"Leather Goddesses of Phobos" is a text-based interactive fiction game developed and published by Infocom in 1986. It is known for its humorous and risqué themes, set in a science fiction universe where players must thwart the plans of the titular Leather Goddesses, who aim to enslave humanity. The game was written by Steve Meretzky, a prominent Infocom author, and is one of the company's more unconventional titles, blending comedy with adult-oriented content.
The game features a unique "naughtiness level" setting, allowing players to choose between "tame," "suggestive," or "lewd" modes, which adjust the tone and content of the narrative. This feature was innovative for its time, catering to different player preferences. The gameplay involves solving puzzles and exploring a richly detailed world, typical of Infocom's text-adventure style. The Commodore PET version was one of several platforms the game was released on, alongside others like the Apple II, Atari ST, and IBM PC.
Infocom, known for its high-quality text adventures, marketed "Leather Goddesses of Phobos" with a playful, tongue-in-cheek approach, including scratch-and-sniff cards to enhance the sensory experience. The game received positive reviews for its humor, creativity, and clever writing, though its adult themes made it stand out from Infocom's more family-friendly titles like "Zork." It remains a notable entry in the history of interactive fiction.