Guest Review: Flower (PS3)

Guest Review: Flower (PS3)

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Contributed Review by: Evan Zinser

Thatgamecompany puts the “petal” to the metal with their newest PSN exclusive title, Flower.   Be prepared to be blown away¦. far away.  Flower proves that there is still innovation to be found in the video game universe.

So, how do we feel about one of the most ambitious games released this generation?  Read on for the full Review!

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In this game you are the wind and you control it using the six-axis motion control on the PS3 controller.  Your sole objective is to navigate your flower petals into more flowers to gain more petals.  In doing this you unlock the way to the end of the level.  Initially in each level you start with one single petal and as you collect more petals your flower trail grows longer.  There are six levels to play through with each adding different elements that keep the game interesting.  The gameplay is simple, yet very entertaining.

The story is almost non-existent in this game.  Basically, this would be how flowers dream or how they would see life if they had human senses.  You start off in the lush green plains and slowly make your way to the dreadful city.  Each level starts off with a plain moving picture cut-scene.  Frankly, the cut scenes didn’t add anything to the game for me.

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This game is one of the most gorgeous downloadable title to date.  All six levels are simply breathtaking, with possibly the best physics in a downloadable title.  The grass, flowers, flower petals, wind, and the other nature models are all beautifully rendered with fantastic animations.  The music and effects of the game fit the exact dream scape mood thatgamecompany was trying to set.

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The only gripe I have with Flower is that it can be completed in about three hours, which is if you are taking your time.  For ten dollars I had hoped for a more lengthy experience.  It’s not really the type of game that you will want to play more than a couple of times. Luckily there are trophies to keep you playing just a little bit longer.

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Flower is not for everyone.  Personally, it’s one of the most relaxing and peaceful games I have ever experienced.  It has the best graphics for a download game coupled along with some very melodious tracks and effects.  It’s not everyday that I get to play an innovative game like this and it was a welcome change.  It’s truly a shame that the experience was so short, keeping it from being near perfect.

Developer: ThatGameCompany
Game Console: Sony Playstation 3
Released: February 2009