Zak McKracken

(First Appearance: Zak McKracken And The Alien Mindbenders, 1988)
A regularly used theme in all forms of literature is the idea of an ordinary, down on his luck guy being catapulted into a mission of intrigue and danger, usually with far reaching consequences. This is a great concept as it often makes the protagonist instantly identifiable, as many of us all go about our daily business of work and play wishing that life would toss us an exciting curve ball now and again, usually with aliens and damsels thrown in (or maybe that's just me)

Francis Zachary McKracken, or "Zak" to his buddies is just such a hero. A young tabloid reporter, Zak is one of life's loveable losers whose existence contributes to nothing special until he happens upon a bizarre conspiracy whilst going about his two-bit investigative vocation. Zak believes that the Earth's population is being kept in a state of idiocy via mind-altering hypnotism from aliens, their indoctrination coming through the telephone system.
While many do not believe Zak's crazy claims, Zak finds friendship in Annie Larris, a young scientist and her student friends Melissa and Leslie. Together, this isolated collection of social misfits gather evidence that an alien race known as the Caponians are indeed reducing the general intellect of Earth's population. The team's research uncovers alien technology that will repel the Caponian attack, unfortunately, this device exists in many pieces scattered across the planet and in the far reaches of space.
So our young heroes venture to the corners of the globe in Lucasart's classic point and click style, with it's trademark blend of tricky puzzles and twisted humor.

Zak is a fine hero for all, he features all the qualities that many "Everyday guy" characters posses. Flawed and vulnerable, a loser in luck and love, but Zak is a well-meaning average Joe with his heart in the right place. Zak's adventure follows all the cliches of a regular nobody put in a position of saving the world, bringing with it the responsibility, integrity, danger and sex appeal his normal life lacks.

Zak reminds me of Ash, Bruce Campbell's hero from the Evil Dead movies, they are both young smart-ass kids whose very being contributes nothing to the world, but are forced to take on a responsibility on which hangs the fate of many lives. The idea of putting the hopes of mankind on an everyday loser is a tried and tested storyline, one which will be used again and again until the end of time itself.

Despite Zak's popularity among gamers, he is yet to appear in an official sequel. Dedicated followers have spent the last ten years putting out fan-made games to continue the adventures of Zak and his friends. I love the fact that characters like Zak have a committed fanbase. While it is highly unlikely, there is always that glimmer of hope that Zak may return, especially in this current climate of making episodic Sam and Max and Monkey Island games available for download.

I'm not going to speak for you, but I'm aware that I don't contribute that much to help the world and its problems. I'm just biding my time though, one day, I'll be the guy uncovering the conspiracy with the cute girls and when that happens, they'll make a point and click adventure about me.
Don't worry, it'll be DRM free. I'm all for the people, man.