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INFOCOM GAMES
First of all, INFOCOM games were programmed in an own language named ZIL (meaning
Zork Implementation Language). So most game files have not your common .exe or
.com but rather .z5 or .dat endings. To execute these programs your computer only
needs an interpreter program named FROTZ, which you can download here. FROTZ
itself is a DOS program so DOSBOX, an emulator, is needed to start that. Sounds
complicated but is very easy once you've done it. Simply follow these steps:
- get DOSBOX, D-FEND (to control DOSBOX via Windows) and FROTZ.EXE
- save your INFOCOM games into the same folder as the FROTZ.EXE
- start D-FEND and tell it to start FROTZ by adding a new profile (F3) and
search for the frotz.exe. Push the start button. A DOS-window should appear.
- type frotz -d4 gamefile.z5 or gamefile.dat, depending on the gamefile ending
(example: frotz -d4 trinity.dat to start TRINITY, frotz -d4 planet.z5 to
start PLANETFALL)
NOTE: the -d4 command simply means 'display mode 4', which is the EGA mode. Looks
and feels best in my opinion. But frotz.exe is easily custumizable, all possible
commands appear at the start. Try some stuff out if you don't like that mode.
Exceptions are the two standalone games ARTHUR and SHOGUN. Those are just DOS
programs which you can start with D-FEND / DOSBOX. (add profile and start game)
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LUCASFILM GAMES
Lucasfilm / Lucas Arts games are DOS programs but run much smoother with the
incredible ScummVM starter, especially made for that purpose. So simply download
ScummVM, add your Lucasfilm games there and start them! That's all!
TIP: at the ScummVM website you'll get the classic BENEATH A STEEL SKY adventure
for free download, with digitized speech and all! Great intro by comic legend Dave
Gibbons. Highly recommended!
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