At E3, thatgamecompany's Jenova Chen explained Flower as an experiment to evoke emotions that games rarely, if ever, touch. Serenity moves to excitement to intrigue. It's unsurprising that a game named Flower can evoke such feelings of relaxation. However, later levels introduce new gameplay mechanics and artistic elements to drastically change the mood. The second level is incredibly empowering, giving players control over color in the world. The third level introduces wind, forcing players to rush at incredible speeds. When players go down a rocky canyon, the feeling of serenity is long gone, replaced with something much more thrilling.

Flower becomes even more daring, delving into the feelings of powerlessness, fear, and ultimately, triumph. The gameplay evolves into something more than simply collecting flowers. Somehow, Flower is able to perfectly mesh the "story" and the gameplay into a completely inseparable whole. This is certainly an experience that could not be recreated in any other traditional storytelling medium.

Those that believe Flower to be nothing more than casual junk will be doing a great disservice to themselves. There is a "point" to the experience, and it ultimately is a "game." Casual and hardcore gamers will find different things to appreciate about Flower -- and no matter what your gaming taste, Flower will tug at your soul. That is, provided you have one.