diff --git a/scripts/run_zork1.py b/scripts/run_zork1.py
index 78c3985..f4d7f2d 100755
--- a/scripts/run_zork1.py
+++ b/scripts/run_zork1.py
@@ -1,12 +1,17 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env -S uv run --script
 """Smoke test for hybrid z-machine interpreter with Zork 1."""
 
+import argparse
 import sys
 import traceback
 from pathlib import Path
 
 
 def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description="Run Zork 1 in Z-machine interpreter")
+    parser.add_argument("--debug", action="store_true", help="Enable debug mode")
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
     # Add src to path so we can import mudlib
     project_root = Path(__file__).parent.parent
     sys.path.insert(0, str(project_root / "src"))
@@ -38,9 +43,11 @@ def main():
     print(f"Loaded {len(story_bytes)} bytes")
     print()
     print("Creating ZUI and ZMachine instance...")
+    if args.debug:
+        print("Debug mode: ENABLED")
 
     ui = create_zui()
-    zmachine = ZMachine(story_bytes, ui, debugmode=False)
+    zmachine = ZMachine(story_bytes, ui, debugmode=args.debug)
 
     print("Starting interpreter...")
     print("(Press Ctrl+C to exit)")