Zork: Grand Inquisitor

About

In Zork: Grand Inquisitor, magic has been outlawed in the Underground Empire of Zork and it's up to you, the politically-correct AFGNCAAP, to restore magic by finding three hidden artifacts. Joined by Dungeon Master Dalboz, you'll explore various locations such as Hades and Flood Control Dam #3 to bring about the fall of the Inquisition. As the final installment of the Zork series, it maintains the first-person perspective and 360 degree camera angles of its predecessors.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 84 reviews

humor31 positive mentions

stability2 negative mentions

The game offers a nostalgic experience with clever puzzles and humorous dialogue, making it a beloved classic among fans of the Zork series.
The graphics, while dated, still hold up well during gameplay, and the voice acting adds charm to the overall experience.
Zork: Grand Inquisitor is filled with clever humor and engaging puzzles, providing a fun and memorable adventure for both new players and long-time fans.

The game suffers from technical issues on modern systems, including glitches and crashes that can disrupt gameplay.
Some puzzles can be illogical or frustratingly obtuse, leading to moments of confusion for players.
The graphics and interface feel outdated, which may deter new players unfamiliar with the style of 90s adventure games.

humor
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, with many reviewers highlighting its witty dialogue, funny interactions, and nostalgic references to classic gaming. The comedic elements, reminiscent of Monty Python and LucasArts, contribute to a light-hearted experience filled with amusing puzzles and memorable characters. Overall, the game is considered a standout for its ability to evoke genuine laughter while maintaining engaging gameplay.
- “The magical world is crafted with love and humor.”
- “It's so rare that video games are funny, that when you find one that is legitimately funny like this game, it makes it truly a classic.”
- “A hilarious, endearing point-and-click adventure with tons of meta humor and plenty of laughs throughout.”
graphics
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
62%
14%
The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting the technology of the mid-90s, yet they still evoke nostalgia for long-time fans. While some players appreciate the charm and character of the visuals, others find them lacking compared to modern standards. Overall, the graphics are serviceable and hold up reasonably well during gameplay, particularly for those familiar with the genre.
- “The game itself has aged really well and still looks really good, bringing back a lot of memories from when we got our gateway in '98 and this game came with it to show off all of the awesome graphics of the time.”
- “Pros: as far as point & click adventures go, the visuals are wonderful.”
- “However, despite being 20 years old, and at a reduced resolution, the graphics hold up well during standard gameplay.”
- “The graphics are admittedly dated.”
- “It's graphics are clearly outdated, but the depth is still there.”
- “There are little to no option adjustment options, & the visuals have a fair bit of artifacting around them.”
story
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
36%
21%
The story is praised for its humor, charm, and engaging plot, featuring a whimsical quest to overthrow a tyrannical dictator while navigating clever dialogue and interactions. Despite its simplicity compared to modern games, the narrative is filled with nostalgic references and entertaining elements that appeal to both new players and fans of the classic Zork series. Overall, it combines a fun storyline with enjoyable gameplay mechanics, making it a standout aspect of the game.
- “Still an amazing storyline, clever dialogue, funny interactions, and overall a great point-and-click adventure game.”
- “There are many callbacks and references to all the old Zork text games that an old fan can enjoy, and even if one has never played a Zork game, the story, game, and jokes can be enjoyed all the same.”
- “The story, in typical Zork fashion, is quite ridiculous, funny, cliché, but charming.”
- “To avoid spoiling much, the basic plot is a tyrannical leader by the name of Mir Yannick takes over the land of Zork and outlaws magic, to make way for his regime in the scientific age.”
- “The basic plot is that you're a magical vacuum cleaner salesperson trying to overthrow a fascist dictator.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
33%
17%
The gameplay is characterized by simple mechanics and engaging point-and-click interactions, making it accessible and enjoyable, especially for fans of the genre. Despite its age, the game offers many hours of playtime, with humor and a compelling story enhancing the experience. The graphics, while reduced in resolution, still hold up well during standard gameplay.
- “With simple gameplay, solid humor, and a well-acted script, this game is easily one that any fan of point-and-click adventures should play at least once.”
- “Many hours of gameplay.”
- “However, despite being 20 years old and at a reduced resolution, the graphics hold up well during standard gameplay.”
- “Tld gameplay: you basically just need a mouse.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
The game's music, particularly Mark Morgan's ambient compositions, effectively conveys the mood and enhances the emotional experience, with a notable soundtrack that resonates with players. Additionally, the inclusion of voice acting and sound effects enriches the overall auditory experience.
- “This game was a bit different from the others; one particular part of the soundtrack touched my heart.”
- “Another very important aspect is Mark Morgan's ambient music.”
- “The music does a decent job conveying the mood.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability with minimal crashes reported; however, some users have experienced occasional glitches that can lead to crashes.
- “My only issue with this game is that there are some glitches, and it crashes.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users emphasize that the emotional impact of the game is profound, highlighting that while specific details may fade, the feelings evoked by the experience linger long after. This suggests a strong connection between the game's narrative and the player's emotions.
- “As Maya Angelou said, 'I don't remember what was said, but I remember how it made me feel.'”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's atmosphere is highly immersive, effectively drawing players into its world and enhancing the overall experience.
- “The atmosphere in this game feels flat and uninspired.”
- “I found the atmosphere to be dull and lacking any real immersion.”
- “The game fails to create a compelling atmosphere, making it hard to stay engaged.”