Ultima Underworld designer Paul Neurath is hoping to crowdfund a new game in the series called Underworld Ascendant.

Neurath is seeking US$600,000 to complete the fantasy RPG, which he hopes to release for Windows PC by November next year.

“In 1992, Ultima Underworld changed the rules of what a fantasy RPG could be. It introduced the concept of 3D immersion, a player-authored experience, and a richly dynamic world to explore,” reads the game’s Kickstarter pitch.

“Its influence led to a whole generation of games such as Thief, Deus Ex, BioShock, Skyrim, and Dragon Age.

“Underworld has been hidden away in the deepest vaults of its publisher for two decades. Only now have the original creators unchained the franchise, freeing it to innovate yet again.”

Ascendant’s story will have ties to the original Ultima Underworld games, the game’s engine will allow for player improvisation, and players can create characters that are a blend of several classes.

At the time of writing, Underworld Ascendant had raised US$141,539 with 29 days of crowdfunding remaining.