Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders

Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders: The Weirdest Adventure in the Galaxy

Released by Lucasfilm Games in 1988, Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders is a surreal point-and-click adventure that came out just after Maniac Mansion, continuing the studio’s tradition of quirky storytelling and inventive gameplay. Originally launched for the Commodore 64, the game was later ported to Amiga, MS-DOS, and other systems. With its psychedelic plot, offbeat humor, and globe-spanning puzzles, Zak’s adventure is a cult classic that stands out even among Lucasfilm’s legendary catalogue.

The Story: Tabloids, Aliens, and Ancient Civilizations

You play as Zak McKracken, a lowly tabloid journalist who stumbles into an alien conspiracy while chasing down another wacky story. The nefarious Caponians are dumbing down Earth’s population through a mind-numbing signal broadcast via phone lines. Zak, joined by a team of unlikely heroes (including a Yale student named Annie and two scientists on Mars), must decipher ancient mysteries, travel across the planet, and even venture into outer space to stop the alien menace.

The narrative is outrageous in the best way—mixing sci-fi, New Age mysticism, conspiracy theories, and slapstick humor. Think alien disguises, a two-headed squirrel, and teleportation crystals hidden in sacred temples. Yes, it’s that kind of game.

Gameplay: Classic Point-and-Click with a Twist

Using the same SCUMM engine as Maniac Mansion, Zak’s interface is based on a series of verbs (like “Open,” “Push,” “Use”) that players combine with inventory items or objects on the screen. While familiar to fans of the genre, Zak McKracken introduces some unique mechanics: multiple playable characters, resource management (like airline tickets and cash), and puzzles that span locations from Kathmandu to Mars.

Some puzzles are logical, and others... less so. There are moments where you’ll get stuck simply because the solution is completely absurd—even by adventure game standards. Yet this contributes to the game’s charm. The weirdness is part of the ride.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics vary depending on the platform. The Commodore 64 version is colorful but limited by hardware, while the Amiga and MS-DOS VGA versions offer cleaner visuals with more defined backgrounds and character sprites. Animation is minimal, but the locations—from Aztec temples to Martian pyramids—are packed with personality.

The sound design is simple, especially on the C64, with brief musical themes and sparse effects. Still, the soundtrack is catchy in its own 8-bit way, especially Zak’s main theme.

Verdict

Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders is one of the most delightfully bizarre adventure games ever made. It’s funny, imaginative, and packed with charm. The interface may feel clunky by modern standards, and the puzzles can be frustrating, but if you stick with it, the game rewards you with an unforgettable journey across dimensions. It may not be as polished as Monkey Island or as cinematic as Indiana Jones, but it’s pure Lucasfilm weirdness at its best.

Pros

✔ Surreal and hilarious story.

✔ Unique global and interplanetary puzzles.

✔ Memorable characters and dialogue.

✔ SCUMM engine point-and-click goodness.

Cons

✘ Some puzzles are extremely obscure.

✘ Resource management can be tedious.

✘ Visuals and sound are minimalist and feel less polished compared to other standout titles of 1988.

Final Scores

Amiga: 85%

Commodore 64: 82%

PC (MS-DOS): 84%

Want More Classic Lucasfilm? Visit the Maniac Mansion!

Before Zak took off to Mars, Maniac Mansion opened the doors to Lucasfilm’s point-and-click revolution. Wacky puzzles, crazy characters, and multiple endings await in this unforgettable haunted house adventure.

👉 Read the full review