A Beautiful View!
Ever since it was announced, people have been buzzing about Flower. As the latest project from experimental game developer Thatgamecompany, (the same people who brought you Flow and Everyday Shooter) the expectations for Flower were understandably high. But, whether or not you find this game to be worthy of the hype depends upon what you expect from a game.
To say that Flower is not your traditional game would be a huge understatement. There is no scoring mechanism, storyline, or characters. You play as the breeze, beginning each level with a single flower petal. Using the wind, you can steer this flower petal into other flowers, which can be “activated” when they come in contact with your breeze. Each flower you touch will yield another petal to your ever-growing stream of flower petals, until you find yourself in command of a large trail of flower petals.
Although you can roam freely in each level, there is a structure in place that allows you to progress through the game. As you touch different flowers, different areas of the land that were tainted by dull, graying colors will transform into vivacious landscapes filled with luminous color. Once these areas have been restored, new areas within the landscape will open up, until finally you reach a swirling wind, which indicates the end of the level.
The control in Flower is ridiculously simple, which fits in nicely with it’s overall motif. The game uses the PS3’s motion controls exclusively, and you play by tilting the controller to control the direction of the wind. The only button you will use is the X button, which acts as an accelerator to speed up your journey. The simplicity of the controls really helps immerse you in the overall experience of the game, because there is no learning curve – playing is as simple as picking up the controller and tilting.
Although the gameplay in Flower is undoubtedly fun (not to mention relaxing), I was a little disappointed with how short the game was. With only seven levels, it is easy to run through the entire game in less than two hours. It would have been nice if there were some extra modes like a time trial or scavenger-hunt to boost Flower’s replay value. I know that this may seem counter to the relaxing facet of the game, but as it is, after going through the levels once, there just doesn’t seem like there is a lot to go back for. Additional modes might have given Flower a little bit more staying power.
However, even though the actual “gameplay” parts of Flower may leave some wanting more, there are two areas of Flower that are undeniably excellent: the visuals and the music. The graphics in Flower are absolutely beautiful and will definitely leave you awestruck. When you begin the first level, you will be greeted with a beautiful vista, filled with lush green grasses and a brilliantly blue sky. The sun exudes warmth, and the smooth animation of the hundreds of blades of grass has an unexpected zen-like effect – and that’s just the first level. Progressive levels take advantage of different thematic color schemes (like wild blue and purple grass against a setting sun) and really take this game’s look to a while new level.
I was especially impressed with the different lighting effects used in Flower. Although there has been much dialogue about the significance (or lack thereof) of lighting effects in the current generation, Flower does a great job of using dramatic lighting to convey the different moods of every level. For instance, during the aforementioned level, which occurs at sunset, there are very long shadows, and the colors are very rich and deep in tone. But, during the first level, which takes place during the early afternoon, there are virtually no shadows, and the colors are very bright. Flower’s ability to capture the different moods and colors through various lighting effects is definitely uncanny and sets this title apart, on a technical level, from anything I’ve ever seen.
But enough about the visuals, let’s talk about the music. As a big fan of game music, I have to say that it takes a lot to impress me. However, the score in Flower, much like the game itself, is simplistic yet beautiful. Each level has unique orchestral melodies that blend tranquil piano with rich cello and other instruments that play very softly in the background. Still, it is not the background music by itself that is so impressive. It is your ability to interact with the music and essentially make your own score that makes this title so impressive.
As you collect different flower petals, a musical note will play. These notes are played on a variety of instruments, from a violin to synthesized vocals, and when they are played in tandem with the background music, they provide a very pleasant counter-melody. The rhythm and flow of this new component to the music is entirely up to you, and it will depend on how fast (or slow) you collect your flower petals. Creating new and interesting music using the flower petals was very engaging, and the soundtrack interaction added yet another level to this deeply immersive game.
Flower is definitely one of the most ambitious games of this generation, and your perception of it will depend on what you want from a game. If you are the type of person that thrives on adventure-based gameplay with plenty of action and things to destroy/shoot/jump on, then Flower may not be for you. But, if you don’t mind taking some time out of your day to enjoy something completely different, with no real goal or objective, then Flower is definitely worth its $10 purchase price. With stunning visuals, a beautiful soundtrack, and relaxing gameplay, this title is one-of-a-kind and, as such, simply can’t be missed!
RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.9 Graphics
The most beautiful downloadable title I’ve ever seen. The different levels are expansive, with moody color schemes and realistic lighting. This game really must be seen to be believed. 4.5 Control
The best use of the Sixaxis controller to date. Steering your flower petals around the different stages is completely effortless. 5.0 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The music is absolutely beautiful, and the varied orchestral sound effects really enhance the entire experience of the game. Turn the sound up all the way for this one! 4.0 Play Value
Unfortunately, the game is rather short (it can be completed in two or three hours). Nevertheless, there is some replay value, and the world of Flower is definitely worth visiting from time to time, if just to enjoy the view. 4.7 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.
Game Features: