http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultima_series

Brigand : I originally got into the Ultima series when I played the third game in the series for the NES when it was released for the system in the late 80's (Game was original released for PC in 83) ...Ultima Exodus - https://www.vizzed.com/play/ultima-exodus-nes-online-nintendo-nes-12541-game

I loved that game. It was one of the games that got me really into RPG's. I loved the idea that you could take moon gates to warp all over the map and I loved the idea of being able to custom make your party. So the console is where I was original exposed to those games.

Then later, I borrowed a home computer from my friend and played some of the original PC games...even including some that were only text based. Strange, but fun memories from those text based games...lol

Jordanv78 :

I have to say I was sort of a Johnny come lately when it actually came to the Ultima games. I would read about them but they were never on the hardware we had at home. I actually got to play them as late as the... late 90`s.

Ahhhh, the memories!  I spent a staggering amount of time playing some of the earlier games in DOS, on the NES and Gameboy.  I also own a couple of the old SNES games, but I've never found the time to play them.  I may have to remedy that before too long.  I'll have to look into getting my hands on the missing games from the series and spend a few weeks playing through the series, . . .

GateKeeper_A :

One of the main reasons now, that I am older and have these emulated versions, and never get back to them is...

I have a huge party and everybody is carrying so much stuff I never remember who carries the important items. There are the ones who carry the food, yes. There is a pouch with all the keys but where do they go to... If there is a break between the games I have no idea what went where and who had what.

I can understand that!  One of the things that I tend to do with more complicated games is I keep a notepad to track my quests, gear, and other important things. 

I think one of the worst for this kind of thing is the Fallout games.  I keep a short list of what spare gear & ammunition I keep stashed in which settlements.  When I start running low on ammo, its nice to know which town(s) have a little to spare in the area.

I think the only reason that I spend that much time focused on details like that is the fact that I am a HUGE fan of RPGs, and I spend a great deal of time playing through many of them in every way I can think of (First time through a game, I will tend to play how I want to, once I've done that, I like trying intellectual, stealth, bully, good, and bad approaches to games where you have an option to how you play.)  When playing games more than once, or playing a really complicated game, the notebook is nice to keep track of important details.

For what its worth, my wife thinks I'm nuts whenever I pull out a notepad, but it does help when trying to track small details.