Ultima: The Black Gate SNES box art

Super Nintendo · Action

Ultima: The Black Gate

SystemSuper Nintendo
Released1994
GenreAction
DeveloperOrigin Systems
PublisherFCI
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut

Ultima: The Black Gate is an action game released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo, developed by Origin Systems and published by FCI.

It landed about 3 years into the SNES's life. Other notable SNES releases from 1994 include Final Fantasy VI, Donkey Kong Country and Super Metroid.

Origin Systems also made Ultima VII: The Black Gate, Ultima: Runes of Virtue II and Wing Commander for the SNES.

Ultima: The Black Gate supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the SNES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests

What playing Ultima: The Black Gate is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Ultima: The Black Gate gameplay screenshot on SNES
In-game screenshot (SNES)

Ultima: The Black Gate cheats & codes

4 codes on file (Pro Action Replay). Here are a few Pro Action Replay codes to start with:

Infinite Keys7E1CFC63
Infinite Energy7E1CFAE4
65,000 Gold7E1CE6E8 7E1CE7FD
65,000 Experience7E1D00E8 7E1D01FD

See all Ultima: The Black Gate cheats

If you like Ultima: The Black Gate, the Matrix also picks…

Mr. Do! box art
Mr. Do! SNES · 1995 · Action Classic

Playing SNES games today

The SNES library has aged exceptionally well, especially its RPGs, platformers and puzzle games. A large selection is available on Nintendo Switch Online, and if you own the cartridges you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88, including online with friends.

Ultima: The Black Gate FAQ

When did Ultima: The Black Gate come out on the SNES?

Ultima: The Black Gate was released for the Super Nintendo in 1994.

Who made Ultima: The Black Gate?

It was developed by Origin Systems and published by FCI.

Is Ultima: The Black Gate multiplayer?

Yes. Ultima: The Black Gate supports up to 2 players.

How long does Ultima: The Black Gate take to play?

As an action game, Ultima: The Black Gate typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you