There is a stigma within the gaming community that 'long' is synonymous with 'good'. Triple A studios pad runtimes to ridiculous lengths with meaningless exposition and repetitive quests to earn the 'good' reputation. But Florence is living proof that sometimes less is more - and that the heart you put into your product goes much further than appealing to the masses.
In 35 minutes, I was taken on a journey that spoke to me personally (and that would just about anyone.) It connected with me in such a way that I felt the urge to go into my bedroom and hug my partner, to hold him and tell him how much I love him. I found myself moved to tears over characters I'd only just met, all because of the game's genius interactivity, delightful music, and accessible narrative.
Maybe I'm just an emotional loser that cries over stories like this. Maybe it connects with me a little more deeply because of my personal issues. But maybe that makes Florence even more powerful - because, really, more games like that should exist. Ones that tell simple, human stories that we can individually relate to. After all, that's what art is about, isn't it?
SHORT REVIEW
Visuals: 5/5
Audio: 5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Worldbuilding: 4.5/5
Overall game score: 4.5/5 [4.6/5]
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Visuals:
The art style is simple - but that same simplicity lends to its inviting and endearing nature. It reminds me of the old children's cartoon Madeline, with its round shapes, dot eyes, and focus on the color yellow. It's not a style you see often in this medium, which makes it all the more lovely here.
One of the most notable aspects of the game's design is its general usage of color. As Florence goes through the ups and downs of her life, the palettes reflect how she feels. Whenever she's stuck in a routine, her surroundings are dull and boring. Whenever she has something to be happy about, they're bright and lively.
I hope that more developers will take the approach Florence's has. They were unafraid to step outside of what is the 'norm' for video games, instead focusing on what can make them unique.
Overall, 5/5.
Audio:
Florence's soundtrack is utterly beautiful; in fact, it's quickly become one of my favorites in the medium, despite its short length. That's not a compliment I give lightly either, because there is some truly substantial competition.
The piano and violin just culminate into magnificent pieces, ones that resonate deeply with me. It feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Even more impressive is how each piece stands out from the others, despite their similarities in style and instrument choice.
The best part of the music, though, is how it plays into the story. It swells at just the right moments, sets just the right mood. Each track fits perfectly to the moment it's encapsulating. The game as a whole would not be nearly as impactful without it.
Overall, 5/5.
Story:
[Spoiler warning for this whole section.]
Florence follows the titular young woman as she meets, and eventually loses, the man of her dreams. We follow each stage of their relationship, and the consequential aftermath. The game speaks on how former relationships leave a lasting impact on our life, even long after they've gone.
Most beautifully, it tells us that we shouldn't look back on these relationships with contempt. Even though these people are no longer in our lives, we can appreciate them for the happiness they brought us at the time. The past is not something to live in, OR shun; it's something to appreciate, and leave behind.
Yes, it's treaded ground. It's a story you've probably seen a hundred times in movies, shows, and books. But these are topics that have not been addressed much in gaming - as is the case with the vast majority of normal, human experiences. It's a real a shame, because the level of interactivity that the medium allows makes these kinds of narratives all the more powerful.
Like I've said, the fact that it resonates with me on a very personal level doesn't hurt. I'm someone that has a lot of difficulty letting go of people. When my previous boyfriend broke up with me, I cried myself to sleep for months, even though I hadn't even been happy in the relationship. If I'd played this game at that time, I've no doubt that it would have helped me a lot.
Yes, it's a simple story. But it's one that I needed to hear, and one that others may need to hear, too. That makes it worth telling over and over again.
Overall, 4.5/5.
Gameplay:
I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people found Florence's gameplay to be lackluster. After all, it's as simple as the story. There's no real barrier or challenge. You just complete straightforward actions to move the narrative along. But if you approach Florence as an interactive comic instead of a traditional game, I think you'll avoid the expectation that it should have puzzles or a fail-state.
Because, in the end, that's the exclusive goal of its mechanics - to cleverly portray its narrative. The little activities you complete give you a direct role in the story, making it all the more impactful. As Florence becomes more comfortable around Krish with each date, the speech bubbles becomes easier for you to piece together. When they fight, those pieces become jagged. You cook together, eat together, brush your teeth together. It's all painlessly uncomplicated, but that integration is what makes it genius.
Overall, 4/5.
Worldbuilding:
Florence opens by showing you the routine the titular character has found herself stuck in. Her days are tiresome, boring, and repetitive. She works a dead-end job. She has no friends. She isn't happy.
But, when she meets Krish, her world is suddenly filled with life and color. She is pushed to explore her childhood passions. [SPOILERS] She grows as a person, and continues to do so even after the relationship ends. Krish has a permanent effect on her life, one that we see firsthand. [SPOILER END]
The worldbuilding is basic, but you see just enough of Florence's history. Her strained relationship with her mom, her unhappiness with her career, her loneliness. The game tactfully avoids bloating itself with unneeded details, instead focusing on what matters to make Florence a well-rounded protagonist. Everything you need is here.
Overall, 4.5/5.
