Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders is an engaging third-person adventure game where players navigate a quirky storyline filled with humor and puzzles. The game follows Zak, a mediocre tabloid reporter, who discovers that aliens are using the telephone system to dumb down humanity. To combat this, Zak teams up with anthropologist Annie and her friends, embarking on a globe-trotting quest that takes them to various exotic locations and even into space. Players must utilize a unique verb command system to interact with the environment and solve puzzles, which can often be approached in multiple ways.

The gameplay is reminiscent of earlier Lucasfilm titles, with an emphasis on exploration and problem-solving. Players can control up to four characters, switching between them as needed and sharing inventory items when they are in the same area. The FM Towns version enhances the experience with improved VGA graphics and higher-quality audio, making it a visually appealing choice for fans of classic adventure games.