Best Interactivefiction Podcasts (2025)

1
Adventureland 1:17:04

Play Pause

10M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

How long does it take to load a saved game of Adventureland on the TRS-80? A little over a year, apparently. Kay and Carrington are back and ready to tackle tricky text adventures once again. It's a Christmas disaster! I mean, a Christmas miracle! Maybe a bit of both. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Fro…

1
Fifi's Big Adventure 1:23:49

2y ago1:23:49

1:23:49

Kay has created a 50,000 word choose your own adventure novel for NaNoGenMo, and Carrington has nothing in his home to sit on. One of the hosts has their life much more together than the other, but who's to say which one. Okay, it's Kay. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and m…

1
Violet 1:01:37

2y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Procrastination is the name of the game when Kay and Carrington play Violet. Okay, technically Violet is the name of the game when Kay and Carrington play Violet, but you know what I mean. Note to self: write a better summary for this podcast episode. I'm sure I'll get around to it before we record. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tu…

1
Counterfeit Monkey 1:10:11

2y ago1:10:11

1:10:11

The Grue Gang tackles one of modern IF's most intricate and interesting games, in which letters can be added or deleted from words at any time and anything can be rearranged. Grue can become gruel, games can become gams, and podcasters can become really cool dudes (okay, that one is hypothetical). Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune…

1
Creatures Such As We and Memories of Infocom 1:24:10

2+ y ago1:24:10

1:24:10

It's time to dim the lights and break out the legally binding waivers, as Kay and Carrington get busy with an interactive fiction dating sim. They'll also get down to some music inspired by Infocom games. Remember when they used to just play Zork? This podcast just keeps getting weirder. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is P…

1
Dorm: Adventure at the 8-Bit Assembly 1:36:24

2+ y ago1:36:24

1:36:24

The Grue Crew discuss Carrington's own new text adventure game which he foisted upon an unsuspecting Kay. This is a deep dive into the creation of both the game and Feelies. Can the podcast, and more the point Carrington's ego, survive such a review? As the game itself says, what's the worst that can happen? Only one way to find out. Hosts: Kay Sav…

1
Hadean Lands, Bee redux, and Leviathan 1:04:51

3y ago1:04:51

1:04:51

What do you get when you mix difficult puzzles with intricate storytelling? A pair of defeated gamers, that's what. Kay and Carrington throw in the towel and admit they were bested by Andrew Plotkin's Hadean Lands. Then they replay Emily Short's recently remastered Bee, and tackle Jason Shiga's twisted tale of tentacles and truth. Bonus: Kay may or…

1
Everybody Dies and Bee 1:03:07

3+ y ago1:03:07

1:03:07

The guys from Grue tackle another pair of modern Interactive Fiction games, or at least try to. First up is Everybody Dies, by Jim Munroe, in which ... well, everybody dies. Until they don't. And maybe there are ghosts. Next is Bee, by Emily Short, about going to a spelling bee. Except the only version of the game available doesn't include the spel…

1
Their Angelical Understanding, and 16 Ways to Kill a Vampire at McDonalds 1:11:45

3+ y ago1:11:45

1:11:45

Kay and Carrington get a double dose of IF when they play and discuss Twine games for the first time. First up is Their Angelical Understanding, by Porpentine, which comes with both music and warnings. Next is 16 Ways to Kill a Vampire at McDonalds, by Abigail Corfman, a game about french fries and undeath. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston …

1
The Secret of Monkey Island 1:41:38

3+ y ago1:41:38

1:41:38

It's time for pointin' and clicking' and piratin', oh my, as Kay and Carrington play one of LucasFilm's famously funny forays into adventure gaming. Will they become terrors of the high seas, or be stuffed into Davy Jones' locker? All we know for sure is, there will be grog. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by…

1
The Meteor, the Stone and a Long Glass of Sherbet 1:25:11

3+ y ago1:25:11

1:25:11

The Grue Crew delves into a world of noisy elephants and silent Rs, as they discuss Graham Nelson's game The Meteor, The Stone and a Long Glass of Sherbet. Just when they think they're out, Zork pulls them back in. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten B…

