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diff --git a/content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md b/content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..717def8 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md @@ -0,0 +1,95 @@ ++++ +date = 2020-12-29 +title = "Zork: Let's Explore a Classic" +description = "A video game review for Zork." ++++ + +# Download (Free) + +Before we get into the game itself, you should know that you can +download Zork for free from Infocom's [download +page](http://infocom-if.org/downloads/downloads.html). 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 [Colossal Cave +Adventure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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. + + + +*[Map Source](https://www.filfre.net/2012/01/exploring-zork-part-1/)* + +# 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 [Jimmy Maher's +playthrough](https://www.filfre.net/2012/01/exploring-zork-part-1/), 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 [Zork +Anthology](https://store.steampowered.com/app/570580/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." + + + +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. + + + +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. + + + +# 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 [download +page](http://infocom-if.org/downloads/downloads.html) for free or search +the internet for an online version. |