Review of flOw [Online Game Code - Full Game]

flOw is a video game developed by thatgamecompany, who has previously developed Cloud for the PC and has since developed Flower for the PS3. They are known for their attempts in bringing emotion to gaming in a movement for making video games appear as a form of art. Like their other titles, flOw takes a simple concept, but performs it exceptionally well.

flOw started as game designer Jenova Chen's MFA thesis in applying Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's flow theory to video games in making sure that the challenge is not greater than the abilities provided, and vice-versa. Depending on how you play, the difficulty will change.

The game takes place underwater. You are an organism that swims around and eats other creatures--some are tiny, and some are much larger than you. The more that you eat, the larger you become. You progress through the game by going down the various levels. It seems that, whether you eat nothing or everything, you will still be able to progress at your own pace, creating your own gaming experience (though the larger creatures won't let you pass easily). If other creatures eat away your health, you will not perish, but you will be transported to the previous level with the chance to regain your stamina by eating more so that you can go down and continue attacking. This gives a sense of accomplishment without making failure feel harsh enough to get discouraged, creating a relaxed environment. After you reach the bottom level, you will advance to a similar world using a different type of organism, and this continues for another few types.

The game can be calm and relaxing or it can be fast-paced and active, but since the only way to move is through SIXAXIS motion control (and the only other control is to push any button to move faster), it's easier to control with a slower approach, which is what I believe is intended here. The game is a remake of a Flash game, which can be played for free on thatgamecompany's website. If you're not sure if the nature of the game is for you, I recommend playing that first, but remember that the visuals and the soundtrack have been vastly improved in the HD remake for the PS3. So beautiful that it could almost be classified as interactive art, flOw will make a very welcome addition to your PlayStation Network library.



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