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| author | Christian Cleberg <[email protected]> | 2024-03-29 01:30:23 -0500 |
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| committer | Christian Cleberg <[email protected]> | 2024-03-29 01:30:23 -0500 |
| commit | 07c42d3ad17060131e822f5816d2057cd1753b1b (patch) | |
| tree | 205e844650144648e58700df2b632c89298904d4 /blog/zork/index.org | |
| parent | c71a52cb7a80a102e58bd5465e994225ea98c44f (diff) | |
| download | cleberg.net-07c42d3ad17060131e822f5816d2057cd1753b1b.tar.gz cleberg.net-07c42d3ad17060131e822f5816d2057cd1753b1b.tar.bz2 cleberg.net-07c42d3ad17060131e822f5816d2057cd1753b1b.zip | |
massive re-write from org-publish to weblorg
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diff --git a/blog/zork/index.org b/blog/zork/index.org deleted file mode 100644 index 92f5169..0000000 --- a/blog/zork/index.org +++ /dev/null @@ -1,90 +0,0 @@ -#+title: Zork: Let's Explore a Classic -#+date: 2020-12-29 -#+description: A video game review for Zork. -#+filetags: :gaming: - -* Download (Free) -Before we get into the game itself, you should know that you can -download Zork for free from Infocom's -[[http://infocom-if.org/downloads/downloads.html][download page]]. So -feel free to boot it up and take a ride back to the 1980s with this -masterpiece. - -* Game Description -Zork is an interactive, text-based computer game originally released -in 1980. This series, split into three separate games, introduced a -robust and sophisticated text parser to gamers. People were largely used -to the simple commands used in the popular game -[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossal_Cave_Adventure][Colossal Cave -Adventure]], but Zork allowed users to send more complex commands that -included prepositions and conjunctions. - -Zork tracks your score as you explore the map, find tools, and collect -trophy items (e.g., a jewel-encrusted egg). When you place your trophy -items in the trophy case found in the Living Room area, you gain score -points. Collecting the Twenty Treasures of Zork and placing them within -the trophy case wins the game. However, you must explore the map, solve -puzzles, and avoid being eaten by a grue to collect these treasures. - -* The Map -Since Zork is a vast and complex game, it helps to have a map as you -explore and collect your trophies. However, if you want to play the game -as it was truly intended, you should try to play it without using the -map. - -#+caption: Zork Map -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_map.png]] - -/[[https://www.filfre.net/2012/01/exploring-zork-part-1/][Map Source]]/ - -* In-Game Screenshots -After playing the game (for the first time ever) for several weeks -around 2014, I was finally able to beat the game with some online help -to find the last couple items. As I was writing this post, I installed -the game again to grab some screenshots to show off the true glory of -this game. As noted in -[[https://www.filfre.net/2012/01/exploring-zork-part-1/][Jimmy Maher's -playthrough]], the original Zork games looked quite a bit different due -to the older hardware of computers like the Apple II and multiple bug -fixes that Infocom pushed out after the game's initial release. My -play-through uses the -[[https://store.steampowered.com/app/570580/Zork_Anthology/][Zork -Anthology]] version, which utilizes DOSBox on Windows. - -The first screenshot here shows the introductory information, which -doesn't include instructions of any kind for the player. If you haven't -played text adventures before, try to use simple commands like "go -west," "look around," or "hit troll with elvish sword." - -#+caption: Zork Screen, pt. 1 -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_01.png]] - -In this second screenshot, we see the player has entered the house and -found the trophy case in the living room. The lantern and sword in this -room allow the player to explore dark areas and attack enemies. If you -don't use the lantern, you won't be able to see anything in dark areas, -and you may be eaten by a grue. - -#+caption: Zork Screen, pt. 2 -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_02.png]] - -Finally, we see that the player has found the first treasure: a -jewel-encrusted egg. These treasures can be taken back to the house and -placed in the trophy case or carried until you feel like you want to put -things away. - -#+caption: Zork Screen, pt 3. -[[https://img.cleberg.net/blog/20201229-zork/zork_03.png]] - -* Conclusion -It's been quite a few years since I first played Zork, but I clearly -remember the late nights and bloodshot eyes that helped me find all the -treasures. This game is well worth the time and effort, even though the -text-based aspect may be off-putting to gamers who didn't have to grow -up playing games without graphics. However, I believe that the strategy -and skills learned in early video games like Zork can actually help you, -even when playing newer games. - -If you do decide to play Zork, you can download Zork I, II, and III from -Infocom's [[http://infocom-if.org/downloads/downloads.html][download -page]] for free or search the internet for an online version. |
