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Readers' Choice - Best Monsters
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Number Ten: Grue
The fact that you never saw a Grue in Zork didn't stop it from seeing its way into the top ten. Many of you expressed gratitude that this invisible terror was included.
"The Grue caused more horror for me in the classic Infocom games than probably four-fifths of the monsters you see in games today. Nothing was more terrifying than exploring the dungeon of Zork I, with your lamp getting slowly dimmer all the time. You knew that as soon as it was out, you were grue food. Or, if the fates frowned on you even more, the thief would steal your lantern, leaving you in the blackness. How many times did we all see something like the following:
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Narrow Passage
You are crouched down inside a very cramped passage. The passage continues to the east and west. There is a Frobozz Magic Toothbrush here.
Uh, oh! Your torch has burned out!
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
>light lantern
That does nothing. It appears the lantern's batteries are dead.
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
>Look east
You see nothing but blackness.
It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
> East
Invited by the darkness, a horde of Adventurer-hungry Grues sets upon you, and you are promptly devoured.
* * * YOU HAVE DIED * * *" - Pete Collins
"Your inclusion of the Grue was brilliant. Somehow, I had forgotten about that sinister beast. Your reference causes me to reflect fondly on many hours of satisfied play with my Franklin Ace 1000 and the mighty Zork." - Mike
"When I read your introduction to your Top Ten Monsters article, the first thing I thought of was the dreaded Grue from Zork. When I saw that nightmare actually on your list, a shiver shot down my spine! Thank you for including such a great monster and bringing back some equally great memories." - Brian Kowalski
"The grue rules! No other beast has ever been scarier, because the only picture you see is the one your head conjures up. The more disturbed you are, the worse the Grue is! All hail the mighty Grue!" - Brian McLean
"I agree with your choice to include the Grue in your list. It made the perfect monster: It lurked around in the dark, it wanted to eat you very badly, and its lack of description could make your imagination run wild." - Michael Kurz
Number Nine
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