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"The Endless Stair isn't all that endless now is it?"

Once upon a time, a game called Zork was created on a large, mainframe computer. In a time when the sort of graphics one would find on an Atari 2600 was the most you could expect from a game, Zork offered us something different, something new. Zork was to be the template for hundreds of similar games, and even years later, it would be the father of games such as Myst and Riven. The concept of Zork was simple: become an adventurer, collect treasure, solve puzzles, battle nasty monsters; all the things that have become the hallmark of the games we play today. There was, however, a catch: you had to do it all in the confines of a simple, text-based program. Read the story, tell the story what you want to do, and then read some more. Simple yet addicting.

The third and final game in the original Zork series. Zork III: The Dungeon Master picks up were Zork II: The Wizard of Frobozz left off. By now, you're a seasoned adventurer, ready to face any danger. With trusty sword at side, you continue your quest of plundering the treasures of the Great Underground Empire. Only when you've solved every puzzle, slayed every beast, and collected every treasure will you be a Dungeon Master.

If you're looking for graphics, you won't find any here. In fact, this time around, the font looks a little jagged, like it wasn't anti-aliased. Just kidding. Same font, same style.

Fed up with the Indiana Jones soundtrack yet (the one you would be playing on your home system since Zork III offers you the choice of mono silence or stereo silence)? Try mixing it up with a Star Wars soundtrack. Sure, it might not seem appropriate, but you have to liven thing up a little. Otherwise, the only sound you'll hear is the clacking of the keyboard.

If you haven't figured it out by now, you use a keyboard to play these games. You know, type words together to form commands. No, stop it. Stop! Put down that mouse. You can't...I said put it down! That's better. You can't use the mouse either.

I've said it before (twice actually, if you've read my reviews for Zork I and Zork II) and I'll say it again: Zork is an incredibly well designed series of games, especially given the limitation that they are text-only games. It may seem dull at first, but once you get into one of the Infocom classics, you can't help but enjoy yourself.

No bonuses for Zork III: The Dungeon Master either. You play the game, you beat the game, the end. Unless, as I mention before, you bought this as part of an Anthology. Then you have all sorts of neat stuff to look at and more games to play.

I personally love the Zork games. You can usually find the Zork games bundled together in an anthology or as part of an Infocom collection. I highly recommend Zork to anyone who loves to play games for the mental exercise and great story, nto for the flashy graphics. Give it a try, the Underground Empire awaits...

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 07/05/02

"Well, this can't get weirder. I fell down some stairs and had a dream about this old geezer...."

Welcome back, young review-readers. Today we will be looking at an old game from the days of Atari and mainframe, the third in a great series... No, not Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi!!! It's Zork III: The Dungeon Master!! Okay, Zork is one of those old gems from way on back, and it is text-based. Yeah, let go of that game pad, we're using the keyboard this time around. Anyway, er, getting off track.

Graphics: N/A

Yep. We're still talking good ol' solid detailed writing from the people at Infocom. Here's an example, a really BAD one, don't sue me if it rips off any Zork games, Infocom:

Office

You stand in the former executive office of King Dimwit Flathead's main advisor's office. Red fluffy carpeting covers the floor, and a solid oak desk is in the center of the room, accompanied by a chair made of the same wood. Several papers litter the top of the desk. Everything is covered in dust. A doorway is behind you, leading east.

look at papers

Picking up the papers, you find that they are covered with the expenses for Flood Control Dam #3. The papers crumble away into little bits due to age. You suddenly realize there is a small button where the papers lay.

push the button

As your finger comes to rest on the tiny wooden button, you suddenly fall through a cleverly concealed trapdoor in the floor.

Yet another shining example of Zork's brilliance.

Story: 10/10

You just tumbled down a set of endless stairs (wonder how they got like that) and you're supposed to find a treasure or two so you can impress the Dungeon Master and become his successor. Simple but charming.

Challenge: 9/10

Made it really hard. Just a tiny bit TOO hard. But I still love this game, as in every game in the series.

Gameplay: 10/10

Yep. You still gotta think really hard. In Final Fantasy, all you had to do was decide which weakness an enemy had. In this game, you have near-impossible puzzles, strange figures in dead ends, sailors with vials of strange liquids, and much much more.

Sound: N/A

Yep. We still got Infocom's famous stereo silence. If you don't like it, turn on some music. I prefer making up the music in my head as I play.

Rent/Buy:

As far as I know, neither. You can download it if you search hard enough. Very fun game, I'd advise you to get it now. HEY, you, put down the joystick!! I thought I said this game was for the KEYBOARD!!



Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/21/03, Updated 01/21/03