# Horror in the Darkness — Text Based Game

> Text-based horror adventure game with exploration and puzzle solving. (iPhone/iPad app by Craig Kadziolka.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/horror-in-the-darkness/id1247099550 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Craig Kadziolka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1640438980)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Adventure, Puzzle
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 255 App Store ratings · 75 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 10.0 · 26 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-06-23
- Data updated: 2026-08-08
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/horror-in-the-darkness/id1247099550/reviews.md

## What is Horror in the Darkness?

Horror in the Darkness is an exploration and puzzle solving adventure game inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, where players explore and investigate, putting together clues and solve puzzles to uncover the secrets of Wentsire Manor. It is a mobile phone adaption of the classic text-based adventure genre, similar to the point-and-click classics. The game combines a bleak environment and an sense of underlying dread with moments of comedy to keep you entertained. 

Fresh back from the horrors of World War 2, our protagonist was working as a private investigator. Not hugely successful, but it paid the bills. Mostly. But when the widow of his old friend needed his help nothing could have prepared him for the bizarre and uncanny events that were about to unfold.

## Key features

- Text-based adventure gameplay
- Exploration and investigation
- Puzzle solving
- Lovecraftian horror themes
- Blend of dread and comedy

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Upgrade | $0.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Horror in the Darkness?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🎮 Engaging Lovecraftian horror atmosphere
- 💰 Free-to-play with optional affordable premium
- 🧩 Challenging and logical puzzles
- 📖 Well-written narrative and storytelling
- 🎵 Immersive music and sound design
- 🗺️ Helpful map navigation system
- 🚫 No ads or intrusive monetization
- 🧠 Thought-provoking gameplay mechanics
- 📱 Nostalgic text-adventure experience
- 🎯 Good difficulty balance and pacing
- ✨ Minimalist design with strong immersion
- 🔍 Logical puzzle progression

**Cons**

- ⏱️ Game is too short
- 🤔 Confusing puzzle solutions at times
- 🗺️ Navigation directions unclear (N/S/E/W)
- ❓ Vague item usage and purposes
- 📝 Minor spelling and grammar errors
- 🎬 Rushed or incomplete ending
- 🧩 Some puzzles lack clarity
- 🔑 Hidden items difficult to find
- 📚 Limited story explanation and lore

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes when purchasing premium upgrade
- Game loses progress after upgrade purchase
- Accessibility issues with VoiceOver for visually impaired
- Inconsistent item variations (silver key vs toy magnet)
- Map doesn't show all adjoining rooms clearly

**Most requested features**

- Longer game with more chapters
- Marker system to track checked locations
- Better hints for puzzle solutions
- More detailed story explanation and closure
- Dialogue choices with different outcomes
- More flavor text and atmosphere building
- iOS-specific game releases
- Accessibility improvements for visually impaired users
- Clearer directional navigation system

## Recent user reviews (10 of 75)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/horror-in-the-darkness/id1247099550/reviews.md

### 5/5 — A good eldritch horror game

*2026-03-06, version 1.4*

I’ve spent far too much time playing this. The player has to genuinely think through the situation in a realistic way. This game is also free with no ads, which is high praise in a modern gaming industry.

### 5/5 — Fun game, challenging

*2025-12-19, version 1.4*

I enjoyed this game but the puzzles can be maddening at times. Thankfully, I finally finished it. I played the second one first not knowing it was a series. So, onto the third game!

### 5/5 — Only problem

*2025-10-02, version 1.4*

Loved this game honestly amazing expected it to be longer though after all i did pay what could be done though to improve is allow the player to find markers so he can mark places of importance or ones hes already checked to help organize and not get overwhelmed also wish it was longer or more chapters otherwise it ok to buy the upgrade its cheap but still its short

### 5/5 — So fun

*2025-05-21, version 1.4*

It’s really fun and spooky! I screen share and play together with my partner

### 5/5 — Love the game

*2025-03-01, version 1.4*

In this game I love the fact that you can play through the whole base game without having to make any payments usually games of this quality require you to make money transactions also the premium content is cheap for some good fun honestly I don’t leave a lot of game reviews but this was worth it good game

### 5/5 — Perfect and a wonderful experience

*2025-01-28, version 1.4*

This game is not given enough credit

### 5/5 — Nice Adventure

*2025-01-17, version 1.4*

Very nice old school text based adventure game. Not easy at the beginning, but was great to play.

### 5/5 — One of the best text-based stories

*2025-01-15, version 1.4*

I don’t write reviews and I’m mai Lu doing this because I’m bored but this games I actually really good. I’m a bit slow so I had to use hints but this games was really fun overall :) The story is really good and the gameplay was fun 🙏

### 5/5 — Great game and inspiring

*2024-12-08, version 1.4*

I really enjoyed this game and reminds me so much of Zork, the lovecraftian storytelling is riveting. I was playing this and didn’t notice the time fly by. Being a game developer myself , I have a plan for my own horror game and this is very inspiring on that front. I liked this so much that I downloaded the whole series.

### 5/5 — Dude!!!

*2024-06-15, version 1.4*

This game was awesome! Love these type of games. Really makes you think with the ability to open, push, pull, use everything. Etc. it really gets your mind going! Please make more of these. Great story. Super addicting. Loved it!

## Frequently asked questions about Horror in the Darkness

### What kind of game is Horror in the Darkness?

Horror in the Darkness is a text-based adventure game. It focuses on exploration, puzzle solving, and uncovering secrets within a narrative inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's works. The gameplay is similar to classic point-and-click adventures but presented through text.

### What are the main features of this game?

Key features include engaging in text-based exploration and investigation, solving intricate puzzles to progress, experiencing a story steeped in Lovecraftian horror with elements of dark humor, and uncovering the mysteries of Wentsire Manor.

### Is Horror in the Darkness free to play?

The application is free to download and play, but it does offer in-app purchases. These purchases may enhance the gameplay experience or provide additional content, though the core adventure is accessible without them.

### What is the story about?

The game follows a private investigator returning from World War 2 who takes on a case for the widow of an old friend. This investigation leads him to Wentsire Manor, where he encounters bizarre and uncanny events, unraveling dark secrets.

### Who is this game designed for?

This game is designed for players who appreciate narrative-driven experiences, enjoy solving puzzles, and are fans of horror, mystery, and the classic text-based adventure genre. It appeals to those who like atmospheric games with a touch of the uncanny.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.4 — 2021-03-14

Fixes intermittent crashing during the upgrade process.

### 1.3 — 2020-06-18

Updated to latest iOS SDK

### 1.2 — 2018-07-14

Additional content for premium upgrade purchasers.

### 1.1 — 2017-10-02

Fixed a crash in the hints system.

### 1.0 — 2017-06-23

No release notes.

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## More apps by Craig Kadziolka

- [Horror at Innsport](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/horror-at-innsport/id1252870201)
- [Horror in the Pacific](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/horror-in-the-pacific/id1253765337)
- [Madness at Hobbsgate](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/madness-at-hobbsgate/id1292863671)

All apps by Craig Kadziolka: https://appshunter.io/developer/1640438980

## Related topics

[lovecraft](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/lovecraft)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-08.*