diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md')
| -rw-r--r-- | content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md | 80 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 80 deletions
diff --git a/content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md b/content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md deleted file mode 100644 index f359e85..0000000 --- a/content/blog/2020-12-29-zork.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,80 +0,0 @@ -+++ -date = 2020-12-29 -title = "Zork: Let's Explore a Classic" -description = "" -draft = false -+++ - -# 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. |