FromSoftware's The Duskbloods network test has sparked discussion around Zork, a character whose bizarre appearance and abilities have made him a standout. Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has now clarified the inspiration and gameplay role behind Zork
The Duskbloods, FromSoftware's upcoming multiplayer title for Nintendo Switch 2, has drawn attention during its network test phase, but it is Zork-one of six playable characters-who has become the unexpected centre of conversation. Zork's distinctive look, featuring a deep-sea diving suit, beak-like helmet, and a jetpack with a rocket launcher, has led to a surge of player interest and social media activity, with many referencing the phrase "Zorkin' it" to describe their in-game antics.
Origins of Zork's Design
Director Hidetaka Miyazaki has addressed the origins of Zork's design, confirming that the character was inspired by classic Japanese tokusatsu series such as Ultraman and Ultra Seven. The intention was to evoke the image of monsters emerging from the ocean depths, resulting in a character that stands apart from the otherwise dark fantasy roster. Miyazaki noted that while the final design evolved during development, the initial concept was always to create a figure that felt out of place in a traditional gothic setting.
This approach aligns with The Duskbloods' broader premise, which deliberately moves beyond the Victorian Gothic influences seen in previous FromSoftware titles. Zork is positioned as the most technologically advanced and visually unconventional member of the cast, representing the farthest point from the game's historical roots.
Gameplay Mechanics and Abilities
Zork's gameplay mechanics reinforce his outsider status. He is equipped with a jetpack that allows him to launch himself at opponents, causing both damage and knockback. His rocket launcher backpack functions as a manually aimed mortar, introducing a ranged element reminiscent of FromSoftware's Armored Core series. These features offer a distinct playstyle compared to the melee-focused abilities of other characters.
In addition to his arsenal, Zork's vampiric abilities have been adapted to fit his mechanical design. Instead of a traditional bite, Zork's beak extends to siphon blood from enemies, a detail that is revealed in cutscenes unlocked by winning matches. This mechanic maintains the game's core theme of vampirism while providing a unique twist for Zork's character.
Story Integration and Character Progression
Although The Duskbloods is structured as a multiplayer-only experience, Miyazaki has confirmed that players will be able to unlock story cutscenes and character interactions within the game's hub area. These narrative elements are tied to gameplay achievements rather than match victories alone, ensuring that all players have the opportunity to explore the backstories of the cast, including Zork.
The game's vampiric system allows players to stagger enemies and drain their health, with the added benefit of converting weaker foes into temporary minions. Zork's method of blood extraction is integrated into this system, further distinguishing his approach from the rest of the roster.
Player Response and Broader Context
The Duskbloods' network test has highlighted Zork's popularity, with his unconventional design and abilities generating significant discussion among players. Miyazaki has acknowledged a personal fondness for Zork, particularly in the test version, suggesting that the character's presence is intended to inject levity and unpredictability into the game's otherwise sombre tone.
For those interested in how other games have handled unusual character reveals and design choices, the recent coverage of Silent Hill: Townfall's gameplay and setting changes offers a useful point of comparison. Details on that title's approach can be found in our analysis of Silent Hill: Townfall's release and gameplay details.
With The Duskbloods still in its pre-release phase, further information about Zork's role and the game's full narrative structure is expected as development continues. No final release date has been announced, and the current network test is limited to a select group of players on Nintendo Switch 2.
Multiplayer-only games like The Duskbloods often face questions about how narrative and character development are delivered without a traditional single-player campaign. In this context, FromSoftware's approach-tying story cutscenes and character interactions to in-game achievements and hub progression-reflects a broader trend in the genre. This method allows for narrative depth while maintaining a focus on competitive and cooperative play, though the extent of story content available at launch remains to be seen.
