Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Adventure, Point-and-click, Puzzle
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision
Zork: Grand Inquisitor (1997)
Introduction
Zork: Grand Inquisitor is a text-based adventure game developed and published by Activision in 1997. It is the eighth installment in the long-running Zork series, and the first to be released since 1993’s Zork Nemesis. Grand Inquisitor was developed by a team led by veteran Zork designer Steve Meretzky, and features a return to the classic Zork universe and gameplay style.
Plot
The player takes on the role of an adventurer who has been summoned by Dungeon Master Dalboz to investigate a mysterious disturbance in the Underground Empire. Dalboz believes that the disturbance is the work of a powerful and evil entity known as the Grand Inquisitor, who is seeking to overthrow Dalboz and seize control of the Empire.
The player must travel throughout the Underground Empire, visiting familiar locations such as Hades, Flood Control Dam #3, and the Dungeon Master’s Lair, in order to gather information about the Grand Inquisitor and his plans. Along the way, the player will encounter a variety of challenges, including puzzles, traps, and hostile creatures.
Gameplay
Zork: Grand Inquisitor is a text-based adventure game, meaning that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a parser to interpret the player’s commands, and then responds with a description of the results of the command.
The game world is divided into a number of locations, each of which is described in detail. The player can move between locations by typing commands such as “go north” or “enter building”. The player can also interact with objects in the game world by typing commands such as “take book” or “open door”.
The game features a variety of puzzles, which the player must solve in order to progress. The puzzles range from simple riddles to complex logic puzzles. The player must also be aware of the game’s time limit, as the Grand Inquisitor is constantly searching for the player and will eventually catch up if the player takes too long.
Reception
Zork: Grand Inquisitor received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s return to the classic Zork universe and gameplay style, while others criticized the game’s linearity and lack of innovation. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Zork: Grand Inquisitor is considered to be a classic text-based adventure game, and is still enjoyed by many fans of the genre today. The game’s success helped to revive the Zork series, and led to the development of several more Zork games in the years that followed.
Detailed Review
Strengths
- Classic Zork universe and gameplay style
- Challenging and engaging puzzles
- Detailed and atmospheric game world
- Excellent writing and characterization
Weaknesses
- Linear gameplay
- Lack of innovation
- Time limit can be frustrating
Overall
Zork: Grand Inquisitor is a solid text-based adventure game that is sure to please fans of the genre. The game’s classic Zork universe and gameplay style, challenging puzzles, and detailed game world make it a worthwhile experience for any adventure game enthusiast.
Score: 7.5/10
Additional Information
- Developer: Activision
- Publisher: Activision
- Release date: 1997
- Platforms: MS-DOS, Macintosh, Windows
- Genre: Text-based adventure
Related Games
- Zork I (1980)
- Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz (1981)
- Zork III: The Dungeon Master (1982)
- Zork: The Enchanter (1983)
- Zork Zero: The Revenge of Megaboz (1984)
- Zork Nemesis (1993)
- Zork: Grand Inquisitor (1997)
- Zork: The Undiscovered Underground (2008)
Further Reading
- Zork: Grand Inquisitor on Wikipedia
- Zork: Grand Inquisitor on MobyGames
- Zork: Grand Inquisitor on GameFAQs
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
