Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (Cross-platform, 1988)

Release date: Saturday 1st October 1988

Platforms: PC, Amiga, Commodore 64

Published by: U.S. Gold, Lucasfilm Games

Developed by: Lucasfilm Games

Genres: Adventure, Puzzle

Story Drive📖 17/20
Accessibility🚪 14/20
Depth🤿 4/20
Challenge💀 17/20
Duration⌛ 13/20
Freedom🌎 8/20
Review Scores
7xABD
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 7
While the game retains the same structure as Maniac Mansion, it offers a substantial amount of original scenery, puzzles, and narrative.
The Flair: A
Not the prettiest of games, especially by late 1988 standards, with several titles boasting better visuals. That being said, the original soundtrack main theme is very extravagant and iconic.
The Feel: B
Overall, solid point-and-click gameplay. However, the interface is a bit overly complex with several unnecessary actions. Hovering over a scenario element should be enough to identify it, rather than creating a separate action for that.
The Fuel: D
The story and puzzles are truly clever and amusing. While the scenario variety may be slightly limited, especially towards the end, this doesn't detract from the outstanding content featured in the game.
Good
77
Classic Score
Conclusions
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders is a rite of passage for point-and-click devotees, and rightly so. It may not impress with its mediocre graphics or standard point&click gameplay, but the thoughtfulness of the puzzles and situations throughout the game is truly marvelous.
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders
Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (Cross-platform, 1988)
Badge Cabinet
Release date: Saturday 1st October 1988
Platforms: PC, Amiga, Commodore 64
Published by: U.S. Gold, Lucasfilm Games
Developed by: Lucasfilm Games
Genres: Adventure, Puzzle
Trait Chart
Story Drive 📖 17/20
Accessibility 🚪 14/20
Depth 🤿 4/20
Challenge 💀 17/20
Duration ⌛ 13/20
Freedom 🌎 8/20
Review Scores
7xABD
Fouttaf Score
Dimension: 7
While the game retains the same structure as Maniac Mansion, it offers a substantial amount of original scenery, puzzles, and narrative.
The Flair: A
Not the prettiest of games, especially by late 1988 standards, with several titles boasting better visuals. That being said, the original soundtrack main theme is very extravagant and iconic.
The Feel: B
Overall, solid point-and-click gameplay. However, the interface is a bit overly complex with several unnecessary actions. Hovering over a scenario element should be enough to identify it, rather than creating a separate action for that.
The Fuel: D
The story and puzzles are truly clever and amusing. While the scenario variety may be slightly limited, especially towards the end, this doesn't detract from the outstanding content featured in the game.
Conclusions

Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders is a rite of passage for point-and-click devotees, and rightly so. It may not impress with its mediocre graphics or standard point&click gameplay, but the thoughtfulness of the puzzles and situations throughout the game is truly marvelous.

Good
77
Classic Score