Joystiq E3 hands-on: Flock

by Ross Miller { Jul 21st 2008 at 8:30AM }

In a nutshell, Flock is an evolved form of Lemmings: Using your ship and it's various beams, you guide sheep, chicken, cows and pigs past obstacles and into the Mother Flocker (be careful about slurring that name). The game will also feature co-op and a map editor. Although we weren't able to see either feature in action, Capcom's Kraig Kujawa told us their goal is to implement cross-console map sharing.

Gallery: Flock (XBLA, PSN, PC)

Part of the fun is failing, as Kujawa seemed to prove by spending most of the session either showing me different ways to kill my flock or doing it himself. There are some benefits to killing, as the flock will leave behind slabs of meat that can be used to distract enemies.

Kujawa provided some insight into the focus testing of the game. The aim of the developers was appeal to as many people as possible, male and female. What came from that is the inclusion of "angels" that flies up off screen after one of your flock members dies (think: Milky from Blur's "Coffee & TV" music video). Another decision that came from focus testing was the removal of timers; you can take as long as you want to finish a level, although you earn medals depending on how fast you finish.

Best part of the demo? A Rube Goldberg-esque level that ends with one sheep being catapulted into the Mother Flocker. Kujaway told us an improved version will likely be making its way into the final game. Flock is coming this holiday season to Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and PC.

Tags: capcom, e3, e3-2008, flock, hands-on, joystiqfeatures, playstation-network, psn, xbla, xbox-live-arcade