Flock Review: The Power of Observation

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In the game “Flock,” created by developers Richard Hogg and Hollow Ponds (known for “I Am Dead”), exploration and observation take center stage. As a player, you glide through a vividly colored world from above, recording the diverse wildlife that inhabits it in your journal. The moniker “Flock” originates from your power to attract different creatures to follow you as you traverse the terrain, forming an entourage of brilliant beings. Collect an assortment of distinct shapes, hues, and designs for a personalized flock that’s sure to impress your friends. Although this review copy lacked multiplayer capabilities, it is intended to be a major element in the game.

This game suits those who have the ability to be attentive and persistent. The world in Flock is initially compact, yet it progressively enlarges as the game advances. However, this process may not take long, as I managed to uncover the entire map within six hours of playing. Nevertheless, there were still various creatures to unearth, and an entire new lineage of creatures remained undiscovered by me.

The player becomes a member of their aunt’s biology group, working together to locate stolen charms in the form of whistles. These whistles have the power to attract different animal species. Burgling Bewls, the thief, concealed the whistles in pastures where grazing sheep reside. When the sheep unearth the hidden spot due to their grazing, the player retrieves the whistle and recovers it. There are twelve distinct animal families, each consisting of more than four species, and accordingly, there are twelve whistles for befriending them.

Utterly Charming Design

As a passionate fan, one aspect that immediately grabbed my attention was the meticulously crafted audio design. It’s as if this game was tailor-made for me, but what truly solidified this notion was my growing ability to distinguish the sounds of each creature in the game. Just like recognizing the distinct calls of birds during a stroll through my neighborhood, I soon became intimately familiar with the unique and authentic sounds of these fantastical beings.

In “Flock,” all Bewls resemble sausages, Comets have boomerang shapes and inhabit flowers, Sprugs are tiny nuggets with oversized eyes, and Thrips are miniature nocturnal beings that emit a soft glow. Within a few short hours of play, this game has imparted essential knowledge about its imaginary species and their distinguishing features. The monikers range from preposterous to amusing to ingenious, while the designs are comparable enough to challenge the player’s identification skills. However, it is the unique sounds produced by these creatures that truly captivated me and drew me back to the game.

After becoming familiar with a game’s ecosystem, I could distinguish creatures solely based on their distinct sounds. For instance, that chirping noise signified Bartlett’s Drupes, while the trumpeting sound indicated the presence of a Greater Spotted Cosmet. This proficiency not only granted me a feeling of advancement but also allowed me to swiftly detect any unrecognized sounds and locate their origin within the game. As I encountered new sounds, my curiosity was piqued, leading me to discover novel creatures and delve deeper into the game’s world. Experiencing a game where exploration is not just enjoyable but also trains my brain to understand the biology of an imaginary realm is truly captivating.

A Creature Collector

For an untrained nature enthusiast like myself, the sound effects in this game could take me by surprise, but its diverse array of creatures is sure to captivate many. Among them, I find myself particularly fond of the Moon Gleeb, Bartlett’s Drupe, and the Purple Piper for different reasons. The allure of Flock lies in its ability to tap into our collector instincts. While I may not be able to keep a collection of every creature, the joy of recording each species discovery is irresistible.

In simpler terms, “Flock” resembles other animal collecting games such as “Pokémon,” but it lacks combat elements. Once a creature becomes part of your flock, it’s not permanently yours for the rest of the game. Your collection is limited in size, and when you add new creatures, older ones will go back to their natural environment. Some players might be disappointed by this lack of attachment, while others may enjoy the dynamic interactions without long-term commitment. You, as the player, are more like an observer in this tranquil landscape rather than a possessor or dominator.

In my opinion, I’d love to see more games explore the idea of being an observer. My friends and I were hooked on New Pokémon Snap when it came out a few years ago, and Flock brings back similar feelings for me. Instead of New Pokémon Snap’s on-rails gameplay, this is an open-world experience. However, the fundamental concept remains: observing carefully and thoughtfully to understand creatures and interact with them. Identifying creatures and figuring out how to engage with them is a significant aspect of the game. Some animals blend seamlessly into their surroundings, while others react differently, demanding quiet or persistent approaches.

Flying High

As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of gaming, I’ve come across a multitude of games with various storylines and gameplays. However, none have quite captured my attention like “Flock.” Having dived into its world, I must admit that its narrative is rather straightforward.

Based on my personal gaming experience, “Flock” is not a challenging game at all, and it doesn’t aim to be. Instead, this game focuses on exploration and collection. The gameplay mechanics are relatively simple, and I managed to finish the entire game using just a mouse and keyboard, despite the game suggesting a controller when launched. In fact, I found the experience quite enjoyable and relaxing, taking my time to discover new areas and collect various items throughout the game world. It’s not often that I come across a game that doesn’t require too much mental or physical effort from me, but “Flock” is definitely one of those games that allows me to unwind and appreciate the beauty of its virtual environment.

In a refreshing switch from the intense action strategy game I played over the weekend, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, where I battled monsters and saved villages, Flock offered a relaxing alternative. Instead of confronting adversity head-on for hours, I enjoyed leisurely exploring the world of Flock .

Conclusion

After completing “Flock,” I’ve encountered and been captivated by 80% of its fictional creatures. I’m eager to explore the remaining 20%, despite having published this review. My most enjoyable moments came when I stumbled upon a new species and had the opportunity to name it. Although there were limited options, the sensation of discovery was invigorating, allowing me to feel like I was making progress instead of merely labeling known creatures. Despite its shortcomings and not catering to every gamer’s preferences, “Flock” surprised me with an engaging gameplay experience that I didn’t anticipate enjoying as much as I did.

The compact and engaging game world of Flock, despite its size, leaves me eager for more exploratory adventures. Witnessing the lively interaction of fictional beings in this captivating ecosystem is an absolute delight. I can merely guess about the multiplayer mode, but I believe it could add another layer to the game’s appeal. However, one aspect that raises concern is the potential lack of compelling reasons to revisit this game repeatedly. Once all creatures and areas have been discovered, I am uncertain if the differences between new playthroughs will be substantial enough to warrant multiple replays without inviting friends to join in.

In the end, “Flock” stands out as an enchanting choice for those seeking a concise, non-violent indie game experience. I find myself particularly drawn to “Flock” because of its ability to shift one’s perspective towards an environment. By paying attention to both familiar and new sounds, and recognizing when something seems amiss, players will thrive in “Flock.” This game serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of keen observation and how it can unlock hidden treasures within a captivating, lively universe, be it virtual or not. The release date for “Flock” is set for July 16th on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Game Pass, and PC via Steam.

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2024-07-17 12:03