Reviewer: Christopher J. Stone, Woodstock, GA, USA
Flower is a surprise hit with critical praise and bestselling status. The developer, thatgamecompany, aims to show emotion in the games they create, giving the player satisfaction on a different level than most mainstream games. Its simplistic controls--SIXAXIS motion control to move and any button to move faster--let you focus more on the astounding graphics and soundtrack and less on worrying about specific techniques. The game is made to let you relax and is a very nice departure from most other video games.
In the game, you are the wind. As the breeze flies throughout the beautiful blades of grass, you pick up single petals from flowers that you fly over until, eventually, you have hundreds of flower petals following you. The first few levels introduce you to simple puzzles involving exploration and collections of certain petals, but the last few levels reveal the plot in which you bring organic energy to a dismal, lifeless urban environment.
The game is rather short, especially if you just go through the levels quickly, but the game is meant to be played slowly so you can take in the entire experience. It is very visually stunning and must be seen on an HDTV to truly enjoy the animation of each blade of grass. Replay value comes in the form of trophies with certain goals, which include finishing levels with certain criteria and finding all "secret" flowers throughout all levels. I must admit that, after getting 100% of the trophies, it's not a game I play too often, but it is very nice to play through when I need a break.
This game is a great example of interactive art and I think it could actually prove to be a landmark game in the movement for emotion in gaming. Many people still say that video games can never be art, but if thatgamecompany has anything to say about it, there will be some changed minds in the future.
Hypnotically soothing
Review Date: October 9, 2009
Reviewer: M.T. Chiswell, Portland, OR
After waffling over which console to get, (360 or PS3), "Flower" was one of the games that offered a compelling argument beyond the technological differences between the two: Independent game. "Flower" brings an incredibly novel approach to gaming and put the "must race here to kill this or get that" to bed for a minute to allow you to soar across this valley as a swirl of petals with nothing to do but relax and enjoy the view.
It was my first PS3 game purchase and I love it.
AMAZING!
Review Date: October 7, 2009
Reviewer: Kenneth Fegley,
This game quite simply has to be played through to be understood. This isn't a game for high scores, or objectives, or life and death or anything else in games that is used to add tension. This is a game to relax with and just get lost in. The designers describe it as an interactive poem and I must say they hit their mark. The game isn't more than 5 hours long but you can't really fault anything about it. Just know what you're in for, and enjoy the ride
Simple Gameplay Controls - Controlling the game is as simple as tilting the SIXAXIS wireless controller in the direction you want to go.
Lush and Interactive Environments - Vast grassy fields, blowing in the breeze, create a lush, immersive environment not possible on any other platform.
Immersive and Emotional - Accessible to gamers and non-gamers alike, the game takes players on an incredibly personal and emotional experience.
If You Wanted Evidence of Video Games as Art