Zork: The Undiscovered Underground
Puzzle, Adventure
Release Dates:
Average Rating:
Developers/Publishers:
Activision, Infocom
December 31, 1997, August 28, 1997
Mac, Commodore C64/128/MAX
Platforms:
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Content Gaps: Some areas of Zork: The Undiscovered Underground feel underdeveloped or lacking in content.
Requires Patience: The game’s pacing might be slow for those who prefer fast-paced Puzzle games.
Repetitive Elements: Zork: The Undiscovered Underground may become repetitive after extended play, especially in the Puzzle genre.
Why To Avoid
Beautiful World: Explore the stunning world of Zork: The Undiscovered Underground, a visual treat for fans of Puzzle.
Compelling Storyline: The narrative in Zork: The Undiscovered Underground is deeply engaging, making it a must-play for Puzzle fans.
Community Driven: The game has a strong community, which enhances the multiplayer experience.
Why To Play
The purpose of the game is to explore and emerge successfully from the Undiscovered Underground. The player begins only with a low-quality Lantern and plastic imitation sword, a parody of the starting items from Zorks I, II and III. Upon entering the Undiscovered Underground, the adventurer is trapped by a freak avalanche. The only way to escape is to release the mutant Rat Ants (an echo from Starcross) and to direct them to the avalanche, which they dispatch in a manner reminiscent of Aesop's Fables. The player must demask the Grue vendor to gain the four candy bars and place the relevant objects in the Mud Forum on the appropriate corresponding floor symbols. This unleashes a mutant chase reminiscent of Planetfall where the adventurer stays one step ahead of the Rat Ants because of the shrewdly placed candy bars. However, the escape comes at the cost of unleashing a Rat Ant epidemic onto the empire and forces the adventurer to flee from the wrath of the Grand Inquisitor.