In a recent exploration of the digital lives of gaming’s creative minds, we delve into the world of Sam Barlow, the director of Half Mermaid and a notable figure in interactive fiction. Barlow’s journey began with the innovative one-move choose-your-own-adventure game, Arrival, and he has since made significant contributions to the industry with titles such as Ghost Rider and Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. However, it was his groundbreaking 2015 release, Her Story, that truly redefined the detective game genre by seamlessly blending full-motion video with an intricate branching narrative.
Following the success of Her Story, Barlow continued to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling with his subsequent projects, Telling Lies in 2019 and Immortality in 2021, both of which further integrated live-action footage into the gaming experience.
What was the previous game you played, and is it still installed?
Barlow recently shared his enthusiasm for Warp Interactive’s D: The Game, a title he revisited after diving into a Kenji Eno rabbit hole sparked by a viral interview with Miyamoto. Despite its creaky design, Barlow appreciates the game’s unique cinematography and atmosphere. He finds the time-limited gameplay intriguing, as it encourages players to engage with it like a film rather than a traditional game. However, multitasking during his last playthrough led to an untimely demise just before completion, prompting him to plan a focused replay.
Reflecting on his gaming history, Barlow fondly recalls The New Zealand Story as one of his all-time favorites, alongside Dragon Wars from Interplay, which he insists he will always reinstall on new machines. This classic CRPG, helmed by the legendary Rebecca Heineman, holds a special place in his heart for its unique setting and intricate gameplay mechanics that reward creative thinking.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
When it comes to time investment, Barlow has dedicated over 500 hours to Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island. He regards it as perhaps the greatest roguelike ever created, praising its depth and the sense of limitless possibilities it offers. The game’s blend of Japanese mythology with lush landscapes provides a refreshing alternative to conventional fantasy tropes. Despite his struggles with the most challenging dungeons, Barlow finds joy in the continuous discovery of new strategies and layers within the game.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
While Barlow has already mentioned Shiren the Wanderer, he also treasures Riven as a piece of art that he keeps installed at all times. The original version, with its atmospheric visuals and immersive sound design, captivates him like no other. He often revisits the game, meticulously mapping out its puzzles and exploring its beautifully crafted world, solidifying its status as one of gaming’s true masterpieces.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
On the non-gaming front, Barlow expresses his admiration for Fade In, a screenwriting software that has become indispensable for his work. Unlike other industry-standard programs that are often cumbersome and costly, Fade In offers a streamlined experience with fewer crashes and more features. Its compatibility with various file formats allows for seamless integration into the workflow at Half Mermaid, enabling Barlow and his team to focus on creativity without getting bogged down by technical issues.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
When it comes to organization, Barlow admits to a chaotic desktop environment. He has developed a habit of saving everything to his desktop, resulting in a cluttered array of documents and screenshots. While he rarely looks at it, the occasional surprise of revealing the desktop brings a moment of shock, reminiscent of a chaotic scene from a classic game.
