Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX, Mac
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Activision
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground (1997)
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground is a text-based adventure game released in 1997. It is the eighth game in the Zork series, and the first to be developed by Activision after Infocom, the original developer of the series, went out of business in 1989.
The game is set in the same underground world as the previous Zork games, but in a different area that has never been explored before. The player takes on the role of an adventurer who has been trapped in the Undiscovered Underground by a freak avalanche. The only way to escape is to find a way to release the mutant Rat Ants and direct them to the avalanche, which they will dispatch in a manner reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables.
The player must explore the Undiscovered Underground, solve puzzles, and collect items in order to progress. The game features a variety of puzzles, some of which are quite challenging. The player must also be careful to avoid the many dangers that lurk in the Undiscovered Underground, such as the Grue, a creature that can only be defeated by giving it a candy bar.
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground was praised for its clever puzzles, witty dialogue, and immersive atmosphere. However, the game was also criticized for its difficulty and lack of a clear ending.
Gameplay
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground is a text-based adventure game. The player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The game uses a parser to interpret the player’s commands and carry out the appropriate actions.
The game world is divided into a series of rooms. The player can move between rooms by using the compass directions (north, south, east, and west). The player can also examine objects in the room, pick up objects, and use objects.
The game features a variety of puzzles. Some puzzles are simple, such as finding a key to unlock a door. Other puzzles are more complex, such as figuring out how to use a machine to create a new object.
The player must also be careful to avoid the many dangers that lurk in the Undiscovered Underground. These dangers include creatures such as the Grue, traps, and environmental hazards.
Setting
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground is set in the same underground world as the previous Zork games. However, the game takes place in a different area that has never been explored before. This area is known as the Undiscovered Underground.
The Undiscovered Underground is a vast and dangerous place. It is home to a variety of creatures, both friendly and hostile. The player must be careful to avoid the dangers of the Undiscovered Underground if they want to survive.
Characters
The player character in Zork: The Undiscovered Underground is an adventurer who has been trapped in the Undiscovered Underground by a freak avalanche. The player must explore the Undiscovered Underground, solve puzzles, and collect items in order to escape.
The player will also encounter a variety of other characters in the Undiscovered Underground. These characters include:
- The Grue: A creature that can only be defeated by giving it a candy bar.
- The Infocomuseum: A museum dedicated to the history of Infocom and the Zork series.
- The Lost City of Zork: A city that was once home to a great civilization.
- The Rat Ants: A race of mutant ants that can be used to help the player escape from the Undiscovered Underground.
Themes
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground explores a number of themes, including:
- The power of knowledge: The player must use their knowledge of the Zork universe to solve puzzles and progress through the game.
- The importance of perseverance: The player must never give up, even when faced with difficult challenges.
- The value of friendship: The player will need the help of others to escape from the Undiscovered Underground.
Legacy
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground was the last game in the Zork series to be released by Activision. The game was not as successful as the previous Zork games, but it still has a loyal following among fans of the series.
Zork: The Undiscovered Underground is considered to be a classic text-based adventure game. The game’s clever puzzles, witty dialogue, and immersive atmosphere have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