1
A Change in the Weather and Uncle Zebulon's Will 1:23:58

3+ y ago1:23:58

1:23:58

Kay and Carrington leave behind the world of Infocom and venture into the future! (By which we mean the 1990s.) In this episode they tackle the two winners of the First Annual IF Competition: A Change in the Weather by Andrew Plotkin, and Uncle Zebulon's Will by Magnus Olsson. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" …

1
Zork Zero: The Revenge of Megaboz 1:42:42

3+ y ago1:42:42

1:42:42

It's another game with a colon in the title, as Kay and Carrington tackle the ninth game in the increasingly inaccurately named Zork Trilogy. This one wraps up the entire Zork series, and (maybe) (kinda) explains everything. It all started long ago west of a white house, but how will it end? And what comes next? Eaten By A Grue: Zork Zero: The Reve…

1
Journey: The Quest Begins 1:24:37

4+ y ago1:24:37

1:24:37

Kay and Carrington take a midnight train going anywhere into a land of magic, but too few resources to play it any way they want it (that's the way they need it). Will the Grue Crew and this game go their separate ways, or will they embrace this capital-J Journey with open arms? Journey: The Quest Begins Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston The…

1
Eaten By A Cruise 53:23

4+ y ago53:23

53:23

Kay and Carrington set sail on the virtual high seas to give a talk at this year's JoCo Cruise, an annual oceangoing event for technophiles, tabletop gamers, and creative-minded people. In other words, a bunch of nerds. It's the perfect venue to discuss all things Infocom. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by M…

1
Arthur: The Quest for Excalibur 1:46:27

4+ y ago1:46:27

1:46:27

Can Kay and Carrington defeat the usurper king and restore peace to a fabled land? And more importantly, can they do it while turning into badgers and turtles and eels, oh my. Some claim there is more to being a knight than just eating ham and jam and Spam a lot. Surely you joust. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Da…

1
James Clavell's Shogun 1:44:35

5y ago1:44:35

1:44:35

You'll need swords, seamanship, political guile, but most of all inline hints to tackle Infocom's ill-conceived first foray into graphical adventures. Kay and Carrington find their patience tested in a game where, ironically, the most frequently used command is 'wait'. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Fr…

1
Take All 2:11:51

5y ago2:11:51

2:11:51

Kay and Carrington take a victory lap after finishing all of the Infocom text-only adventures. Turn on verbose mode and light the brass lantern, it's time to take a look back at what they liked best, and least, from these classic games. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and mo…

1
The Lurking Horror 2:06:12

5y ago2:06:12

2:06:12

A bone chilling blizzard at the window, a reanimated hand on your shoulder, and worst of all a term paper deadline. All the ingredients for a deliciously dreadful day at Boston's creepiest college, where Kay and Carrington delve deep into the tunnels and tombs of The Lurking Horror. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch …

1
Wishbringer 1:48:59

5+ y ago1:48:59

1:48:59

In Wishbringer, a search for a lost cat leads Kay and Carrington into a dark fantasy land where their greatest concern isn't the witches, the eldritch tendrils, or even the grue. It's delivering the mail. Be careful what you wish for. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more…

1
Stationfall 1:44:21

5+ y ago1:44:21

1:44:21

What do you get when you combine a plucky little robot, an abandoned space station, and Cousin Oliver? To find out, complete form JZ-59-G then listen in as Kay and Carrington discuss Stationfall, Infocom's comedy horror space adventure mystery. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes…

1
Scavange! 1:55:41

5+ y ago1:55:41

1:55:41

The Gruesome Twosome take another vacation from Infocom to play a vintage text adventure written by none other than Kay himself back in the 1980s. From creative spellings to Playboy magazines, it's old school meets high school in Scavange. (Quack! Hiss!) Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find li…

