Zork Nemesis: Essential Collection 2

Many people have compared it to Myst, and there are obvious similarities, but make no mistake, Zork Nemesis took full advantage of 1996 technology and in no way tries to retrace the bold steps taken by Myst more than two years previous.

Spread over three sumptuous CD's, Zork Nemesis, gives excellent value for money. Inside your box, besides the three CD's is a comprehensive journal, written by the missing Agent Karlok Bivotar which you are advised to read from cover to cover before starting play.

Zork Nemesis is heavy on computer requirement - thanks to the thousands of calculations needed to allow the 360 degree movement. For best possible results, and a few extra video snips, you are advised to install the Windows 95 version [rather than MS-DOS].

Zork Nemesis is an Adventure story in the Grandest tradition. For those hoping this is a follow-on from other Zork adventures, you may be in for a disappointment. This one has been written and crafted by a totally different team from those previously, and takes place in the Forbidden Land, which is well away from the central locations of other Zorkian stories. If, on the other hand, you can accept this tale on its own merits, with occasional references to well-loved Zorkology, then you'll discover - it's superb.

Full of double-dealing and depravity, the plot of Zork Nemesis is riddled with luscious intrigue and has been exceptionally well written. It looks and tastes just like a thick broth, which you might serve in winter - and it's just as steamy.

Besides an excellent storyline, thoroughly appropriate music, and locations you'll wish you could permanently live in, you'll discover more than 65 original - and for a change - story-related puzzles to unlock. There's a double dose of clandestine romance; some gothic horror; a smattering of dark humour and many short, but highly impressive video clips, which have been well acted - no, honestly! - by first class performers.

I won't give away important plot elements; suffice to say that a Fabulous Quest is waiting here for all true adventure gamers. But make no mistake, this tale is not for the childish or squeamish. Some bits are blood-splatteringly ghoulish.

To say I love it is an understatement; I played it straight through TWICE. Until the arrival of Riven, I considered this to be the finest adventure quest game available. It's still worth every penny. Superb value, superb game.

• Categories > PC Games > Type of Game
• Categories > Games

• Amazon.co.uk : Zork Nemesis: Essential Collection 2