witch Chronicles, has started an exciting new project: an Ultima-inspired RPG for the Commodore 64. As a passionate game programmer with a love for retro tech, Sarah is pushing the limits of the C64 in ways fans of the system will appreciate. And while she’s known for her work in both programming and writing, this new game is a combination of both passions, blending old-school RPG elements with Sarah’s unique touch.
First Work-in-Progress Video: A Classic Ultima Revival
Sarah recently shared the first work-in-progress (WIP) video for the game, giving us a look at what she’s building. Drawing heavy inspiration from the Ultima series—one of the most iconic RPG franchises of the 1980s—the game features a familiar 8-bit interface. Think classic Ultima but with the charm of the Commodore 64.
One of the things that stands out immediately is the open-world map. Just like in the original Ultima games, Sarah’s RPG offers an expansive world full of towns and dungeons to explore. You’ll be able to roam freely, taking on quests and encountering various challenges. Whether you’re checking out a bustling town or venturing into the depths of a dangerous dungeon, there’s a lot to discover.
Combat is another key feature shown in the first WIP video. The turn-based system will feel familiar to any fan of classic RPGs. In one clip, Sarah’s character buys a sword from a weapons dealer, giving us a glimpse of how the game’s inventory and economy systems will work. Players will be able to trade items, purchase weapons, and prepare for combat as they explore the world.
Second Work-in-Progress Video: Expanding Combat and Magic
The second WIP video builds on the first by diving deeper into the game’s combat system. Here, we get to see more of the action, including melee weapons, ranged weapons, and even a few spells in action. The combat looks fast-paced and tactical, with different weapon types offering various advantages and challenges. Sarah’s RPG isn’t just about swordplay—it’s about strategy, and the addition of magic opens up more possibilities for how battles will unfold.
From swords to bows and spells, the game is shaping up to be a deeply tactical experience. The balance of these elements is still being worked on, with Sarah noting that the numbers for damage and stats will be adjusted once all the mechanics are in place. That means the final game will be carefully balanced to provide a smooth and satisfying challenge.
The Music: A Perfect Fit for the C64
What would an RPG be without great music? Sarah has teamed up with Nordischsound, known for his outstanding work on retro game soundtracks, to compose the music for the game. His compositions are going to add a lot to the atmosphere, giving the game that immersive feel that fans of Ultima will love. With the C64’s signature sound limitations, it’s a challenge, but Nordischsound is no stranger to creating dynamic, memorable music on classic hardware.
What’s Next?
There’s still a lot of work to be done, but Sarah’s Ultima-inspired RPG is shaping up to be something special. With its open-world exploration, tactical combat, and old-school charm, it promises to be a treat for anyone who loves classic RPGs—especially those who have a soft spot for the Commodore 64. As development continues, we’ll be keeping an eye on updates and eagerly waiting for the final release.
If you’re a fan of Sarah’s work or just a lover of retro RPGs, this is definitely a project to watch. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to check out her previous games in the meantime.
