Re: Ultima 3 "Mockingboard" version.

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Linards Ticmanis writes ...
> 
> A research question, there are 2 versions of Apple II "Ultima III" in
> the archive, one which has Mockingboard support and one which doesn't.
> Is the version with Mockinboard support an Origin Systems product (an
> "official" update), or is it a fan-developed patch?
> 
 ....

     Although it is not mentioned on the box or in game documentation, Ultima
III from Origin (1983) did include Mockingboard support. (Actually, the box
doesn't say anything about the game being for Apple II, either.)  Perhaps a
sticker was added with this info for in-store sales-- something like ...

               64k Apple II Required
               Supports Mockingboard


     As to why there should be two versions available, it may be that very
early releases did not offer Mockingboard support. (The game is _much_ better
with Mockingboard music.)

     I'm pretty sure that Ultima III Mockingboard music is still not
supported on a IIgs equipped with a Mockingboard. Seems like the interrupt
used for playing music conflicts with IIgs interrupts. (Maybe the
no-Mockingboard version is a fan-developed mod which is supposed to avoid
problems when the game is played on a IIgs which has a Mockingboard.)



Rubywand