Precognition: A New Sci-Fi Horror Game by Sam Barlow

Renowned developer Sam Barlow, known for Immortality and Her Story, has unveiled his latest project, Precognition. This new sci-fi horror game is currently in development at Half Mermaid Productions and features writing from Brandon Cronenberg, director of Antiviral and Infinity Pool. While Brandon may not be David Cronenberg, having any member of the Cronenberg family in your credits is undoubtedly a win. When was the last time you worked on a project with a Cronenberg?

Precognition introduces players to a gripping storyline centered around a woman with brain implants who possesses the ability to choose between visions, ultimately shaping a range of potential dark futures. Originally conceived as an idea for a Metroid game, Precognition has evolved into a unique and intriguing experience. Watch the trailer to get a glimpse of what’s to come.

During a recent roundtable Q&A session with Barlow, organized by Kinetic, the creators of Phasmophobia, he shed light on the mechanics of Precognition. Similar to Immortality, the game allows players to piece together their own narrative by jumping between clips and connecting plot points. However, in Precognition, these clips are visions that offer a glimpse into potential futures.

The protagonist, Diana, is a prodigious child with a photographic memory who becomes part of a brainchip experiment in the 1990s. This experiment, initially aimed at enhancing memory function, unexpectedly leads to patients receiving ‘memories from the future’. Diana’s unique ability to retain these memories sets her apart, enabling her to influence timelines by choosing which memories to preserve. Barlow draws a parallel between Diana’s experience and the film Memento, where the protagonist uses Polaroids to retain his past.

Barlow’s vision for Precognition revolves around exploring a near-future setting that delves into the darker aspects of science fiction horror. The game’s narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a 90s sci-fi horror aesthetic, drawing inspiration from films like Strange Days and embracing a gritty, neo-noir atmosphere.

Precognition is a complex project that aims to offer players a multitude of potential futures and timelines to explore. Despite initially being conceived as a “cooldown project”, the game quickly evolved into a substantial and ambitious undertaking. Barlow likens the player’s experience in Precognition to the unrestricted exploration found in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, where each direction leads to unique discoveries and events.

Drawing inspiration from the Metroid franchise, Barlow reveals that the early concept for Precognition involved imagining an FMV (Full Motion Video) Metroid game. While this idea didn’t come to fruition, the final story structure of Precognition delves into darker themes that surpass the boundaries of traditional gaming narratives.

The collaborative efforts of Barlow and Cronenberg shine through in Precognition, with the latter contributing to the game’s writing and infusing it with a unique perspective on horror storytelling. Cronenberg’s focus on individual character perspectives aligns seamlessly with the game’s thematic elements.

Set for release in spring 2028, Precognition promises an immersive and thought-provoking gaming experience. While the future quality of the game remains uncertain, early insights suggest a compelling narrative that explores themes of art, storytelling, and existentialism. For a deeper dive into Barlow’s previous work, check out Alice Bell’s review of Immortality for an in-depth analysis of his storytelling prowess.