Since the whole game reminds me of Spring, I figured this was a good video to share.

Also, I accidentally deleted my saved game so seeing this video today rekindled my interest in the game. I highly suggest that everyone with a PS3 and an internet connection give this game a try.

Image|Thatgamecompany

Post from: EveryJoe

It’s a snowy day here at PSM HQ, but thankfully we have Flower to help bring us to a warmer place. Also, don’t forget that tomorrow’s PlayStation Network update will bring with it another curious new game, Noby Noby Boy. Check out today’s headlines.

• Update 1 for MotorStorm: Pacific Rift is now available for download, adding a ton of new features and fixing a number of issues and bugs.
• PSM favorite LittleBigPlanet has been nominated for an amazing 8 awards at the upcoming GANG audio awards.
• A few lucky regions are able to download the legendary cars pack for Burnout Paradise early, that is, if they can part with $8.
• Though the game may not make it over here, a demo for Yakuza 3 will soon be available on the Japanese PSN. So those with Japanese accounts can at least give the game a try.

Post from: EveryJoe

There are many reasons people play games. Some enjoy the challenge, others the competition, while some just like exploring new and different worlds. But for those who enjoy a soothing, relaxing experience, the options are few and far between. But the latest release from Thatgamecompany, the developers behind flOw, is just that: a truly stunning game, that makes up for what it lacks in gameplay with beautiful visuals, an uplifting soundtrack, and a wholly unique experience.

In Flower you control the wind with a single button, using gusts of air to move a flower petal about the environment. The goal is to collect other petals by touching flowers, creating an even larger flock of colorful petals and opening up new areas to explore. The game never actually pushes you towards any particular goal, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This can be somewhat frustrating when you run up against invisible walls, which happens a little too often in earlier stages. But this doesn’t last for long as you soon become accustomed to the concept of collecting flowers and opening up areas to explore.

Aside from using one button to control the wind, the entirety of the game is controlled with the Sixaxis motion controls. By moving the controller around you are able guide your petals through the world, and surprisingly, it works very well. It only requires subtle movements, and since there are few penalties for mistakes, the controls feel very intuitive and not at all frustrating.

By now you may thinking, so what? A game where you control gusts of wind to blow flower petals around doesn’t really sound all that interesting. But Flower is much more than its initial concept leads you to believe. Collecting flowers has all kinds of effects on the world, from turning on wind mills to adding color to a dark, depressing level. With the incredible looking visuals and swelling, soothing soundtrack, these accomplishments are given a lot of impact.

Though the game is short, clocking in at just 6 stages, the pacing is incredible, with the levels all leading up to a wonderful and oddly touching finale. Clearly Flower won’t be for everyone, and its $10 price tag may be a turn off considering the length of the game. But this is an experience like no other, and begs the player to question just what a video game really is. It’s a wonderful example of interactive art, and will leave an indelible stamp on those who choose to venture through its unique world.

Post from: EveryJoe

It’s a pretty slow day for PlayStation news, which gives you plenty of time to check out the Resident Evil 5 demo that hit the PSN yesterday. If you’re unsure, hit up our impressions post to see what we though about the latest evolution of survival horror. Meanwhile, here are today’s headlines:

• Don’t stop me now. The tracklist for the upcoming SingStar Queen has been revealed.
• The release of Phantasy Star Portable has been moved up, and the game will now be hitting on March 3.
• Street Fighter and Resident Evil themed costumes and spaces are coming to Home. Unfortunately, for now, they’re Japan only.
• The Trophy list for the PSN title FlOwer has been revealed, though it may contain a bit of a spoiler.

Post from: EveryJoe

Well, to day is a pretty great day when it comes to new game info, as we now have news about LittleBigPlanet DLC, Puzzle Quest Galactrix, and Noby Noby Boy, all things that I’m really looking forward to. Check out the headlines for more information:

• LittleBigPlanet is finally getting more DLC starting at the end of the month, with a whole pile of adorable new costumes.
• It’s been confirmed that the sequel to Puzzle Quest, Puzzle Quest Galactrix, will be hitting the PlayStation Network. Expect to see this one around March.
• Noby Noby Boy finally has a North American release date, and will be coming out worldwide on February 19.
• In case you weren’t excited enough, a new batch of flOwer screenshots have been released, showing off just how beautiful the game looks.

Post from: EveryJoe

With most of our American readers out enjoying Martin Luther King day, it’s been an extremely sloooooow news day at PSM HQ. But at least we have some good news when it comes to two of this years biggest games: Resident Evil 5 and flOwer. On to the headlines:

• While we already know that no demo is coming to North America, hardcore Final Fantasy fans can still import the FFVII Advent Children Blu-Ray on April 16 if they want a chance to play FFXIII early.
• It looks like the fabled PlayStation phone won’t be happening, as Sony has apparently refused Sony Ericsson use of the PS brand.
• The demo for Resident Evil 5 will be hitting the PlayStation Network on February 2.
• We also now have an official release date for flOwer, which will be coming out on February 12.

Post from: EveryJoe

Whew, it’s a pretty busy news day. This morning we’ve got word of some new release dates and demos, as well as a few juicy rumors. Not a bad way to start the day. Check out the headlines:

• The developer behind Cuboid will be releasing another PSN puzzler this week, with the interesting looking Magic Ball.
• Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins will also be making its way to the PSN, so PSP owners can get ready to download the classic remake.
• One of the more interesting PSN titles will be coming soon, as Sony has announced that FlOwer will be released this February.
• Also coming in February, Capcom has revealed that the demo for Resident Evil 5 will be ready on the 5th.
• It looks like Street Fighter IV won’t require a hard drive install like most of Capcom’s PS3 titles.
• Rumor mill: according to a new report, the next Grand Theft Auto game may be released as soon as this Holiday season.
• A look at what could’ve been; here is some leaked footage of the possibly cancelled Star Wars Battlefront III.
• Take a closer look at the upcoming PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain with this batch of recently released concept art.

Post from: EveryJoe