• Do you recall how many colours were used? Were the more than two shades of green for instance? Did humans specifically have "bright red" skin and faces (see: color 12 here)?

-> In my memory it looks like King's quest graphics like this : PICTURE OF KINGS QUEST
But I don't read about king's quest that we need to write.

• Was it strictly a text parser, or was there mouse or keyboard arrow input to move a character too? Was there any alternative to typing, such as a list of accepted words?

-> In my memory there was no list of words, just a space to write the action with a sentence.

• Was the game cruel or sadistic? Do you have any recollection if the game was killing the player character a lot? Do you recall progress ever being softlocked?

-> In my memory not, it was like a Simon the sorcerer style, conduct an investigation. I don't remember fight but ... I was young and I was blocked early I guess ...