FromSoftware is known for its challenging gameplay and intricate lore, but with “The Duskbloods,” they’ve introduced a cast of characters that are as bizarre as they are compelling. And among them, one character has quickly become a fan favorite: Zork, the armored sea chicken vampire.
Zork: A Unique Take on Vampire Lore
At first glance, Zork might seem like just another quirky character in a game filled with eccentric personalities. But beneath the oversized diving suit lies a creature of deep-sea origins, wielding an enormous undersea cable and a speargun. His special ability allows him to launch himself forward like a rocket, making him a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
But what truly sets Zork apart is his unique feeding habit. According to creator Hidetaka Miyazaki, speaking to GameSpot, Zork sips blood from a chalice using his beak “like a mosquito.” This detail, along with his overall design, draws inspiration from Ultraman and Ultra Seven, offering a refreshing departure from traditional Victorian Gothic vampire tropes.
“I think Zork is basically as far off to the side as you can get,” Miyazaki explained. “It’s always fun to have characters like that, and there’s always people who like characters like that.” He further elaborated on the character’s place within the game’s diverse cast: “You really want the multiplayer landscape of this game almost feel like a festival. You have all these different kinds of characters, they feel and look very different from each other, and [they all come] together and it [feels chaotic]. Zork is definitely a piece of that—just a weird guy who’s in the midst of it, right?”
When asked about the purpose of Zork’s beak, Miyazaki confirmed its function: “If you ever win with Zork, you’ll get a cutscene that will probably reveal that a little bit more. [His] beak thing extends like a straw, and sucks [blood] up like a mosquito.”
During the recent Network Test (I didn’t participate), players had the opportunity to experience Zork firsthand. While some matches were dominated by Laylas, whose sniper rifle proved surprisingly powerful, others featured the chaotic fun of playing as Zork. The limited availability of Zork during the test only added to his mystique.
The upcoming launch of “The Duskbloods” promises to unveil more about Zork and the rest of its enigmatic cast. Players can anticipate a deep dive into the game’s lore, exploring the motivations behind characters like the senator who transforms into a dinosaur, Bloodhand Jan in his pajamas, and the true nature of Zork himself. While understanding everything might be impossible, that’s part of the charm of a FromSoftware experience.
Source: Kotaku
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