I realize most might just see it as unsettling, but I’ve known someone like AM. Obviously not a giant supercomputer, but with that much hate. With that much blind rage, that everyone around him must suffer for daring to exist. That would happily keep someone alive just to bring them more pain.
As much as I love that story, every time I read it leaves me a little more terrified, looking over my shoulder, waiting until I’m put in my cage because I dared break free, even almost 20 years later.
I actually finally got around to playing it for myself fairly recently! I was actually surprised at just how well they got the discomfort across, it took some genuine talent to bring those scenes to life.
“I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream”.
I realize most might just see it as unsettling, but I’ve known someone like AM. Obviously not a giant supercomputer, but with that much hate. With that much blind rage, that everyone around him must suffer for daring to exist. That would happily keep someone alive just to bring them more pain.
As much as I love that story, every time I read it leaves me a little more terrified, looking over my shoulder, waiting until I’m put in my cage because I dared break free, even almost 20 years later.
Ever play the game? It’s a 90s-era click-adventure, and Harlan Ellison himself plays the voice of AM! (It’s quite good!)
It’s currently available on GOG
I actually finally got around to playing it for myself fairly recently! I was actually surprised at just how well they got the discomfort across, it took some genuine talent to bring those scenes to life.
Ugh, when it got to the sarcophagus/elevator segment, it really made my skin crawl! And the “camp”…
That game was really well done!
I’ve read it this year for the first time. It’s fantastic. So short and so powerful.