### Revealing “Precognition”: The Latest FMV Horror Game from Sam Barlow’s Half Mermaid
At the first Kinetic Publishing showcase today, Sam Barlow, recognized for his groundbreaking storytelling in video games, shared the initial details about his newest venture, previously cloaked in secrecy under the name “Project C.” Now officially titled *Precognition*, this forthcoming FMV (Full Motion Video) horror game explores psychological themes through a distinctive narrative perspective.
#### The Idea of *Precognition*
*Precognition* is a sci-fi horror thriller that focuses on a character named Diana, who has a brain implant enabling her to glimpse her future. Unlike conventional storytelling methods, the game portrays these glimpses as “memories” of occurrences she has yet to live through. As players immerse themselves in Diana’s tale, they encounter the fascinating mechanics of selecting which moments to retain in memory. Such choices not only influence her perceptions but also affect her future—prompting inquiries into fate, free will, and the implications of knowledge.
#### Game Framework and Aesthetics
Although gameplay footage was not shown during the showcase, Barlow emphasized the game’s focus on non-linearity and player involvement—two distinctive features of his earlier works, including *Her Story*, *Telling Lies*, and *Immortality*. Players are expected to explore different narrative paths at their own rhythm, unraveling the story through discovery and interaction. This has led to conjectures that *Precognition* may operate like a “notebook” game, where players consistently jot down notes to decipher the narrative’s complexities.
Aligned with Barlow’s aspirations for immersive storytelling, Canadian filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg, notable for titles like *Antiviral*, *Possessor*, and *Infinity Pool*, has joined the endeavor as a writer, ensuring a distinctive mix of horror and thriller facets within the game.
#### The Backstory of *Precognition*
During a Q&A session, Barlow revealed an unforeseen origin narrative for *Precognition*. Originally imagined as an FMV *Metroid* game—one of his cherished fantasies—he realized the story was too somber to align with the beloved Nintendo franchise. Enunciating his creative approach, Barlow mentioned that ideas frequently remain “on the shelf” until they achieve a degree of clarity that he deems suitable for development. The dark twist that ultimately ignited the evolution of his initial concept into *Precognition* enriched its narrative depth and complexity, enabling the game to evolve a more robust storytelling structure.
Barlow’s enthusiasm for *Metroid* is evident in his earlier projects, where influences have been subtly integrated into gameplay mechanics, such as the immersive atmosphere of *Her Story*. He leverages his appreciation for the franchise while crafting a narrative journey that is markedly different in tone and style.
#### Expected Launch and Prospective Developments
Scheduled for release in spring 2028, *Precognition* will be accessible on various platforms, including PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. It is crucial to clarify that this title should not be confused with another unexplained project, *Project D*, which remains confidential.
As excitement grows for *Precognition*, enthusiasts of Barlow and innovative narrative experiences are keen to witness how this ambitious endeavor progresses. With an engaging premise and a skilled creative team at the helm, *Precognition* is set to challenge players’ understanding of agency and consequence in a narrative-focused format.
