Why not ultima 7? Ultima8 wasn't as interactive as ultima7 imho.
I agree, graphics were prettier, but controls were sluggish and unresponsive. Jumping mechanics were a nightmare.
The series really started its downward slope from there.
I think it was the kind of game that was so bad that looking back I have fond memories.
I wasn't all bad, I liked the new world and the darker "edge" of the plot (I still remember the beheading scene), the complex magic systems, the duels with the sorcerers...
Ultima 9 was the really stinking blob of pus.
Very, very recommended: Ultima Retrospective[1] by "Spoony". Goes into detail on the rise and fall of Ultima.