1
Planetfall 1:53:45

5+ y ago1:53:45

1:53:45

Kay and Carrington foray into the future to face the mishaps and misspellings of Planetfall, Infocom's rib-tickling romp about a boy and his bot. Star Patrol: it's not just a job, it's an adventure game. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at…

1
Beyond Zork 2:36:36

5+ y ago2:36:36

2:36:36

What does it mean when Kay and Carrington discuss a game full of Christmas Tree Monsters and Cruel Puppets for over two hours, never once using the word "wacky" but often using the word "walkthrough"? It means it's time to load up on long-lasting snacks, and brace yourself for Beyond Zork. Hosts: Kay Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is…

1
A Mind Forever Voyaging 2:01:02

5+ y ago2:01:02

2:01:02

It's turtles all the way down as Kevin and Carrington discuss Infocom's A Mind Forever Voyaging: a computer simulation about a dystopian future in which a computer simulation finds out it is a computer simulation simulating dystopian futures. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes…

1
Suspect 1:11:21

6y ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Will the third sleuthing game from Infocom be the caper that finally steals Kevin's heart? Or will Carrington continue to be the only one who likes bungling through Infocom's burglary games? Find out as the lads tackle Infocom's Suspect. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and…

1
Spellbreaker 1:51:20

6y ago1:51:20

1:51:20

Kevin and Carrington return to discuss the expert-rated final game in the Enchanter trilogy. Are you happy the lads are back, or is that just an eft in your tarn? Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Suspect…

1
Steve Meretzky interview 1:18:09

6+ y ago1:18:09

1:18:09

Jetsetter Kevin flies to the GitHub lair on Skullcrusher Mountain to interview Steve Meretzky about what it was like to make games in the 80s. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Spellbreaker…

1
Catch-a-Butterfly 1:01:51

6+ y ago1:01:51

1:01:51

A butterfly flaps its wings on the other side of the world, and suddenly Kevin and Carrington are discussing an obscure Infocom game that perhaps you've never heard of. Also it happens to be April 1st, but that probably doesn't mean anything. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes…

1
Nord and Bert Couldn't Make Head or Tail of It 1:36:54

6+ y ago1:36:54

1:36:54

Kevin and Carrington throw caution to the wind and spill the beans about Infocom's idiom-riddled game. Does it cut the mustard, or should you give this one the could shoulder? To make a long story short, the devil is in the details. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more…

1
The Witness 1:36:54

7y ago1:36:54

1:36:54

Is playing The Witness a total gasser, or is it a trip for biscuits? Listen in as those hep cats Kevin and Carrington get on the Ameche to bushwa about Infocom's second gumshoe. If you give this rip-snorter the high hat, you're all wet. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and …

1
Leather Goddesses of Phobos 1:53:57

7y ago1:53:57

1:53:57

Kevin and Carrington thrust into outer space (and Cleveland) to solve saucy puzzles and grapple bawdy baddies in Infocom's spicy space farce. Something, possibly this very sentence, tells you things are going to get strange. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episode…

1
Zork III: The Dungeon Master 1:37:28

7y ago1:37:28

1:37:28

Kevin and Carrington delve once again into the dungeons of the Great Underground Empire to complete Infocom's most famous (and famously difficult) trilogy. Can they complete the game without cheating? The answer will not surprise you. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and mo…

1
Infidel 1:56:15

7y ago1:56:15

1:56:15

Brave the baking sun with Kevin and Carrington as they scour the desert for pyramids plunder. And maybe, just maybe, they'll discover the greatest treasure of all: a macro to type the word 'hieroglyphs' for them. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten B…

1
Cutthroats 1:22:11

7y ago1:22:11

1:22:11

Set sail for Hardscrabble Island, where sly divers vie for sunken treasure. Can Kevin and Carrington avoid the dangers of the deep long enough to enjoy the game? Don't hold your breath. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com…

