Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, DOS, Mac
- Developers: Infocom
- Publishers: Infocom
Zork Zero: The Revenge of Megaboz (1988)
Introduction
Zork Zero: The Revenge of Megaboz is a text adventure game released in 1988 by Infocom. It is the fifth installment in the Zork series, and a prequel to the original Zork trilogy. The game was written by Steve Meretzky and Michael Berlyn, and was the first Zork game to be released on personal computers.
Plot
Zork Zero takes place in the Great Underground Empire, shortly after the events of Zork I: The Great Underground Empire. The evil sorcerer Megaboz has returned from the dead, and is seeking revenge against the adventurers who defeated him in the first game.
The player takes on the role of an unnamed adventurer who is exploring the Great Underground Empire. The adventurer must travel through a variety of locations, including dungeons, forests, and mountains, in order to find Megaboz and defeat him.
Gameplay
Zork Zero is a text adventure game, which means that the player interacts with the game world by typing commands. The player can move around the game world, examine objects, and interact with characters. The game uses a parser to interpret the player’s commands, and to provide feedback to the player.
Zork Zero is known for its complex puzzles and its detailed and immersive game world. The game features a wide variety of puzzles, including logic puzzles, riddles, and mazes. The player must use their intelligence and creativity to solve these puzzles in order to progress through the game.
Setting
Zork Zero is set in the Great Underground Empire, a vast and labyrinthine world that is home to a variety of creatures and civilizations. The game world is divided into a number of different zones, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges.
The Great Underground Empire is a dangerous place, and the player must be careful to avoid the many traps and hazards that are scattered throughout the game world. The player can also encounter a variety of creatures, both friendly and hostile.
Characters
The player character in Zork Zero is an unnamed adventurer. The player can choose the gender of the adventurer, and can also choose to give the adventurer a name.
The player will encounter a variety of characters throughout the game, including both friends and foes. Some of the most notable characters include:
- Megaboz: The evil sorcerer who is the main antagonist of the game.
- The Great Underground Empire: A vast and labyrinthine world that is home to a variety of creatures and civilizations.
- The player character: An unnamed adventurer who is exploring the Great Underground Empire.
Critical Reception
Zork Zero was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its complex puzzles, its detailed and immersive game world, and its well-written story. Zork Zero was also a commercial success, selling over 250,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Zork Zero is considered to be one of the greatest text adventure games ever made. The game has been praised for its innovation, its complexity, and its immersive gameplay. Zork Zero has also been credited with helping to popularize the text adventure genre.
Zork Zero has been ported to a variety of platforms, including personal computers, game consoles, and mobile devices. The game has also been translated into a number of different languages.
Conclusion
Zork Zero: The Revenge of Megaboz is a classic text adventure game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game features a complex and challenging puzzle system, a detailed and immersive game world, and a well-written story. Zork Zero is a must-play for fans of text adventure games and for anyone who enjoys a good challenge.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
