Zork Nemesis: The Forbidden Lands
- April 18, 2017
- Zombie Studios
- 2h median play time
Get on SteamIn Zork Nemesis: The Forbidden Lands, you journey through five diverse worlds to uncover the secret of Alchemy and free trapped souls from an evil demon's grasp. This immersive game features 65 innovative puzzles, Hollywood-level production with live-action video and actors, and compelling ambient music and effects. Directed by a renowned live action director, it promises a captivating and challenging experience. Will you dare to enter the Forbidden Lands and confront the Nemesis?
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Ms Dos
Reviews
- The game features engaging puzzles that require thought and note-taking, making it a fun challenge.
- The story is interesting and the world of Zork is enjoyable to explore, with a darker and more serious tone compared to previous entries.
- The game has nostalgic value for many players, bringing back fond memories of childhood gaming experiences.
- The mouse sensitivity is excessively high, making navigation difficult and the game nearly unplayable for some users.
- The graphics and sound quality are outdated, leading to a poor visual and auditory experience compared to modern standards.
- The game lacks a proper save feature, which can lead to frustration when players lose progress.
- story22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story of Zork Nemesis is engaging and immersive, revolving around the plight of four alchemists trapped by an evil force, Nemesis, within a mysterious temple. While the narrative can take a darker tone, it is complemented by excellent cutscene direction and a whimsical yet eerie atmosphere, making the experience memorable. Although the puzzles are not overly complex, the storytelling and exploration of the Zork world enhance the overall enjoyment of the game.
“The story is well done and some of the acting in the cutscenes was very good.”
“This made it difficult for me to follow the story.”
“The plot involves you entering an ancient, run-down temple and learning about the plight of four great alchemists who have been trapped in a state of purgatory by an evil presence called Nemesis.”
“Even if its tone and story can get pretty dark, these qualities are ultimately what made Zork Nemesis a more memorable and, quite honestly, more engaging experience.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as dark, oppressive, and mystical, creating an immersive experience that contrasts with its comic elements. While it features excellent puzzles and a whimsical yet eerie vibe, the overall presentation reflects a nostalgic throwback to 1996, with gameplay and story compensating for dated graphics. Reviewers appreciate the well-crafted atmosphere, noting it enhances the game's storytelling and character performances.
“The story is nice, the acting is pretty good, and the atmosphere is immersive.”
“Altogether a very atmospheric, well-put-together game.”
“Excellent puzzles, fun, whimsical atmosphere, while still being a little eerie... yes, it's a throwback to 1996, so don't expect the best graphics, but the gameplay and story make it all worth it.”
“Its dark, oppressive, and mystical atmosphere doesn't fit with the comic snark we are used to.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are a nostalgic throwback to 1996, featuring pre-rendered backgrounds and live-action FMV that were once considered cutting-edge, though they may not hold up by modern standards. While the visuals are described as "okay for the day," the whimsical and slightly eerie atmosphere, along with engaging gameplay and story, compensate for any graphical shortcomings. Players should be prepared for a lack of modern features like achievements and graphical settings, as well as reliance on keyboard commands in the DOS version.
“Excellent puzzles, fun, whimsical atmosphere, while still being a little eerie... yes, it's a throwback to 1996, so don't expect the best graphics, but the gameplay and story make it all worth it.”
“Graphics are okay (for the day)”
“The graphics are pre-rendered backgrounds with live action FMV playing on top of them, which at the time was very exciting and cutting edge.”
“There are no achievements, trading cards, gamepad controls, graphical settings, etc. Moreover, the DOS version requires you to use keyboard commands to save (Ctrl+S), load (Ctrl+R), exit (Ctrl+Q), and set options (Ctrl+P) because there are no menus.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, featuring a haunting and beautiful soundtrack that enhances the exploration and puzzle-solving experience, reminiscent of the Myst series. Many reviewers note that the soundtrack alone makes the game worth purchasing, and the sound effects are also well-executed, utilizing the game's multiple CDs effectively.
“The game itself seems more like a game one would expect from the Myst series, exploring mostly empty yet beautiful locations and solving various puzzles to a haunting yet great soundtrack.”
“Also worth buying for the soundtrack alone.”
“Also very nice music and sound effects; they really made the most of the 3 or 4 CDs the game shipped on.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players note that the gameplay is engaging and reminiscent of previous experiences, promising many hours of enjoyment.
“Many hours of gameplay”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is sparse, with only a few moments intended to lighten its otherwise somber tone. While it is described as a challenging addition to the Zork universe, the humor that does exist is noted to be effective in punctuating the overall atmosphere.
“This game is another challenging addition to the Zork universe that takes a more somber tone punctuated with good humor.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users have reported stability issues that may require troubleshooting through forums, indicating that players should be prepared for potential technical challenges.
“Be warned and ready to do some forum troubleshooting.”
