Video Games for Moms: Flower
PlayStation Network's Simple Game Can Fit Any Gamer Mom's Schedule
Mar 15, 2009
Anothergamecompany, the game developers that created flOw, has introduced another game to the PlayStation universe that breaks the usual gaming conventions. There are no enemies to defeat, no puzzles to solve, no races, and no time limits. Instead, Flower takes the gamer out to nature to trigger flowers to bloom and add some color and light to a drab world. It then bolsters the relaxing gameplay with breathtakingly beautiful instrumentals.
Since Flower doesn't have so many of the typical complex conventions of gaming, the gameplay is rather simple and the levels do not require much time to complete. As a result, Flower is ideal for busy gaming moms with children of any age or quantity. No matter how few short naps her children take or how many activities she has crammed into her day, a gaming mom can find time to bloom a few flowers.
Quick Overview of Flower Gameplay
The game, in terms of controls and purpose, is far from complex. Players use the motion-sensing SIXAXIS controls of the PlayStation 3 controller to guide a single flower petal towards other flowers ready to blossom. If they press and hold any button, players summon the wind to push the petal along towards its goal.
When the floating petal contacts a waiting flower bud, the flower bursts open with a beautiful, musical bang, and one of the petals from the flower joins the lone petal. Within minutes of awaking flowers, the player will have a stream of colorful petal followers. Blooming flowers causes other flowers to grow, and the level's environment to change. Dry grass will become lush and green, or twisted and ugly scrap metal will grow into a bright, clean building.
The ultimate goal is to beautify each level, both to the eyes and the ears. However, the game has a little more to it than that for the more serious gamers and to add a bit of replayability. Each level has a few secret flowers to grow and bloom, but they take some exploration and a little patience to uncover. If players do not discover any or all of the secrets, they can still complete the levels and the game, but the secrets are there for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.
Simple Controls and Quick Gameplay Let Gaming Moms Fit Flower into Her Schedule
The game's controls are so simple, the game does not even have a tutorial. Every time the game is loaded, it presents a SIXAXIS illustration to explain the tilting controls, displays a controller watermark to remind the player to use the motion-sensing feature to select a level, and pops up a reminder to press and hold any button to start the game.
That is all that is offered, and that is all that is really needed. With such simplicity, even if a gaming mom can't play the game for over a week, she will have no difficulty picking up her controller and remembering to play. In fact, one of the game's Trophies even encourages players to let Flower gather some dust for a week.
In addition to the simplicity, each stage only takes fifteen to twenty minutes to complete. It's perfect for short nap times or a quick downtime to destress. However, if she wants to find all of the game's secrets, it will take a little more time than twenty minutes to fully explore each level to find them.
Other Pluses: PlayStation Network's Unique Game is Relaxing and Violence-Free
Being a mom to any child, no matter how many of them, is stressful. Enjoyable, yet stressful. Even though a gaming mom may play games to destress, most video games put pressure on players, whether it's to complete a timed objective or come out of a battle somewhat unscathed. Flower puts absolutely zero pressure on a player to do anything.
The flying petals can't die during their journey and there is no time limit to explore a stage. The music further enhances this stress-free feeling with its string symphonic and chorale score. It flows with the flying petals as they dance through the wind and blossoming flowers that can only be best explained with experience. The music never turns against the player, as it does say during a boss-fight. It only flows along with the movement of the petals.
And for the moms that may be a little self-conscious as to what levels of violence their kids witness, they can play Flower in front of their kids or even the most easily offended. The player's only objective is to open flowers and clean up the stage's environment. There are no enemies to fight, so no bloodshed and no violence, not even Final Fantasy bloodless violence.
Download Flower from the PlayStation Network Store
Flower is definitely not for everyone, but gaming moms looking for something unique should look into the game. Not many games out there can fit as well into a busy schedule as this one (instead of the other way around, like most games!) and offer as much for the low price.
Flower is only available on the PlayStation 3 from the PlayStation Network store. It's only $9.99, so it's perfect for moms (or any players!) with a game budget. Considering the replayability factors with the price, players will get far more than they pay for.
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