Classic Games Database
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Return to Zork

Review
Also known as
Return to Zork: An Epic Adventure in the Great Underground Empire Return to Zork: Ein episches Abenteuer im großen Reich der Unterwell Return to Zork: Une aventure héroïque dans le Grand Empire Souterrain リターン・トゥ・ゾーク 决战大魔域 죠크행성

This first-person adventure uses live actors and a Myst-like interface to navigate a deceptive prize, where experimental item use can create unwinnable states.

Return to Zork was originally released in 1993 for MS-DOS, which is the earliest commercial release of the game on any platform.


							Return to Zork cover
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About Return to Zork

Return to Zork presents a first-person adventure where the player explores environments through a rotatable viewpoint, an interface comparable to that of Myst. The narrative begins with the player character receiving a video message declaring them the winner of a trip to the Valley of the Sparrows, but upon arrival, no one acknowledges the contest, leaving the player to navigate the land independently.

Interaction involves examining scenes to find usable objects and conversing with live-action characters through dialogue trees. The gameplay is challenging, as experimenting with items, including using them up, can create permanent dead ends that prevent completion. This integration of full-motion video and player choice defines the experience.

Return to Zork Screenshots

10 images
Title screen
Intro
Starting location
The Zork System Menu
Animated cutscene - going down the river
Close-up view of an object
You can take pictures of many locations
The Inventory Menu
Note the detailed interaction possibilities - make your choices wisely!..
The map of the starting area. Don't worry, there will be many more locations in the game