Interactive narrative pioneer Sam Barlow, known for groundbreaking titles such as Her Story and Immortality, invites us into his digital gaming realm. As the director of Half Mermaid and a collaborator with Blumhouse Productions, Barlow's insights offer a fascinating perspective on his preferred digital entertainment. His selections span from the intricate challenge of modern roguelikes to cherished retro classics, showcasing a diverse and discerning palate. Beyond his gaming habits, Barlow also shares a candid look at his notoriously untidy desktop, a surprising contrast to the meticulous narratives he crafts.
Barlow's journey through game development is marked by innovation, from his early work on titles like Silent Hill: Shattered Memories to his celebrated interactive fiction. His creations, which cleverly blend live-action footage with branching storylines, have redefined the detective game genre. Currently, he's immersed in two new projects, yet finds time to delve into his extensive Steam library, offering a rare peek into the mind of a master storyteller.
A Deep Dive into Sam Barlow's Current Gaming Pursuits
Sam Barlow is currently dedicating his limited free time to mastering 868-BACK, a roguelike developed by Michael Brough. He expresses immense admiration for Brough's ability to distill the roguelike genre down to its fundamental elements, refining each mechanic to create a profoundly expansive gameplay experience. Barlow describes Brough's games as a form of “molecular gastronomy of Rogue,” where simplicity and elegance intertwine to form complex challenges. The immense scale and intricate design of 868-BACK demand considerable dedication, pushing Barlow to prove his proficiency in what he considers a twenty-course gaming feast.
Barlow's experience with 868-BACK is characterized by a constant state of vulnerability and high stress, reminiscent of the tension found in Resident Evil 4. Every decision carries the potential for disaster, leading to a gameplay loop that can be emotionally draining. He recounts instances where a promising run can abruptly end, leaving him feeling defeated and in need of a mental reset. The game's unforgiving scoring system, which can dip into significantly negative territory, further amplifies the challenge, creating a powerful incentive for Barlow to hone his skills and conquer its demanding design.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Barlow's Enduring Game Collection
Reflecting on his recent gaming experiences, Sam Barlow fondly recalls playing D: The Game by Warp Interactive, a venture inspired by his exploration of Kenji Eno's work. Despite its age and some antiquated mechanics, Barlow praises the game's exceptional cinematography and immersive atmosphere. He notes that while D's pre-rendered animations can make gameplay feel slow, this deliberate pacing contributes to its unique ambiance. The game's distinct feature of a two-hour, no-save time limit transforms it into a cinematic experience rather than a conventional game. Barlow recounts a personal anecdote where multitasking led to his untimely demise in the final moments, reinforcing his desire to revisit the game with undivided attention.
When it comes to his longest-standing digital possessions, Barlow points to Taito's 1988 maze game, The New Zealand Story, which he always installs on new systems. However, for legally owned digital titles, Interplay's 1989 RPG, Dragon Wars, holds the distinction of being his oldest and most cherished game. He praises Dragon Wars for its unique setting, compelling narrative, and the innovative use of skill checks that offer players creative solutions to in-game challenges. These moments, where players must conceptualize solutions and navigate detailed menus, create a profound sense of accomplishment, a feat difficult to replicate in contemporary, real-time 3D environments. This deep connection to such a foundational CRPG highlights Barlow's appreciation for games that prioritize player agency and atmospheric storytelling.