Originally released on the PC back in 1995, the classic horror game Phantasmagoria from developer and publisher Sierra has now arrived on Steam. The game’s plot follows mystery writer Adrienne Delaney as she and her husband move into a creepy country mansion where an evil presence dwells.

Phantasmagoria was notable for going well over budget and venturing into the equivalent of AAA territory of its day. Live-action footage was filmed for the game in a specially constructed $1.5 million studio, with Hollywood FX house The Character Shop working on gore designs and an orchestra of over 135 people contributed to the soundtrack. This raised its budget from a planned $800,000 to a huge $4.5 million. Thankfully for Sierra, this all paid off as Phantasmagoria became an instant hit, selling over 300,000 copies in its first weekend of release, which equaled a gross of over $12 million. It would go on to sell over 1 million copies.

At the time of its release, Phantasmagoria was also the subject of controversy because of its explicit violent and sexual content and was even banned in Australia. At least they can now experience it on Steam.

Synopsis:

I feel its presence, the icy fingers upon my throat.

I hear its eerie sounds, unsettling my every thought.

I try in vain to slumber, my reveries gripped by violent terror.

My only salvation, the shock of awakening.

Something is very, very wrong here.

Master storyteller Roberta Williams challenges you to experience the ultimate interactive nightmare.

A thrilling storyline designed by a professional writer.

One of the first games utilizing full-motion video technology.

See for yourself what caused so much controversy around this game!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW_d04W8QWY]