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diff --git a/blog/2020-12-29-zork.org b/blog/2020-12-29-zork.org deleted file mode 100644 index 7ac950c..0000000 --- a/blog/2020-12-29-zork.org +++ /dev/null @@ -1,80 +0,0 @@ -#+date: 2020-12-29 -#+title: Zork: Let's Explore a Classic - -* 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. |