FromSoftware’s upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title, The Duskbloods, concluded its initial online network test this weekend, but player discussions have coalesced almost entirely around a single playable character: Zork. Among a roster featuring wildly distinct temporal influences—ranging from long-range snipers to political figures—the bulky, deep-sea diver has instantly captured the attention of the community.
Clad in a heavy early-industrial diving suit equipped with back-mounted missiles, a beak-like appendage for consuming blood, and a jet-propelled “Human Rocket” ability, Zork stands apart visually from the Victorian gothic tropes traditionally associated with the studio’s earlier titles. Social media platforms and Reddit threads quickly filled with player-made artwork, gameplay clips, and community memes centering on the character within hours of the servers going live.
Beyond his surreal presentation, Zork functions in-game as a high-damage, heavy melee fighter whose limited movement speed is compensated for by his explosive mobility skills. In a recent interview, director Hidetaka Miyazaki revealed that the concept drew inspiration from classic Ultraman and Ultra Seven kaiju designs emerging from the ocean, confirming that the character was crafted as a legitimate combatant rather than mere comic relief.
While combat balance remains a point of active debate among testers—with options like Sniper Layla and Senator Samir Patres seeing strong competitive play—Zork has established himself as the early mascot of the upcoming multiplayer title. FromSoftware’s willingness to mix distinct historical and fantastical eras appears to be paying off, providing The Duskbloods with a distinct identity well ahead of its full launch.
