CD-ROM Fossil

Initial Release Date: 1987

Developer: Infocom

Publisher: Infocom

Platform: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW, Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, Commodore 64, DOS, Macintosh

Overview:
The Lurking Horror recalls the ghastly visions of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. Author Dave Lebling turns an everyday world into a frightening web of uncertainty. The numerous puzzles will challenge both first time and experienced players. Lebling’s chilling descriptions will leave with images you’ll never forget.

For the first time, you’re more than a passive reader. You talk to the story, typing in full English sentences. And the story talks right back, communication entirely in vividly descriptive prose. What’s more, you can actually shape the story’s course of events through your choice of actions. With hundreds of alternatives at every step, the horror can last weeks and even months. 

Gameplay:
The Lurking Horror is a text-based interactive fiction game. There are no graphics. The game is controlled by typing in accepted sentences and words. While Infocom boasts a diverse dictionary, there is a set combination of words the game will recognize or react to. There are several puzzles that can be difficult without visual aid.