As someone who has been enamored with the whimsical and imaginative world of indie gaming for years now, I have fond memories of Richard Hogg’s Hohokum and its playful exploration of open worlds. With Flock, Hogg and his team at Hollow Ponds have once again captured my heart with their light-hearted approach to game design.
For individuals who have kept up with indie gaming over the past 10 years, they might cherish the recollections of Richard Hogg’s Hohokum – an engaging game that allowed players to soar around and stumble upon vibrant new realms aimlessly. Flock, Hogg’s newest collaboration with I Am Dead studio Hollow Ponds, retains the whimsical essence of Hohokum. Featuring a few objectives and the flexibility to travel with companions, Flock offers an unhurried experience as you glide through the clouds.
Who’s that… bird… thing?
In the uncomplicated tale of Flock, players journey to an extensive collection of sky-islands, gliding on their hovering sheep. It’s here they encounter Aunt Jane, a zealous zoologist eager to catalog the peculiar avian inhabitants. With their quirky and amusing appearances, it’s no wonder she’s intrigued! The primary objective is to traverse this expansive world and populate the Creature Guide with every discovered species. This endeavor mirrors the pastime of a dedicated bird watcher. Yet, exploration is merely the beginning in Flock.
Some playful tricksters, called Burgling Bewls, swiftly snatch Aunt Jane’s enchanting whistles. These whistles enable gamers to allure various upland creatures, performing their daily tasks. Interacting with any creature adds them to your lively flock without offering additional advantages or enhancements. The charm lies in the captivating visuals and aesthetics of having diverse species accompanying you. This concept is meant to be enjoyed casually and not overanalyzed. The delight comes from flying next to a quirky, frog-like bird with an oversized chin.
Bird calls
In Flock, the controls may feel unfamiliar at first due to its concept implying the ability to fly. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. The movement in Flock is more akin to “gliding” and “hovering” rather than traditional flying. Players remain aligned over the ground and cannot alter their height, which wasn’t particularly limiting but did hinder exploration in certain situations. For instance, I wanted to descend towards an open crevice for further investigation, but couldn’t, leaving me unable to explore that area fully.
As a fan of Flock, I discovered that getting accustomed to its controls isn’t just limited to flying and maneuvering around the game world. The creature-charming aspect also requires some adjustments. At first, I was puzzled about aligning two sets of vertical lines relative to my proximity to the creature I intended to win over. There were several missed attempts before I finally grasped the concept due to the somewhat ambiguous instructions. After mastering this skill, however, charming became a breeze and the rest of my journey through Flock was smooth sailing. Nonetheless, learning the intricacies of Flock’s mechanics can present a challenge for newcomers.
As I worked through the initial hiccups in Flock, I started to really enjoy the game. Unlike other titles where objectives dominate, Flock takes a backseat to letting players create their own fun. It reminds me of Hohokum in that sense. The vibrant, cartoonish graphics of both the scenery and creatures make each new discovery an exciting adventure. And the best part? I don’t have to venture far to take it all in – there’s a feature that lets me sit atop a secure perch and drink in the breathtaking views around me.
As a longtime fan of open-world exploration games, I was thrilled to dive into Flock and discover its unique mechanics. The idea of flying through lush islands, herding sheep, and collecting whistles hidden in grass tufts was an intriguing concept that immediately captured my attention.
Spread your wings
Flock excels at turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. For instance, bird watching becomes an intriguing adventure. Birds are transformed with playful, fanciful appearances while their behaviors are intricately developed, making it challenging yet enjoyable to attract them to your collection. This pastime offers a lighthearted experience that leaves you elated upon discovering a rare addition to your flock.
For individuals seeking a relaxed, creative experience in bird documentation, consider joining this group, affectionately named “Flock.” Invite a companion to share the journey as we soar toward avian discovery.
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2024-07-15 19:28