RPG wolf level up looks back at Ultima IX Ascension and it's development:
More information.Ultima 9 Ascension
More information.Ultima 9 Ascension
It is not a great Ultima but I think it is still a decent RPG as a standalone game. Of course I played EU version, released several months after US, already patched and had no real problems or serious bugs on a decent machine with 3dfx card. Played it again like three years ago with all fan patches and still enjoyed the game. Graphics and soundtrack are great, there is a lot of variety between places, dungeons are one of the best in the genre. After a linear beginning, it does open up later. I liked it much more than replaying Pagan before it.
I'm under no illusions about it being a good game, but I wish I'd played it back in the day. I was a big fan of the series, especially 6 and 7. It's far too late even for that, though.