Sam Barlow and his studio Half Mermaid have revealed new details about their upcoming FMV horror game, "Project C," now officially titled Precognition. The game, which centers on a woman who experiences visions of her future, originated from an idea Barlow had for a full-motion video Metroid game. This surprising genesis was shared at the inaugural Kinetic Publishing showcase.
Precognition is described as a sci-fi horror thriller. Players will embody Diana, a woman who has received a brain implant that grants her premonitions of her own future. These visions are organized as "memories" of events she has yet to live. By focusing on and committing a specific future moment to memory, Diana can alter the course of events.
Fans of Barlow's previous work, including Immortality, Her Story, and Telling Lies, can expect a non-linear experience with a strong emphasis on player agency. The game is also anticipated to feature a "notebook" mechanic, encouraging players to meticulously document clues to unravel the narrative. Adding to the project's pedigree, Canadian director and writer Brandon Cronenberg, known for Antiviral and Possessor, has joined as a writer for Precognition.
During a Q&A session, Barlow elaborated on the unexpected origins of Precognition. He stated that the initial concept stemmed from daydreaming about an FMV Metroid game, a passion he has openly shared. Barlow noted that elements in Her Story were inspired by Metroid Prime's visor reflections, which he felt enhanced immersion by acknowledging the player's role. While he toyed with the idea of an FMV Metroid game and even mentioned it to Nintendo, it never fully materialized. The concept for Precognition eventually coalesced when Barlow realized a dark twist inherent in the story provided the necessary structure and thematic coherence for a full game experience. This twist, however, proved too dark for Nintendo's family-friendly mascot characters, ultimately sparking the development of Precognition.
Precognition is slated for release in spring 2028 for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch 2. This title is distinct from Half Mermaid's other announced project, "Project D," details of which remain unrevealed.