Is flOw the PS3's killer app right now?

by Blake Snow { Feb 23rd 2007 at 1:25PM }

Ryan Block, lover of gadgets and managing editor at sister site Engadget, believes flOw to be the PS3's current killer app. He says the downloadable game "may be the best, most original gameplay experience" for the console right now and that it looks "absolutely astounding" in 1080p. "It's one of those titles that reminds me of why I used to love games so much back in the day."

On the contrary, GameSpot calls the game an "attractive screen saver you can steer." While praising the game's audio and visuals, they ultimately liken the experience to that of buying art. "You buy it as something to look at and appreciate from time to time. It's a way to cool out--not something to compete at."

flOw is currently available for download on the PlayStation Network for $7.99.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Vidikron @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:29PM

Anyone here played the PS3 version of this game? I haven't decided if I want it or not and would like some opinions (i.e. that means opinions of this PS3 game, not on the PS3 system in general. Fanboys can STFU).

jsn @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:29PM

gamespot's review of it seemed far more balanced and honest than this other guys. Their description of the gameplay sure didn't sound like a killer app to me. It sounds like were shooting for geowars and didn't quite make it. I'm sure it's good for what it is, but to call an $8 download a killer app is a bit much.

dbd @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:34PM

http://intihuatani.usc.edu/cloud/flowing/

play the original there - decide if it's worth 8 bucks to have it in 1080p, and whatever else they added to it...

Jack of No Trades @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:35PM

"Killer App"

Yea I can see this winning awards like GOW or Zttp.

LunarDuality @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:35PM

The problem for Sony if this *is* their killer ap is that it is also available somewhere else. This is in contrast to Geo Wars which you could only get on a 360 at the time it was considered the 360's killer ap (thus prompting the immediate clones popping up on the PC).

Tadioku @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:38PM

the game's really cool, fun, great to look at and it relaxes the hell out of you after a stressful day another good game is Motorstorm can't wait for that game to come out only a week and a half left.

Supino @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:39PM

pffff

come on. It is as much of a killer app as a winamp plugin.

GJM @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:40PM

I bought this college-art-film cum early-game-mechanics-test last night. I sacrificed my $8 so you don't have to. I love mainstream games, puzzle games, action games, quirky games... but I have no love for flOw! Believe me when I say there is a reason there is no demo for this game. This can only be a killer app in the sense that it kills any hope you have for further quality $8 games to come out...

Rob Holiday @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:41PM

Sony is really in trouble if this is considered a PS3 'killer app'.

Geo @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:43PM

Lunar, its already available on PC.

FrankTheCrank @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:45PM

**OPEN LETTER TO XBOTS**

I swear Microsoft has got to have an army of blog posters scanning through these blogs and posting these stupid nasty comments concerning the PS3 because, seriously, if you could care less about PS3, why would you even bother to say something, less type out some rant about how much you hate Sony and the PS3. Ridiculous.

If you don't have a PS3, and you don't care? Move along. Go live your life and STFU.

X @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:46PM

Why will you not listen to me? Xbox 360 RULES!!! Get it in your head. Stop putting your hope in a system (P$3) that is continually failing to meet the expectations within the gaming community.

rom @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:47PM

Is it possible to fall asleep while playing a video game? That's a question that just got answered a little while ago. I'm not sure why this game is considered a "killer app" when the average "killer" is way more exciting than this. Just my side of things, flame if you must.

Travis @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:48PM

I've only played it for an hour or two, so my opinion might change, but I gotta say I don't quite get it.

Although I'm starting to notice some of the gameplay mechanics, it seems for the most part you just control your little microorganism guy for the joy of watching it move. You then eat little pieces and they seem to make your organism larger, but I have yet to figure out how the different smaller pieces effect my growth, and if there are times where I shouldn't bother eating them because I can't get larger anymore.

That, to me, is an indication of this game's real failing. In trying to make the game simple, they've actually made it very confusing. I'm on almost 2 hours now with it, and I still don't really understand what the hell is going on. The developers seem to have a moral stance against telling the users how the game works and what they should be trying to do.

With that said, it's 8 bucks and even with my confusion there is enough gameplay there (eating pieces of larger organisms while trying not to get your key pieces eaten), to make it fun. If you're in doubt, just go buy it. If anything you'll be able to write a terribly misinformed review like mine.

The killer app? God I hope not.

Dave @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:48PM

I haven't tried the PS3 version--but it is a fun little time-waster.

