~2 minute readInfoNews Roundup
New Packaging
Infocom has been known for its remarkable packaging since it began selling Zork I. At the time, software was sold in plastic bags, often with mimeographed manuals. Along came Infocom with full-color, professionally produced blister packs.
Over time, Infocom packaging became more and more noteworthy. Deadline™ -– with its police file full of reports, clues, photo, and even pills found near the body – was another software packaging breakthrough. Next to appear were Starcross™, in its distinctive "flying saucer," and Suspended™, with the white mask which catches attention from 50 feet away. Planetfall™, Witness™, Enchanter™, Infidel™, Sorcerer™, and Seastalker™ were a bit less far-out in appearance and shape, but continued Infocom's tradition of interesting and useful package elements.
Now we have taken the next step. We believe that we have created the most innovative package in the industry. Measuring 9" by 7" by 1", the first thing you will note is that our new packages are consistent in size and look, without sacrificing any of their individuality. The package opens like a book to reveal a convenient 24-page "browsie" and improved technical manual ("browsie" is our term for the section which ties into the game). The disk and package elements are packed in a re-closable tray for convenient storage. These packages will store very handsomely on your shelf.
Difficulty Ratings
Another improvement you will find on our new packages is the level of difficulty. We have established four difficulty levels:
Junior: Best introduction to interactive fiction. Written for everyone from age 9 up. (Seastalker) Standard: Good introductory level for adults. This is Infocom's most popular level of interactive fiction. (Zork I, Enchanter, Planetfall, Witness, Cutthroats, and Hitchhiker's)
Advanced: A greater level of challenge. Recommended for those who've already experienced Infocom's interactive fiction. (Zork II, Zork III, Sorcerer, Infidel, and Suspect)
Expert: For real diehards seeking the ultimate challenge in interactive fiction. (Starcross, Suspended, and Deadline)
We expect the designation of difficulty level to make it much easier for purchasers to choose the appropriate game.
New Pricing
Effective September 1, Infocom's recommended retail prices have been changed. This is the first time we have adjusted our prices. The price is determined by level of difficulty and by computer system. On most systems, Junior and Standard level games are $39.95, Advanced $44.95, and Expert $49.95. Commodore 64 and Atari prices are $5 less at all levels.
New Catalog
Included with this issue of The New Zork Times is our new product catalog. In it you will notice a preview of our new products for the fall –- more to come on Suspect™ and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy™ in our Fall issue.
Infocom Sampler
Do you know someone who would love interactive fiction if they would only try it? Infocom has the answer: The Four-in-One Sampler, including excerpts from four genres -– The Witness (mystery), Infidel (Tales of Adventure), Planetfall (science fiction), and Zork I (fantasy).
We have found that 9 out of 10 people who try Infocom interactive fiction love it. Because of this, we are able to make an offer that no one can refuse. The sampler retails for $7.95 and comes with a money-back guarantee – if the buyer decides he is not interested, he can send it back to us for a full refund. If he wants more, there's a coupon enclosed that entitles him to an $8 rebate on purchase of any Infocom title. He can't lose!
This article appeared in
New Zork Times, The
Jul-Sep 1984
These historical, out-of-print articles and literary works have been GNUSTOed onto InvisiClues.org for academic and research purposes.
