"Flower" Review

Rating:


Price: $9.99

The Skinny: A petal frees itself from a flower and goes on a wind-blown adventure to rally fellow flora against the evil, electrified, twisted hunks of metal spoliating terra firma.

The Good: This game is so accessible, even grandma can play it. (And we'd let her, but she always leaves Aspercreme on the controller.) You start off with one flower pot sitting on a table in what looks like a studio apartment. When you complete a level, a new, different type of flower will appear in another pot until you finally have a complete table of colorful flowers overlooking the dreary, smog-filled cityscape. You won't find any video game frivolities like fast-paced action, interesting dialogue, or character development, but there is a compelling plot, advanced by solid gameplay graphics and hand-drawn artwork between levels. We're sure somewhere, Al Gore is smiling. (And boring.)

The Bad: Even for a game that's 10 dollars, there is minimal replay value—comprised mainly by special hidden turquoise flowers that you must collect—and there are only seven levels, which range from three to seven minutes apiece to complete. You'll also have to be in the mood to play this: If you're one to take your eight-hour-workday aggression out with virtual curbstomping and samurai sword stabbing, you might want to hand the controller over to your girlfriend this time.

Maxim Tip: One of the trophies requires you "light a darkened pool," easily done in the fourth level. Once you begin collecting some of the illuminated flowers, your herd of petals will turn neon blue. Quickly head over to the nearest pool of water and take a dive to make your console congratulate you with a special message.

Download or Disembowel: We beat the game and have yet to play it again. So, if you're looking to keep yourself occupied for a few hours, take the plunge. Otherwise, go pollute something.