"Back in the late '70s, video games were better known for fights, races, thrilling space battles, and the like. They were games designed to be played one credit at a time and to offer both action and adrenaline, not necessarily their stories or their environments. Short fixes. Think of it like going out for a drink: The arcade experience is like taking a shot compared to enjoying a beer. And nowhere was it more obvious than back in 1979." - Kevin Schaller
ScreenCritics goes back to the days of text with the original ZORK, ZORK I. What is this strange game and what is it's legacy?
Michael Crisman takes a unique approach to such an iconic game in this celebration of Zork turning 35. We are not sure of the exact date on this one but it was 35 years ago this month when the PC version first went out to customers. Enjoy and let us know your favorite Zork moments in the comments.
I'm feeling ancient right about now. Zork on the c64 was good times. Word games really stimulated my imagination like no other type of game.
What is your favorite text adventure? I am partial to the Sorcerer or something- the name escapes me now. It was like a darker Zork.
Pretty much all the Infocom text adventures. There was one called Wizard's Castle that stands out in my memory as well. Windham Classics developed Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island text adventurer games that were very enjoyable. Melbourn House's "The Hobbit" is what actually turned me on to "The Lord of the Rings" when I received it as a Christmas gift back in the early 80's. Ah, memories...
"your likely to be eaten by a grue"
without a torch or a lantern, the darker areas of the Flathead empire were a feeding ground for the light sensitive Grue. If you were fortunate, having some Frobozz magic grue repellent couldn't hurt.
yes I'm that old.... :P
A complete list of titles in the MoMA's exciting video game exhibit.
I've never played of nor heard of this game. Then again, I wasn't alive when it came out, so can you blame me?
I was alive AND played it! In 1979, even owning a computer was cutting edge.
Playing the buggy betaversion:)
Played Zork on my TRS-80 Model I back in the early 80's. One of the greatest text adventures ever. You can play it online for free via telnet here: http://zorkonline.org/