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+++
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.
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