Flower, released in 2009 on the Playstation Network, is a video game unlike any other. I was a little skeptical at first because I wasn't quite sure about its concept and how it plays out gameplay wise. Flower is the Playstation equivalent of what Microsoft's Xbox 360 titles Indie Games - created by an independent company called Thatgamecompany, Flower was originally designed to evoke positive emotions in the player.
Flower is divvied up into about six levels with a bonus level at the end; these levels are represented by potted flowers in a windowsill in an urban city. By selecting each flower, you're taken to the "dream" of that flower. The game is very simple - with the motion sensor in the Playstation controller, you control the wind, blowing flower petals in a semi-beautiful environment and guide the petals through the lands, gliding through other flowers as you pass, and eventually beautifying an area of the environment. Once you finish all areas in an environment, you move onto another. When I say beautify, I mean bring colour and life to - the untouched environment is seemingly drab and average, until you evoke the life of the foliage around you and bring positive energy into the environment.
It's a beautiful and peaceful change of pace from the action/adventure, racing, and first person shooter games I usually play. It's a very calm and relaxing gaming experience. The music is all instrumental and very light and airy as well as the overall theme of the game. Flower truly does arouse feelings of positivity in the player, and Thatgamecompany definitely knows what they're doing when it comes to making video games that break away from the status quo and I truly hope to see more games from them in the future.
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.
Very unique game