1
Hollywood Hijinx 1:32:23

7y ago1:32:23

1:32:23

Explore a house filled with traps and trophies in Hollywood Hijinx, the zany (or is it kooky?) treasure hunt from Infocom. And if you listen carefully you can hear Kevin's home slide out to sea. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at Monste…

1
Infocom's Non-Interactive Non-Fiction 37:38

7y ago37:38

37:38

Infocom released several non-IF programs, such a series of digital comics, a board game, and even a corporate database. The company is in the black, you are likely to accrue a Grue. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Nex…

1
Rollercoaster 41:52

7y ago41:52

41:52

Kevin resurrects the very first video game that used a laserdisc: a type-in text adventure that ran on the Apple II. First you type in the game, then you type in the game! Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode:…

1
Moonmist 51:14

7+ y ago51:14

51:14

Solve a murder, unmask a ghost, and hunt for treasure in Infocom's multitrack mystery. Can you do what Scooby do? Find out in Moonmist. Viva la diffidence! Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Hollywood Hijin…

1
Bureaucracy 1:41:28

7+ y ago1:41:28

1:41:28

To listen to this episode, fill out form GRU3 using a #2 pencil and send it by postal mail no later than 8AM yesterday. Be sure to submit all forms in triplicate, in person, and in ink. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com…

1
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 1:43:24

7+ y ago1:43:24

1:43:24

Stick out your digital thumb and catch a ride with Kevin, Carrington, and special guest Charles Mangin as they try to answer the great Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything without using InvisiClues. Hosts: Kevin Savetz, Carrington Vanston, and Charles Mangin Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next e…

1
Plundered Hearts 1:39:24

8y ago1:39:24

1:39:24

Set sail on the seven seas where swords clash, bodices rip, and it's not always clear who's rescuing whom. Special guest: Quinn Dunki, pirate queen. Hosts: Kevin Savetz, Carrington Vanston and Quinn Dunki. Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: The Hitc…

1
Sorcerer 1:16:30

8y ago1:16:30

1:16:30

Venture forth with the middle child of Infocom's Enchanter series, where food is unnecessary, sleep is unwelcome, and a glass maze can drive you batty. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Plundered Hearts…

1
Suspended 1:32:49

8y ago1:32:49

1:32:49

Removed from society, frozen in time, and fumbling to interact with the outside world only through remote electronics, Suspended might as well have been called Podcasters. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode:…

1
Zork II 1:23:23

8y ago1:23:23

1:23:23

Delve once more into the underground world of Zork where only things you can count on are your low cunning and your high number of saved games. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Suspended…

1
Fooblitsky 43:51

8+ y ago43:51

43:51

Fooblitzky is a city of secrets where the crosswalks are deadly, a flasher is dropping pianos on people, and the only job is washing dishes. Oh, and everyone is a dog. This is not an April Fool's episode. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue…

1
Starcross 1:14:50

8+ y ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Two podcasters, both alike in indignity, at KansasFest, where unfair puzzles make unfair games unsolvable. In short, this is no Shakespeare and we are not Starcross lovers. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com…

1
Thimbleweed Park 1:09:23

8+ y ago1:09:23

1:09:23

The Gruesome Twosome take a vacation from Infocom to visit Thimbleweed Park, where they solve a murder, discuss free will, and admire de lo res graphics. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Starcross…

1
Sherlock: The Riddle of the Crown Jewels 1:14:03

8+ y ago1:14:03

1:14:03

It's 19th Century London, and Crown Jewels are missing! Solving the mystery will take all the skills of the world's greatest dectective! You are also there. Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Thimbleweed Pa…

1
Enchanter 1:11:06

8+ y ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Enchanter is filled with magic spells, prophetic dreams, and even a talking turtle. Put on your robe and wizard hat, and prepare for adventure. Accio InvisiClues! Hosts: Kevin Savetz and Carrington Vanston Theme tune: "It Is Pitch Dark" by MC Frontalot Find links, notes, and more episodes of Eaten By A Grue at MonsterFeet.com Next episode: Sherlock…