Those who follow the Ultima Dragons Facebook group will probably recognize these photos posted by Chris “Binky” Launius several months ago.  Binky has an impressive collection of old sketches and paintings from Origin Systems, many of which never made their way into final products by Origin.  He has kindly allowed us to host them here on the Codex. In this collection, keep your eyes open for the spectacular unused Ultima V sketches and paintings, to see what were likely rejected versions of the classic cover.  Also included are sketches from the Origin classics Knights of Legend, the Ultima III  manual, and the Martian Dreams Cluebook.  There are also preliminary sketches from the Ultima Underworld cover and Ultima Completion Certificates.  A number of great miscellaneous sketches as well.

Thus, enjoy! Pull up the images, pore over them, and enjoy reliving a few memories along the way. The Ultima Codex is grateful and deeply indebted to Chris Launius, and everyone who worked on these books and games at Origin Systems (and elsewhere), for these glimpses into the wide and wonderful range of products that Origin produced over the years.

Check them out!