This is a great example of classic gaming. There was never a need for fancy graphics or advanced sound (or expensive sound systems ) or any of those add-ons to make this a truly great game. It has a quirky sense of humor that makes it a memorable experience for any and all types of gamers.
This is one of the most memorable games, to me at least, to be created and designed by Lucasfilm Games (now known as LucasArts). Back then, Lucasfilm Games had shining examples of the true spirit of gaming, in just a few remarkable games like this one.
The game follows the zany adventure of Zak McKracken who sets out to stop a group of nefarious aliens that have "successfully" disguised and integrated themselves in to Earth's culture. It is Zak's duty to stop them and pay off his phone bill as the aliens have set up a branch of his phone company next to his apartment. The aliens have infiltrated the phone company to use the dial tone to "dumbify" human beings in to being, well, dumber. These kinds of satirical prods at extra terrestrial theorists (and their theories, such as ideas of aliens having grandiose and "full-scale" take over of the Earth) are prevalent throughout the game. That generally is the theme to the humor of the game, but
is not limited to that alone.
The game plays on the fact that it is an adventure game that gives MANY options to the player through courses of action. Such courses of action, such as using a golf club to dig a hole in the side of a hill, are unexpected and necessary to further the game. The designers also referenced some their older games (that should be checked out immediately if not played already) through unique items (chain saw fuel), an advertisement for Maniac Mansion, and a little cameo for Razor and the Scummettes (from said Maniac Mansion) on the Digital Audio Tape (still apparently still the medium for recordings in 1997, the time the game takes place [Ten years after the game was actually made.]).
In conclusion, if I haven't made it obvious enough, PLAY THIS GAME! If you are a fan of classic gaming at its finest, a fan of the adventure genre, or just want a few laughs, this game is perfect for you. Have fun!
