Review 1: Infocom released Lane Mastodon, the world's first "interactive comic book" in 1988 with little fanfare and even lesser reaction from the gaming public. Apart from being the first electronic comic book, Lane Mastodon and all subsequent Infocomics allows the viewer to change perspective between characters, thus providing an excellent replay value as you can replay the story from a different perspective. Three more stories followed before Infocom decided to halt the unsuccessful venture. The lackluster response was perhaps due to the fact that the comics-- with the exception of ZorkQuest, are based on original premises created by Infocom designers. Furthermore, the then-primitive graphics technology was not conducive to engaging animations. But then again, the dismal sales of Marvel Comics CD-ROM comics today may be suggesting that comics are best suited to print medium after all. Despite the name, the story of the second Infocomics, ZorkQuest 1, actually has little to do with any Zork game. Instead, it is a separate story set in the Zork universe. The story revolves around treasure-hunting in the ruins of castle Duncanthrax and the evil woozle that lurks within. A good story, although not as captivating as the games or the Zork novels that Infocom published earlier.
Review 2: Zork Quest 1 and 2 were part if Infocom's interactive comicbook range (Infocomics) and neither have much to do with the Zork universe as it is told in the original games. Zork Quest 1 revolves around you hunting for treasure in the ruins of a castle - somewhat like the original Zork except for the additions of graphics, sound and animation. The story itself is quite good, and it's probably best if you see this as an Infocom adventure lite. Play this, then go and play some of the other Infocom games on the site.
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