Just to get it out of the way, I think it's safe to say that Flower is one of the best games available on PSN and one of the best, most unique experiences you can have on really any console.
(In Flower you control the wind using motion control, guiding petals of flowers through a landscape through grassy landscapes and blooming other flowers along the way.)
Right off the bat, Flower's presentation is simple and elegant. With very little to no text ever on screen, the game provides subtle nudges as to what needs to be done. It feels like some sort of natural instinct is sparked in the players mind. You're never told what to do... you just kind of know.
Now, that may seem cheesy sounding, but let me tell you: I'm not really the artsy-fartsy type. Flower, however, is THE most relaxing, soothing game you could possibly play. I honestly felt... well, good after playing for a few minutes. It's oddly very engrossing, and I found myself sucked into this world. That doesn't mean there's no "game" here. While no actual challenge is ever present, the game never feels unsatisfying. There is a sense of accomplishment as these landscapes become replenished and the trophies will certainly give hardcore players something else to do.
Note to graphics whores: this game is gorgeous from both an artistic and especially technical stand point. The number of individual blades of grass rendered on screen is stunning, with each and every one swaying with or against the wind based on your actions. The colors are also especially vibrant with a nice touch of motion blur adding to the general effect. Some could gripe about bland textures, but frankly that really doesn't matter in a game like this. You are doing your HDTV and PS3 a disservice by not owning Flower.
The music is rich, too, with some very plesant compositions and effects. The game also adds another level of interactivity with notes and chords playing as each flower is bloomed. The ambiance and wind sounds further compliment the presentation.
As far complaints go, Flower is indeed very short and can be "completed" in 2 to 3 hours. But really after finishing the credits, the first thing I wanted to do was play it again, not to mention the suprisingly tricky, thoughtful trophies (one playthrough yielded only 3 trophies for me). I think that's always a testiment to how good a game is: the desire to play again. Other than that I honestly cannot think of any way the game could possibly be improved. It looks fantastic, sounds just as good, and the six axis controls are sublime.
Flower is indeed worth your time and your money.
Special Note: I hear some people whining that there's no demo... Just buy it. Watch the trailers for the game. If the concept is even MILDLY intriguing to you, spend your money. Besides, I don't really think a demo would work well with game like this.
Nelia writes: "Spring is nearly here and to celebrate we've put together a list of some of the best Springtime video games for the upcoming season."
Ten years ago, the delicate indie game Flower was first released on PlayStation 3. Flower broke a lot of molds, turned a lot of heads, and spawned a lot of "is this even a game" soul-searching editorials, but a decade of hindsight shows that it's as much as 2019 game as it was a 2009 game.
First game I bought ‘n’ beat after my daughter was born. Late night, mom asleep. Lil’ girl in one arm while I six-axis’d with the other. Beat it on PS4 again years later on her birthday, just cuz. :)
I can relate. The last of us was the first game I played after my daughter died. At first it was hard but a semi healing experience as the game progressed. Flower is great though very relaxing game
Oh man I’m so sorry. Sincerely.
You know, they say music is the soundtrack of our lives. Goes to show how far games have come that they too can leave these little footprints.
I'm glad it helped you heal. I'm very sorry for your loss. My first born son is only months old and I can't even imagine losing him. Games can be very powerful experiences. Sometimes more powerful than almost any other artistic medium.
Sony still owns the ip though so that would be a big deal if they allowed that. I think they should allow it personally; thatgamecompany has created gem after gem that will be remembered as art pieces. They have made their money off the games and more and should free them to the rest of the cummunity...they would still make money off licensing for the ports anyway.
They are releasing Flower, Flow and Journey on the PC, but honestly the PC is more neutral ground. I agree that putting them on rival consoles would be highly unlikely. It would be great if more gamers could enjoy these awesome games though.
Well, yeah. The same with The Journey and Flow. They don't get old because graphics are stylized and gameplay is quite unique.
It's such a fun and relaxing game. Probably the best use of the sixaxis we got. A friend forced me out of my gaming comfort zone to buy this and Noby Noby Boy, didn't regret it what so ever. Ps3 had a lot of fun silly PSN titles that you really don't see this gen. Still waiting for my Shatter remaster and/or sequel.
I always play this game, every year, on a relaxing, warm spring evening. I also have the soundtrack.
I have a special connection to this game. It really resonated with me and to this day, there doesn't seem to be much reason beyond "Spring has always been my favorite season". Go figure.
This week Tracy Fullerton from @USCG ameLabs and TracyFullerton.com joins Mike (@AssaultSuit), Tiny (@Tiny415) and Aaron (@Ind1fference) to talk about: USCGameLabs, Game Innovation Lab, SAAM Arcade, Walden, Flow, Flower, Journey, What Remains of Edith Finch?, Threes, GameDesignWorkshop.com, TWINE, Unity Store, Jenova Chen, PS3, That Game Company, Saikoucon, Ready Player One, A Quiet Place, Rampage, Movie Pass, Bumblebee, The Happening, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Teen Titans Go to the Movies, Power Rangers, He-man, She-ra, Amazing Interiors, Arcade 1up, Sea of Thieves, Curse of the Moon, Mega Man X Collection, Spyro Collection, Money Puzzle Exchanger, Enter the Gungeon, Cursed Souls, Overcooked! 2, Flat Heroes, Pool Panic, Bomb Chicken, Slam Land, Pixel Ripped 1989, Radio Hammer Station, AirConsole, Shantae half-genie curse, Dead Cells, We Happy Few, Salt and Sanctuary, Sleep Tight and more.
great review..
il get Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars first and then this
Ha ha ha, brilliant title. "Hippies Eat Your Heart Out". LOL =)