flOw [Online Game Code - Full Game]

by Sony Computer Entertainment

Product Features

• Full HD at 1080p - Vibrant environments.
• Dynamically Adjusting Experience - Customize your game experience.
• Multiplayer mode - 1 to 4 players; same screen.

Product Details

• Online Game Code: Currently, this item is available only to customers located in the United States and who have a U.S. billing address.
• Note: Gifting is available after purchase via e-mail.
• ASIN: B002GP6WBS
• Release Date: February 21, 2007
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)

Product Description

flOw is a game about piloting an aquatic organism through a surreal biosphere where players consume other organisms, evolve, and dive into the abyss. With an embedded design of DDA (dynamic difficulty adjustment), players with differing skill levels can intuitively customize their game experience and enjoy the game at their own pace. You can play as one of 5 creatures, each in a unique environment. Lose yourself in the crisp “deep blue” in full HD at 1080p and 5.1 Surround Sound. Use the SIXAXIS wireless controller for an organic experience that will allow you to glide, flit, and flOw through the universe.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Change of Pace in Gaming, October 7, 2009

By 

Christopher J. Stone (Woodstock, GA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: flOw [Online Game Code - Full Game] (Software Download)

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zen & The Art of flOw, June 21, 2011

By 

optofonik (SoCal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: flOw [Online Game Code - Full Game] (Software Download)

Yes, Virgina, there is ...

... an interactive experience marketed through Sony that uses the PS3 as a host and it is indeed art. Make no mistake this is what art would look like if it was a video game. If the Dalai Lama was a "gamer" this is what he would be playing.

It is unfortunate that some gamers won't appreciate it because it's on the PS3 and the word "game" is used to describe it. The experience is certainly structured as a video game, complete with levels and "bosses" of a sort, but in its simplicity flOw transcends the idea of a simple video game. Its simple "gameplay" will draw you in but seeing the artwork evolve as a result of you actions will keep you intrigued. After awhile the gameplay, artwork, and accompanying music lulls you into a mental state that no other "video game" can claim.

flOw isn't just another video game. In a better world "flOw" and "Flower" would be touchstones for interactive entertainment's future. It would also be included in the upcoming exhibit at the Smithsonian.

4.0 out of 5 stars Simply addictive., April 14, 2011

By 

E. E. I. Nugent "The Nuge" (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: flOw [Online Game Code - Full Game] (Software Download)

I love microorganisms and I love Jellyfish. This game offers a playable creature that combines the two beautifully. The visuals and sound are pretty, tranquil and ambient. The simplicity of the gameplay makes the game easy to pick up and play--and play and play.

The only gameplay difficulty I encountered was the nature of the game controls; it uses motion sensors instead of joysticks to navigate the creatures. It took awhile to get used to.

One of the features that I unexpectedly liked was its multiplayer option. My friend and I would play this game for hours.