Terrible Lizards is a 3D first-person platformer that combines parkour and action/horror elements, with a focus on enjoyable and engaging movement. The game's design philosophy balances fear and fun, with a tight control scheme and precise timing.
The game's movement mechanics are inspired by popular first-person action shooters, with a balance between floatiness and control. The result is a rhythmic game flow that allows players to feel in control and get into a good flow state.
The game takes place in the early 1990s, where players control a college kid on a road trip who stumbles upon a roadside attraction called Dalton's Dinos, where they find something terrible instead. The game is inspired by the indie mascot horror niche and draws from American nostalgia and the cultural fascination with dinosaurs in the 90s.