flOw

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. 1UP
    70
    The sense of purpose and accomplishment comes from making your creature grow -- to be king of the primordial soup. And while there are levels, enemies, power moves, et cetera, flOw is more of an entertaining diversion than what we're used to calling a "game."
  2. Boomtown
    70
    While part of the beauty and pure artistry is that it doesn’t hold your hand the whole way, I can’t help but feel that it does lack direction, but it shows off the PS2’s Sixaxis in a more than appealing way, and gives the PS3 an edge of experimentation and originality that could sway the odd savvy gamer.
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  3. Cheat Code Central
    70
    It will provide you with a relaxing and somewhat strange experience that no other game offers. It looks great on the PS3 and will impress (and maybe hypnotize) your visitors when they come over.
  5. Eurogamer
    70
    FlOw is what it is - download it in the full knowledge that you're participating in an experiment of sorts and I think you'll get good value from your £3.49. If you're looking for something more like a conventional game, I'd lop off a mark or two from the final score.
  6. G4 TV
    60
    flOw has all the makings of a great game, with one major exception. There is almost no point. Just the same, for $8 PlayStation 3 owners will find a truly distinctive, Zen-like gaming experience.
  7. GameDaily
    80
    While the $7.99 asking price feels excessive for a game that offers little content versus other downloadable games, flOw deserves to be experienced, thanks to its dreamy visuals, angelic soundtrack and addictive play.
  8. GameSpot
    71
    There's not an awful lot of game here, but flOw still makes for an attractive and soothing showpiece.
  9. GamesRadar+
    80
    A mesmerizing, gorgeous achievement in interactive art, and should be experienced by anyone willing to open their minds as to what video games can be.
  10. Gamestyle
    70
    Easily the most distinctive and unusual title exclusively available via the PS Store. For £3.49 you receive 128MB of something rather unique and eye opening but others will thoroughly hate the lack of structure and goals, as many play to win or obtain the highest score.
  11. GameTrailers
    79
    One of the coolest things about flow is its simplicity. You never feel harried or rushed. Even when you pause the game, it doesn’t actually stop, it just raises your creature to a level where nothing can attack it, waiting for you to pick the controller back up and continue on.
  12. GameZone
    60
    It could be viewed as either mind-numbing or hypnotic. The game is simple enough to learn and time will flutter past as you play. Still, this is not a game that is overly complex and may not appeal to everyone.
  13. Hardcore Gamer
    40
    As-is, it's a very, very pretty demo of what the SIXAXIS can do. [May 2007, p.69]
    All this publication's reviews
  14. IGN
    76
    flOw is an extremely interesting game for multiple reasons. The only goal is to evolve and see what's next, and its presentation couldn't be any better. The downside is that that's about all there is to the game.
  15. Kombo
    85
    Conventional review breakdowns can't do this game justice but the overall product is something you have to experience.
  16. NTSC-uk
    50
    It's cheap, it's easy, there’s no death, severed limbs or even blood, it's great for wowing hammered friends with a motion sensitive controller. In fact, it's simply ornamental.
  17. PALGN
    70
    A very calming and intriguing experience, but unfortunately nothing substantial to keep you coming back for more.
  18. Play Magazine
    75
    You can only take so much away from FLOW before the effect wears off, but until then, it's a treat that hopefully will inspire more for the future. [Apr 2007, p.47]
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  19. Play UK
    90
    Pure, beautiful genius, and the kind of game that despite its simplicity manages to surprise and wow at every turn. As relaxing as it is gorgeous, no one can dislike this. [Issue #151, p.66]
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  20. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    80
    This is utterly unique. [May 2007, p.116]
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  21. PSM3 Magazine UK
    82
    Mesmerising and beautiful. Just excellent. [May 2007, p.77]
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  22. Pure Magazine UK
    40
    While flOw does offer some different gaming experiences and the implementation of the Sixaxis is smooth, it does just feel like a demo of the controller and not exactly a fully rounded game. [May 2007, p.67]
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  23. VideoGamer
    80
    It may not have any longevity beyond the times you boot it up to show off to friends as a curio of you new PS3, but at a budget price it is an undeniably unique and enchanting piece of software.

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Best PS3 Game of 2007
30
#30 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007
63
#63 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 83 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 83
  3. Negative: 11 out of 83
  1. demoL.
    Jan 27, 2010
    1
    While the concept is nice, the game suffers greatly from the poor implementation of the devs' ideas: gameplay is just plain boring, thereWhile the concept is nice, the game suffers greatly from the poor implementation of the devs' ideas: gameplay is just plain boring, there is no motivation in watching your creature grow. graphics are way too weak to play the game just because of eye candy. the rest of the gamplay is destroyed by motion sensor controls and frustrating trophies.… Full Review »
  2. BraveRobot
    Jul 23, 2012
    5
    Unless you happen to be a huge fan of Snake-like games, flOw has little to offer. Beautiful flowing graphics are its main draw, but watchingUnless you happen to be a huge fan of Snake-like games, flOw has little to offer. Beautiful flowing graphics are its main draw, but watching gameplay videos on YouTube is almost the same as playing the game. After spending the 40-odd minutes it takes to complete the game, most players will likely tire of plodding through what… Full Review »
  3. Tubie
    Apr 12, 2011
    10
    It's crazy thinking how this game got such low reviews. It's a very original game with a very unique presentation. It does what it does and itIt's crazy thinking how this game got such low reviews. It's a very original game with a very unique presentation. It does what it does and it does a great job at it.… Full Review »
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