Riven Classic
PlayStation · Adventure
Return to Zork
Deep cut
| System | PlayStation |
|---|---|
| Released | 1996 (originally 1993) |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Developer | Activision |
| Publisher | Bandai Visual (Emotion Digital Software) |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Weekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 2 |
Released for the PlayStation in 1996, Return to Zork is an adventure game developed by Activision and published by Bandai Visual (Emotion Digital Software). This PS1 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1993.
It came out in the PS1's second year on the market. Other notable PS1 releases from 1996 include Resident Evil, Tomb Raider and Crash Bandicoot.
Activision also made Apocalypse for the PS1.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
- you've played the PS1 hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want fast action rather than puzzles and exploration
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Return to Zork is like
Adventure games focus on exploration, story and puzzle-solving rather than combat. Progress comes from examining your surroundings, collecting items and figuring out how they fit together.
Tip for newcomers: Classic adventure games can be cryptic by modern standards. Take notes, try everything on everything, and save before risky choices.
Return to Zork walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Return to Zork.
If you like Return to Zork, the Matrix also picks…
Playing PS1 games today
PS1 games range from quick arcade racers to 60-hour RPGs. A selection is available through PlayStation Plus Premium, and if you own the discs you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Return to Zork FAQ
When did Return to Zork come out on the PS1?
Return to Zork was released for the PlayStation in 1996; the original game dates back to 1993.
Who made Return to Zork?
It was developed by Activision and published by Bandai Visual (Emotion Digital Software).
Is Return to Zork multiplayer?
No. Return to Zork is a single-player game.
How long does Return to Zork take to play?
As an adventure game, Return to Zork typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Return to Zork on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.