Flower is surreal, euphoric, and the best showpiece for PSN
How would one define a video game? Is it simply an interactive experience using images on a screen? Or is something not considered a video game unless it contains an element of skill or progression? While there may be differing views on the matter, one thing is certain: video games are more diverse in this generation more than ever before. For an ideal example, look at Flower, the latest downloadable game for the Playstation 3.
Flower is an exceptional title for many reasons. Prior to its release, it became a heavily anticipated title for both casual and hardcore gamers. There are very few games that can captivate distinctly different audiences, but Flower managed to do so with its unique yet extremely accessible gameplay.
In Flower, you control the wind using the motion sensitivity of the PS3 controller. The structure of the game has you guiding a sole flower petal around a large open garden making other flowers bloom along the way. As you make the flowers bloom, more and more petals are added to your trail, forming a visually stunning view of nature in all its purity. However, that structure isn’t the true goal of the game. The overall goal is to escape from your daily life and relax.
There are no penalties whatsoever in Flower. You can control the wind as fast as you want using any button on the controller, and you can send the petal trail in any direction using subtle wrist movements. The motion controls work flawlessly in conjunction with the wind controls, allowing you to play the game however you wish. You might be the type to soar through the grass at top speed, or maybe you prefer to perform a gradual build up before triumphantly sending your trail to the skies. The game is literally whatever you make it out to be.
The story of the game is also incredibly captivating in its simplicity. There is no narration or voice over to speak of. The game starts off by showing you a lonely flower pot sitting on the table of an empty apartment. As ambient street noises fill the room, you begin your journey into the flower’s world. After stepping into the garden, the anti-modernization message becomes apparent and soon the journey becomes quite emotional. Don’t be surprised if you become a little depressed when the street sirens of reality return upon completion of each garden.
By far, the shining stars of the game are its graphics and sound design. Each blade of grass is meticulously crafted and the wide array of color on display is truly awe inspiring. The sound is absolutely immaculate and it’s probably the stand out element of what makes Flower fun. Gentle orchestral music perfectly fits each garden and the sound of wind rushing by is incredibly authentic. Also, each flower that blooms creates a different musical cue, which also ties into the player created experience as you’ll find yourself almost creating your own musical compositions.
Flower isn’t for everyone. If you’re the kind who needs some kind of challenge in your video games, it won’t be as easy to immerse yourself in a game that denounces challenge and stress of any kind. The game is also incredibly short. It only takes a couple of hours to see every garden, but there is added replay value in the form of collectible secret trophies. However, if you want a perfect experience to escape from the burden of reality, Flower is a must buy.
