spatterlight
« Back to VersTracker
Description:
Play most kinds of interactive fiction game files
Type: Cask  |  Latest Version: 1.4.6@0  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Other
Tags: interactive-fiction text-adventure gaming if z-machine
Install: brew install --cask spatterlight
About:
Spatterlight is a versatile macOS application designed to launch and manage interactive fiction games. It automatically detects the underlying game format—such as Z-code, Glulx, TADS, or Hugo—and uses the appropriate interpreter to run the file. This provides a seamless, unified interface for playing a vast library of classic and modern text adventures without needing to manage multiple separate programs.
Key Features:
  • Automatic format detection and launching of interactive fiction files
  • Integrated library management for organizing game collections
  • Support for a wide range of interpreters including Glulxe, Frotz, and Bocfel
  • Modern macOS integration with native UI and sandboxing
Use Cases:
  • Playing classic text adventures from Infocom and other publishers
  • Running modern interactive fiction competition entries
  • Managing and organizing a personal library of IF game files
Alternatives:
  • Gargoyle – Cross-platform alternative; Spatterlight offers a more native and polished macOS experience.
  • Parchment – Web-based interpreter; Spatterlight is a native desktop app for offline play and library management.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 15, 2025 1:04pm 1.4.5 0 VERSION_BUMP 986aedcb
Aug 13, 2024 8:53pm 1.2.5 0 VERSION_BUMP 5d24a6bc
Aug 3, 2024 6:17pm 1.1 0 VERSION_BUMP 6958aea5