SD:U1:Development

Ultima > I Mondain > Development

Development

Ultima I is a very basic game as its era would restrict it. The readily available version is an update that brings in 16 colors and a newer engine. It still has an interesting 4 engine design. You play on a world map level with combat interaction. Dungeons abound that continue the combat interaction model but operate in a crude (though advanced for the time) first person 3-D. There is a settlement level that is smaller in scale than world but interactions are more complex. Last is a basic space combat simulation which could be split in two parts - top down and forward (combat) flight.

The space level is a more or less randomly generated map. Its engine is not inherently data related. This is also true of the randomized 9x9 square 10 level dungeons (sound like hell don't they, ha ha). The map engines, though, have files for maps and tiles specific to either the world or the local type. All of the game's data store (modifiable game statistics and levels) are in one convenient file.

File Formats

save game data file PLAYERx.U1 (x == 1..4)
global map file MAP.BIN
local map file TCD.BIN
EGA global tile file EGATILES.BIN
EGA local tile file EGATOWN.BIN

Not covered:

CGA images - all files
Tandy 1000 images - all files
EGA images - fight, mond, space types
castle pictures for the splash screen, 4 and 16 color images
NIF.BIN - data purpose and pertinence not known

Main Tile List for the world map.

Local Tile List used in towns and castles.

EGA Color Table for any game with extended graphics adapter interface.

The Executables

Executable	Ripped Strings	Description
`GEN.EXE`	Text from GEN	Module used to create a character
`MONDAIN.EXE`	Text from MONDAIN	Wrapper for the final fight with Mondain
`OUT.EXE`	Text from OUT	Main game thread, including dungeons, also contains locations of NPC's in towns
`SPACE.EXE`	Text from SPACE	Wrapper for space interface
`ULTIMA.EXE`	Text from ULTIMA	Main game entry point

Ultima I Tool

My creation for dealing with a few of the noisome innards of the original Origin Ultima I data. As of this writing it has reached only version 0.3 under some thousand builds. It can be used to view and modify most of the game data. Though I think it needs no assistance to operate, I must apologize for no help file has been authored for it (just hooks in the code).

It started way back in about '95 when I had completed U1 and started my usual picking around with a few tools of my own devising. Mostly in DOS but later, as I got a hold of Visual C++, in windows, I hacked the map and player files as well as picking on others to see if I could.

Maybe I'll wrap U1 in that DirectX tile clone I'm working on, maybe not. U1 Reborn is cooler. ;}

To Do:
Map and image editor selection, brushes.
More cut, copy, paste, undo, redo stuff.
Export/import of images/tiles.
Protection of archived files.
Scripting.
Reversion to protected copies.
Help file.

Sooo many grandiose dreams so little time.

Version History

0.3 Enhanced editing global maps, added local. EGA local & global tiles viewing/editing in place.

0.2 Added printing for player data, main map; main map editing. Updated drawing. Public debut as alpha.

0.1 First Release on Windows platform as U1Tool, views and edits player files, still characterizing data. Views main map.

0.0 (Originally as U1Manager) Built for DOS, viewing player data, main map. Conversion to Borland for Windows incomplete.

Download SilverWorks U1Tool.zip (Release@1033)