Zak McKracken seems to linger in the shadows of other LucasArts adventures. Released in 1988, the game takes players on a bizarre journey with Zak, a reporter, as he uncovers a conspiracy involving aliens planning to invade Earth.
Zak McKracken Game Controls
For keyboard cursor controls, use either the arrow keys or the keypad.
Numbers 1, 3, 7 and 9 take the cursor directly to the corners of the display, use the even-numbered keys for finer navigation.
You can also use mouse. The left mouse button corresponds to “enter”. Use the right mouse button to override cut-scenes.
Shift – M – Toggle mouse on/off
Shift – V – VGA mode
Shift – E – EGA mode
Shift – C – CGA mode
F1 – F4 – change characters (F1 – Zak, F2 – Annie, F3 – Melissa, F4 – Leslie)
F5 – Save or Load a Game
F8 – Restart a Game
Spacebar – Pause Game
The Plot
Set in the near-future world of 1997, Zak, working for The National Inquisitor, stumbles upon a sinister plot by aliens. Disguised with fake mustaches and eyeglasses, these aliens infiltrate the phone company, broadcasting a tone that diminishes human intelligence.
Zak’s quest for a story evolves into a cosmic caper involving mysterious artifacts, dreams, and a race against time.
A Dream, An Artefact, and Annie
Zak’s weird dreams set the stage for a surreal adventure. After finding an ancient artifact, Zak crosses paths with Annie, a crystal expert, and her friends.
Together, they share a dream that propels them into a mission to build a machine countering the alien threat.
Global Quest for Artefacts
Zak, Annie, Melissa, and Leslie embark on a global quest, from Cairo to the Bermuda Triangle, unearthing clues about the Skolarian Machine.
Benevolent aliens, the Skolarians, anticipated the Caponian invasion, leaving behind a trail of puzzles guiding the resistance.
Quirky Characters and Humorous Oddities
Zak’s humor-filled journey introduces quirky characters and bizarre situations. From golf-playing mystics to aliens shaped like brooms, the game thrives on the weird and wonderful.
Puns punctuate Zak’s headlines, adding a touch of humor to the unfolding cosmic mystery.
Diverse Abilities
Controlling Zak and his friends, players navigate through puzzles leveraging each character’s unique abilities.
Zak learns to use artifact powers, Annie deciphers texts, and Leslie and Melissa contribute with their distinct skills. Death is a possibility, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Money Matters
Distinct from typical adventure games, Zak isn’t a mere kleptomaniac. The game incorporates a financial aspect, requiring players to manage funds using CashCards for purchases and travel arrangements.
Overspending leads to game over, adding an extra layer of strategy.
Maze Challenge
While the game introduces mazes of varying complexity, they remain logically laid out.
Some may require mapping, but they avoid frustration, offering a mix of challenging and straightforward experiences.
Puzzle Variety
Puzzles in Zak McKracken blend codes, markings, and inventory challenges. Deciphering remote diagrams unlocks hidden areas, emphasizing note-taking.
The game’s money system adds an economic puzzle, urging players to balance expenses and earnings.
In-Jokes and Versions
Staying true to LucasArts tradition, Zak McKracken incorporates in-jokes, including nods to Maniac Mansion.
Different versions of the game, spanning PC, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Apple II, and the rare Fujitsu FM-Towns release, cater to diverse gaming platforms.
Conclusion
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders offers blend of humor, diverse characters, and peculiar puzzles crafts a unique gaming experience.
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