Zork Anthology
- April 18, 2017
- Infocom
Get on Steam"Zork Anthology" is a collection of text-based adventure games that takes you through the Great Underground Empire. It includes Zork I, II, III, Beyond Zork, Zork Zero, and Planetfall, all with unique stories, characters, and challenging puzzles. The games are known for their twisted humor, abstract solutions, and intriguing world-building. Immerse yourself in a realistic and imaginative experience that will test your problem-solving skills and wit.
PC
Windows
Ms Dos
Reviews
- Zork is a classic text adventure that offers a nostalgic and immersive experience, showcasing the roots of interactive fiction.
- The puzzles are challenging and engaging, requiring players to think critically and often draw maps to navigate the game world.
- The anthology provides great value by including multiple Zork games, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of retro gaming.
- The game can be quite cryptic and difficult to understand, which may frustrate new players unfamiliar with text-based adventures.
- The absence of original documentation and 'feelies' can detract from the authentic experience that players expect from the original games.
- Some players may find the gameplay outdated and less appealing compared to modern games with graphics and more user-friendly interfaces.
- graphics12 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game primarily focuses on storytelling and interactivity rather than graphics, with many users noting the absence of visual elements altogether. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm of text-based adventures, others express a desire for graphical enhancements, indicating a divide in player preferences. Overall, the graphics are minimal to nonexistent, emphasizing the game's reliance on narrative and player imagination.
“A game with graphics as good as you can imagine...”
“This is an anthology of several text adventures, and the early works of incorporating a graphical info display to go along with the text.”
“The games themselves are pretty similar and self-explanatory: they're interactive fiction, with practically no graphics but lots of interactivity through typing and entering in actions.”
“Back in the early 1980s, graphics were primitive.”
“This isn't like classic Ultima or Wizardry where the ugly graphics and daunting controls make the game unplayable.”
- story6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a strong appreciation for the storytelling in the games, particularly praising "Planetfall" for its detailed backstory and engaging narrative. Players find the writing compelling, allowing for immersive experiences filled with fantasy elements, while also enjoying the puzzles that complement the story. Overall, these games are recommended for those seeking rich narratives and imaginative worlds.
“Amazing puzzles, and a great story in Planetfall.”
“Incredible, the best text story game I've ever played. If anyone has any other games that are like this one, please comment.”
“You are given a detailed backstory on the lands you are adventuring in, and a basic instruction manual describing how gameplay works, and that is all.”
“The anthology includes my favorite story (Planetfall) and the solid adventure of the Zork series, easily something you can lose yourself in for hours.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its immersive fantasy soundtrack, enhancing the overall RPG experience. Reviewers highlight the quality of the soundtrack as a standout feature, contributing to the game's stunning visual presentation and its potential as a game of the year contender.
“This, combined with fantasy music, creates a truly immersive RPG experience.”
“The game has a great soundtrack, and the visual quality is absolutely stunning; it's most definitely a game of the year contender.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, adding an enjoyable layer to the epic fantasy and adventure narratives, even in a text-based format. Players appreciate the balance of storytelling and humor, which enhances the overall immersive experience.
“But... but... where's the graphics??? My dude, these are great stories of epic fantasy and adventure, with a decent splash of humor thrown in.”
“The humor and immersion it provides, even as text adventures, is most enjoyable.”
