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Development

   This was a great game for getting into it and screwing around with things. Most of the information apart from how the game works is in discrete files that can be greatly modified. The File Type Details has information and specifications on these many files. The byte to tile mapping lists all of the tile representations used to render the 2-D game.

File Type Details | Byte to Tile Mapping

   Some time ago, when I started work in earnest to update and broaden my hack tools for the Ultima games into something better and stouter, the Ultima IV Tool had long been in the lead. U4 was the game I knew the most about because of my understanding of so much about the file types. This waned a bit as I put more than too much on my plate, a recurring problem. Still and all, U4Tool is quite an piece of work. (I wanted to call it 'elegant' at first but I have reservations for that.)

   This tool can currently view all the data files except CGA tiles, shapes.egz (whatever that's for), and the code images used at the start of the game. You can also edit the party, the world map, and conversations. Upcoming editability includes the EGA tiles and images, towns, dungeons and dungeon rooms, combat rooms and the game font.

Download SilverWorks U4Tool.zip.