Return to Zork - Infocom RRP œ45.99
          (Graphic adventure for PC and CD-ROM)

        CD-ROM version reviewed by Dave Stone

As Infocom released Zork Nemesis, I was finally trying out their
previous Zorkian venture released more than two years ago.  Sadly
it has never been released on budget, but it was very widely
bundled with CD ROM kits, toasters and nail clippers, so second
hand copies are widely available.

Novice adventurers should stop reading now. This is not an easy
game and the maze is devilish to map. (I gave up and resorted to a
hint file).  Fans of the Zork text adventures, prepare to be
converted.

The superb interface, character interaction, understated graphics
and symphonic music create a game world every bit as real as the
'mind pictures' featured in the adverts for those early text
adventures. It also runs well on lower spec 386 Machines.

The story gradually unfolds to reveal a world where Magic had been
banished, being gradually overtaken by the return of evil. The
characters are well acted and all have a role to play in gradually
developing the substantial plot. About half way through the game
you gain the ability to travel anywhere on the map you carry,
which considerably opens up the game.

Unlike most adventures you cannot just steal anything you want,
instead you need to direct conversations until you get permission
from the owner. This was an unusual twist. The endgame features a
challenging puzzle (which can be worked out in advance) and a
cheery victory celebration (in my case undeserved due to the
amount of help needed).

Conclusion? A little too hard, but an excellent step forward from
the original text adventures. 8/10 (It would have been 9/10
without the maze).

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