Overall game score. 4.5/5. Florence is just lovely. The art and music are brilliant. The story is touching. The mechanics, while rudimentary, are perfect for this type of game. I really hope I can find more little gems like this in the future - indie titles that don't get enough praise. This one definitely deserves more.
In 35 minutes, I was taken on a journey that spoke to me personally (and that would just about anyone.) It connected with me in such a way that I felt the urge to go into my bedroom and hug my partner, to hold him and tell him how much I love him. I found myself moved to tears over characters I'd only just met, all because of the game's genius interactivity, delightful music, and accessible narrative.
Maybe I'm just an emotional loser that cries over stories like this. Maybe it connects with me a little more deeply because of my personal issues. But maybe that makes Florence even more powerful - because, really, more games like that should exist. Ones that tell simple, human stories that we can individually relate to. After all, that's what art is about, isn't it?
SHORT REVIEW
Visuals: 5/5
Audio: 5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Worldbuilding: 4.5/5
Overall game score: 4.5/5 [4.6/5]
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Visuals:
The art style is simple - but that same simplicity lends to its inviting and endearing nature. It reminds me of the old children's cartoon Madeline, with its round shapes, dot eyes, and focus on the color yellow. It's not a style you see often in this medium, which makes it all the more lovely here.
One of the most notable aspects of the game's design is its general usage of color. As Florence goes through the ups and downs of her life, the palettes reflect how she feels. Whenever she's stuck in a routine, her surroundings are dull and boring. Whenever she has something to be happy about, they're bright and lively.
I hope that more developers will take the approach Florence's has. They were unafraid to step outside of what is the 'norm' for video games, instead focusing on what can make them unique.
Overall, 5/5.
Audio:
Florence's soundtrack is utterly beautiful; in fact, it's quickly become one of my favorites in the medium, despite its short length. That's not a compliment I give lightly either, because there is some truly substantial competition.
The piano and violin just culminate into magnificent pieces, ones that resonate deeply with me. It feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Even more impressive is how each piece stands out from the others, despite their similarities in style and instrument choice.
The best part of the music, though, is how it plays into the story. It swells at just the right moments, sets just the right mood. Each track fits perfectly to the moment it's encapsulating. The game as a whole would not be nearly as impactful without it.
Overall, 5/5.
Story:
[Spoiler warning for this whole section.]
Florence follows the titular young woman as she meets, and eventually loses, the man of her dreams. We follow each stage of their relationship, and the consequential aftermath. The game speaks on how former relationships leave a lasting impact on our life, even long after they've gone.
Most beautifully, it tells us that we shouldn't look back on these relationships with contempt. Even though these people are no longer in our lives, we can appreciate them for the happiness they brought us at the time. The past is not something to live in, OR shun; it's something to appreciate, and leave behind.
Yes, it's treaded ground. It's a story you've probably seen a hundred times in movies, shows, and books. But these are topics that have not been addressed much in gaming - as is the case with the vast majority of normal, human experiences. It's a real a shame, because the level of interactivity that the medium allows makes these kinds of narratives all the more powerful.
Like I've said, the fact that it resonates with me on a very personal level doesn't hurt. I'm someone that has a lot of difficulty letting go of people. When my previous boyfriend broke up with me, I cried myself to sleep for months, even though I hadn't even been happy in the relationship. If I'd played this game at that time, I've no doubt that it would have helped me a lot.
Yes, it's a simple story. But it's one that I needed to hear, and one that others may need to hear, too. That makes it worth telling over and over again.
Overall, 4.5/5.
Gameplay:
I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people found Florence's gameplay to be lackluster. After all, it's as simple as the story. There's no real barrier or challenge. You just complete straightforward actions to move the narrative along. But if you approach Florence as an interactive comic instead of a traditional game, I think you'll avoid the expectation that it should have puzzles or a fail-state.
Because, in the end, that's the exclusive goal of its mechanics - to cleverly portray its narrative. The little activities you complete give you a direct role in the story, making it all the more impactful. As Florence becomes more comfortable around Krish with each date, the speech bubbles becomes easier for you to piece together. When they fight, those pieces become jagged. You cook together, eat together, brush your teeth together. It's all painlessly uncomplicated, but that integration is what makes it genius.
Overall, 4/5.
Worldbuilding:
Florence opens by showing you the routine the titular character has found herself stuck in. Her days are tiresome, boring, and repetitive. She works a dead-end job. She has no friends. She isn't happy.
But, when she meets Krish, her world is suddenly filled with life and color. She is pushed to explore her childhood passions. [SPOILERS] She grows as a person, and continues to do so even after the relationship ends. Krish has a permanent effect on her life, one that we see firsthand. [SPOILER END]
The worldbuilding is basic, but you see just enough of Florence's history. Her strained relationship with her mom, her unhappiness with her career, her loneliness. The game tactfully avoids bloating itself with unneeded details, instead focusing on what matters to make Florence a well-rounded protagonist. Everything you need is here.
Overall, 4.5/5.
Overall game score. 4.5/5. Florence is just lovely. The art and music are brilliant. The story is touching. The mechanics, while rudimentary, are perfect for this type of game. I really hope I can find more little gems like this in the future - indie titles that don't get enough praise. This one definitely deserves more.