OK - it's not a game.  More like an activity, or maybe an interactive
lightshow.

Flow has no interface whatsoever - none at all.  You pilot stylized sea
creatures through a layered environment eating those you meet while some of
them try to eat you.

Movement is controlled completely via the SIXAXIS motion sensor.  It was
truly annoying at first that analog stick control wasn't included as an
option (of course that would also require an options screen...) but the
annoyance only lasts for a minute.

The motion controls are momentarily confusing (you tend to try to move the
controller rather than tilting it) but become very easy very quickly - it's
the first game I've seen that really shows what the SIXAXIS can do.  Control
is responsive, smooth and detailed.

In addition to basic motion each creature has a "special" move activated by
pressing any button on the controller.  These special moves are unlimited
and can be mildly interesting but are essentially needless since basic
motion is all that's really needed.

Advancement is completely voluntary.  Each level contains distinctive blue
and red creatures: eat the red to descend and the blue to rise.

The design is simplistic, sparse even, but compellingly beautiful.  The
creatures are formed from vaguely organic geometric shapes.  They float,
dash, flock in an almost sensual flattery of life.

As you eat your way down your own creature evolves and grows.  It takes on
aspects of its prey and the larger it grows the more fluidly it moves.

The ambient soundtrack is unobtrusive and all activity-related sound effects
blend effortlessly into the experience.

The "game" is exceedingly easy.  The only potential adversity is that other
creatures sometimes try to eat you.  Even if they succeed you simply rise to
a higher, safer level where you can recoup and try again.

The entire experience takes as little as two hours total.

However if you treat this as a game you're missing the point (and will
probably regret the purchase).

Instead consider this interactive art.  When people walk into the room
they'll become quiet and watch for a while.  They don't even know that the
minutes are ticking by.

This thing should be prescribed as stress therapy.

Jim Davis


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