Yeti @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:48PM

IGN gave flow a 7.6 which is a good score but not "killer app" status by any means. Apparenly once you beat it, there's little reason to return. Also it got points off for having some slow down.

LunarDuality @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:50PM

@ Geo

That was my point. This game is available (for free none-the-less) elsewhere. That poses a problem for Sony if this is indeed their "killer app" since I can just avoid getting the PS3 version and be satiated on the PC version.

KrissyJ32 @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:50PM

These are outrageous lies. This man would have never stolen anything especially from someone who's lost a child. This man has 2 kids ages 10 and 3, works long hours to support his family and is a very loving and caring father and husband. This has caused him to lose his job and now his family is suffering. People have to get their stories straight and listen to the Accused here when he states that he did not do it and he never said he did either, he was harrassed by the state police and was pressured into making a statement when he was scared and confused. Before writing a story and ruining the lives of this family, get the other side of the story, so that you have both sides . This may help you find out just what details that should be printed or the truth as it may be.

Flute Suit @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:50PM

@11 - I don't think it's necessarily all Xbox people who are downing this. You might remember the same kind of backlash a couple years ago when Zoo Keeper was released for the DS.

On Flow- I used to think I was the only person who didn't like this game.

Geo @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:52PM

Lunar,

Sorry. I thought you were saying it could be considered a killer app if it branches out.

Flute Suit @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:52PM

and @18: What the butt?

Ben Tremblay @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:54PM

I played the online version and I was hooked, but when I finished it I knew I'd never play it again. The concept is great, but really doesn't make you go back to it.

I wouldn't pay 8 dollars for a game I played for 10 minutes.

cronotrigger913 @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:54PM

If I had a PS3, I'd probably buy this game. It does look very interesting, and I'm glad we can get these small games for cheap on our consoles nowadays. Think a publisher would green light this game if it came on a disc?

NintendoFanbot @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:56PM

No offense to flOw because I loved the PC version, but I remember Wii getting a ton of flack for selling glorified Flash games, when Wii has none and you can play many Flash games on Wii through Opera anyways.

*SsTFU*

a.j. @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:56PM

I just got Motorstorm (imported) and even with no-online and no meat, the game rules, and is, in my opinion the "killer app", once it hits the states with online etc. people will be talking. VF5 is awesome too for the record.

joe smith @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:56PM

I tried this one out -- a complete bore. Pretty, but there is no game. A steerable screen saver really says it.

JJC @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:56PM

i own a ps3 and if flow is a killer app, then god damn that sucks. maybe they should change that to killer arcade (like) download? (at best) i dont quite understand the game either but i do somewhat agree with the pretty screensaver opinion. it does look nice but the play is fairly pointless. interesting but ultimately pointless.

LunarDuality @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:58PM

@ Geo
No problem.

As for flOw: it does seem like a fun "time waster" or screen saver to me. I admittedly haven't played it *that* much but it doesn't have the visceral draw that a Geo Wars had for me. But then again, we all need chill-out games too. I like the idea and enjoyed it for the most part but am not sure if I would drop $8 for a home console version.

As for PS3's "killer app" I am waiting to see it emerge. At launch everyone said R:FOM was easily the best game. But now? I guess Motorstorm could be the next big one but the crowd seems kinda divided on it. What game is going to turn things around for the PS3 in the *near* future? (honest question -- I want the PS3 to do well if for no other reason than to keep Nintendo and Microsoft on the ball.)

GJM @ Feb 23rd 2007 1:58PM

As a PS3/Wii/360 owner I say to FrankTheCrank and paraprhasing FrankTheCrank

"If you could care less about HD-DVD, Wii, and Xbox 360 why would you even bother to say something, less type out some rant about how much you hate HD-DVD, Wii, and Xbox 360. Ridiculous.

If you don't have a HD-DVD, Wii, and Xbox 360, and you don't care? Move along. Go live your life and STFU"

vidGuy @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:00PM

Well at least it's got to be better than anything the Wii will have, ever: it runs in 1080p! **rolls eyes**

hern @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:01PM

One guy calls the game a killer app in his view and everyone takes that as if it's Sony's own words? C'mon, it was meant to be a casual game that you can pick up and play whenever and it accomplishes just that.

It's simple and enjoyable while it lasts (yes, I have the PS3 version and have played the original flash version through). The visuals are very nice in 1080p or otherwise, although the color palette isn't huge. The sixaxis controls are simple and effective and playing it with another person is actually quite satisfying.

