Flower (PSN)
I heard lots of interesting things about Flower last year. Almost everyone agreed that it was a pleasant experience, but not truly a “game”. I can certainly see where they are coming from - there is only one level with something akin to an opposing force (and even there, it’s never truly a threat to the player’s progression). But I think there is actually plenty of game here to make it more than a software toy.
Flower, like software toys, is about the joy of exploration. The player has unlimited ability to move around the environment and partake in the wonderful visual and audio that the game can provide. Unlike a true software toy, however, there is clear guidance for the player if they choose to follow it; as well as a plot (however thin).
Playing Flower was a true joy, and I felt like I had been on a real journey with the flower petals. There was never a challenge, but it was fun from start to finish. In addition, I only found one secret flower from each level - so I know there is a lot more to explore - a task which I’m sure I will happily undertake.
