GDC08: Hands-on with PSP's flOw
The good news is that nothing has been lost in flOw's translation to the PlayStation Portable. The bad news, however, is that something has been gained. Though the aesthetics and soothing audio of the PlayStation 3 version have been mostly preserved, SuperVillain Studios' pint-sized port has been "gifted" with with far more precise control, courtesy of the system's analog nub.
Unfortunately, what would normally be considered to be an improvement introduces a mechanical, almost rigid feel to the relaxed and fluid movements in flOw. It's a bizarre complaint -- oh no, the control is more responsive! -- but in the dreamy context of flOw, an increase in precision isn't necessarily in the game's best interests. We should have considered throwing some quotation marks around the word "game" (just like that), as its serene atmosphere and aimless immersion still manages to evade such precise definition, even on a smaller screen.
In terms of content, flOw is unchanged from its bigger brother. You'll still steer an aquatic creature through beautiful blue waters, gobbling up lesser beings and steadily expanding your size, the game's vague approximation of a health bar. As you dive deeper, you'll aim your chomping appendages at larger creatures and eventually unlock other forms with which to explore the depths. Though the twitchy nub turns flOw's serenity into a bit of staccato swim, the game is still unique enough to warrant some leisurely play -- especially if you don't have access to a PS3.
Expect flOw to arrive on the PC's PlayStation Store on March 6th at a price which a Sony representative assured us would be "right in line" with the console game's $5 price tag.
