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+#+title: Zork: Let's Explore a Classic
+#+date: 2020-12-29
+#+description: A video game review for Zork.
+#+filetags: :gaming:
+
+* Download (Free)
+Before we get into the game itself, you should know that you can
+download Zork for free from Infocom's
+[[http://infocom-if.org/downloads/downloads.html][download page]]. So
+feel free to boot it up and take a ride back to the 1980s with this
+masterpiece.
+
+* Game Description
+Zork is an interactive, text-based computer game originally released
+in 1980. This series, split into three separate games, introduced a
+robust and sophisticated text parser to gamers. People were largely used
+to the simple commands used in the popular game
+[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossal_Cave_Adventure][Colossal Cave
+Adventure]], but Zork allowed users to send more complex commands that
+included prepositions and conjunctions.
+
+Zork tracks your score as you explore the map, find tools, and collect
+trophy items (e.g., a jewel-encrusted egg). When you place your trophy
+items in the trophy case found in the Living Room area, you gain score
+points. Collecting the Twenty Treasures of Zork and placing them within
+the trophy case wins the game. However, you must explore the map, solve
+puzzles, and avoid being eaten by a grue to collect these treasures.
+
+* The Map
+Since Zork is a vast and complex game, it helps to have a map as you
+explore and collect your trophies. However, if you want to play the game
+as it was truly intended, you should try to play it without using the
+map.
+
+#+caption: Zork Map
+[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_map.png]]
+
+/[[https://www.filfre.net/2012/01/exploring-zork-part-1/][Map Source]]/
+
+* In-Game Screenshots
+After playing the game (for the first time ever) for several weeks
+around 2014, I was finally able to beat the game with some online help
+to find the last couple items. As I was writing this post, I installed
+the game again to grab some screenshots to show off the true glory of
+this game. As noted in
+[[https://www.filfre.net/2012/01/exploring-zork-part-1/][Jimmy Maher's
+playthrough]], the original Zork games looked quite a bit different due
+to the older hardware of computers like the Apple II and multiple bug
+fixes that Infocom pushed out after the game's initial release. My
+play-through uses the
+[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/570580/Zork_Anthology/][Zork
+Anthology]] version, which utilizes DOSBox on Windows.
+
+The first screenshot here shows the introductory information, which
+doesn't include instructions of any kind for the player. If you haven't
+played text adventures before, try to use simple commands like "go
+west," "look around," or "hit troll with elvish sword."
+
+#+caption: Zork Screen, pt. 1
+[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_01.png]]
+
+In this second screenshot, we see the player has entered the house and
+found the trophy case in the living room. The lantern and sword in this
+room allow the player to explore dark areas and attack enemies. If you
+don't use the lantern, you won't be able to see anything in dark areas,
+and you may be eaten by a grue.
+
+#+caption: Zork Screen, pt. 2
+[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_02.png]]
+
+Finally, we see that the player has found the first treasure: a
+jewel-encrusted egg. These treasures can be taken back to the house and
+placed in the trophy case or carried until you feel like you want to put
+things away.
+
+#+caption: Zork Screen, pt 3.
+[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_03.png]]
+
+* Conclusion
+It's been quite a few years since I first played Zork, but I clearly
+remember the late nights and bloodshot eyes that helped me find all the
+treasures. This game is well worth the time and effort, even though the
+text-based aspect may be off-putting to gamers who didn't have to grow
+up playing games without graphics. However, I believe that the strategy
+and skills learned in early video games like Zork can actually help you,
+even when playing newer games.
+
+If you do decide to play Zork, you can download Zork I, II, and III from
+Infocom's [[http://infocom-if.org/downloads/downloads.html][download
+page]] for free or search the internet for an online version.