On a side note the original developer said the flash version could be considered a demo for the PS3 version since Ps3 version is a little more robust.

animejoe @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:03PM

I've played the Flash version and thought it was completely immersive and fairly original. I enjoyed it, but I doubt anyone who plays games for the adrenaline rush is going to like it. It does seem more like a marine biology simulation than a conventional arcade game.

Dave @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:06PM

@FrankTheCrank:

Here's the real conspiracy: I think Sony is being paid off by Microsoft.

:P

Jackson Pritt @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:08PM

flOw reminds me of Electroplankton for the DS.

It's a neat concept and very pretty to look at, but in the end it's just something you'll diddle with for 5-10 minutes every couple weeks, but that doesn't have enough going on to hold your interest.

Basically it seems like it's just the initial cell-level part of SPORE. If the game kept going and allowed you to modify/evolve your proto-creature it could have a chance of really hooking people in, but as it is it's just an interactive art experience that doesn't have much value after the initial appreciation of the pretty visuals wears off.

Ritz @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:09PM

I want PS3 for flOw. Wait, no, not really.

Slaziman @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:13PM

Holy shit, and people called the 10$ Wii Play shallow? You are getting RIPPED OFF. Sure Wii Play is mostly ass, but Find the Wii and Laser Hockey totally own this fl0w bullshit, and only for 2$ more. Why are you people even buying this? 8 dollars is almost one sixth of a REAL game, is fl0w one sixth of a real game? Hell no.

Virtua Fanboy @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:15PM

I don't see anything wrong w/calling it that.

I played orginal Xbox games and XBLA for the first 4 mo. or so before I bought my first 360 game. Geometry Wars was my killer app for a while.

Marty @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:15PM

@FrankTheCrank

How can you be harshly critical over people posting here, when a big company like Sony is asking for $600 for a console that, you have to admit, just isn't looking to great right now? Where is your criticism on that front? How can you accuse people of being fanboys when all you're doing is more of the same, defending something without any sort of reason why?

bty @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:16PM

vf5 is the killer app. Deepest and most complex fighter ever. fuk that doa button mashing bs

Dolla Dolla @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:17PM

If you really want to play fl0w, just search for it on google and play the online version, or download it to your computer. It's not a killer app. The music is soothing, the animation is simplistic, yet stylish, and I imagine it looks a bit extra pretty since it's in 1080p. If I had a PS3, I would probably buy it. It would be a wonderful app to play around with once background downloading becomes available.

Virtua Fanboy @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:20PM

@ 39

LoL, VF5 is gonna be the killer app for the "real nex gen" consoles lol when it comes out on my side of the fence this summer. Can't wait.

Killzig @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:22PM

Thanks for the link above. I keep skimming over these FLOW articles so this is the first time I've actually played it. As far as this thing being original. It reminded me of a game I used to play wayyyyy back in my elementary school era. Same basic concept except you were a little fish in a river. Ate smaller stuff, got bigger, had to watch out for predators. Does anyone else remember this game or the name?

Cee @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:26PM

Will everyone calm down. ONE editor for a blog said flOw is a killer app. Does everyone realize that just because one person says something, that doesn't make it the gospel? Go check a couple of gaming sites and read their reviews. I don't think a game can be called a killer app unless it is getting 85%+ ratings from multiple reviewers. Unless Ryan Block is now the "king of games" and I missed something, flOw being a killer app is just one man's opinion.

Pixelantes Anonymous @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:30PM

I'm getting a distinct deja vu feeling about this.

What was the game widely reported as XBox 360's killer app for the first month or two when it came out?

The similarity between Geometry Wars declared the best launch game back in the day and Fl0we are a little more than eery.

Jake @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:32PM

bty,

I hope you are right. I am looking forward to VF5 for my 360 this summer. Also hoping the 360 version has a decent online system. If the 360 has a good online mode (that works) it will definately be the superior version to own.

Jack of No Trades @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:35PM

http://intihuatani.usc.edu/cloud/flowing/black.html

Heres the link to play it if you havn't already

Jake @ Feb 23rd 2007 2:36PM

@44. I haven't played the PS3 FLow, but based on the flash version, Geo Wars is so much better than FLow that there is little comparison.

Some dude loved flow. That is why people are having this retarded killer App argument. It isn't like Sony or a bunch of game critics agree with this dude at all.

There are better games on PS3 right now. You have VF5, soon Motorstorm, and some old 360 games coming. Just because the PS3 is a bit of a joke right now doesn't mean it won't have plenty to play within several months. It is disappointing that they delayed a year just to launch an equivalent system to the year old one and play catch up. But, that doesn't mean they won't get it together.