Ultima VII: The Black Gate

Ultima VII: The Black Gate is a role-playing game where the player controls the Avatar, summoned back to Britannia after two centuries. The narrative begins with a cryptic threat from an entity called the Guardian and immediately involves the player in investigating a murder in the city of Trinsic, with a growing group called the Fellowship central to the mystery.

Exploration is a key component, as the entire world is open from the start, though story progression requires completing certain tasks in sequence. The environment is densely populated with non-playable characters who follow their own daily routines, and interaction with them involves more detailed dialogue trees than in earlier series entries.

The interface presents a full-screen top-down view, with informational windows appearing as needed. Player interaction is primarily mouse-driven, allowing objects to be dragged, stacked, and physically arranged within containers or on the character via a paper doll equipment screen. This object manipulation is integral to solving some of the game's puzzles.

Combat occurs in real time, a departure from previous tactical systems, with the player directly controlling only the Avatar while setting general strategies for companions. The game pauses when managing inventory. Character progression involves automatic attribute increases upon gaining enough experience, and survival requires the party to regularly consume food.