Lovecraft and a Love of Craft
March 7th, 2008 at 12:00 pm by Ben
One of my favorite works of interactive fiction is Michael Gentry’s Anchorhead. He channels the essential horrors of Lovecraft into a haunting thriller with a very modern resonance.
Others have discussed this decade-old game in greater depth, notably Emily Short in her review. Consensus calls it a classic, though that has not stopped Gentry from planning a Director’s Cut authored in Inform 7.
As I remarked earlier this week, the continued currency of Lovecraft comes from his focus on the diabolical stranger lurking within the dear and familiar. Those who doubt the relevance of this message in modern times have only to look to the Internet. As it revolutionizes communications and community, it offers a harrowing glimpse into the perversions and depravity of our fellow man.
Most of us are quick to turn away.
Anchorhead forces the player to look. You must watch your husband fight his dark nature. You must face him when he loses. And after your utmost efforts to rescue him and save yourself, you must bear witness to your doom.
The window is pink. The test is positive.
From downstairs, you can hear Michael joyfully talking to himself:
“Oh, I hope it’s a little girl,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to have a little
girl.”
You can download Anchorhead here and play it with Gargoyle or Spatterlight.
