2020-04-21 12:03
I love the fact that despite the simplicity of the game, it carries the solemness of the story very well. The art style is charming and attractive, not excessively flashy, but it captures the interest of the player. I personally love the avatar or protagonist of the game and the way that their cloak shadows their face as protection from the desert heat, their face is unknown *(for the purpose of the player's immersion)* but their clothes are colorful and bright as if to highlight their importance as the main character. The writing is pretty good! The style fits the intended gravity of the story, but it doesn't fall flat because of well integrated quips of humor and wit. And the music? It's so stylistic! Despite the setting being as dry as the desert, the music gives it some life, there's a sense of hopeful curiosity and existential dread that nicely complements the setting. All in all, I'd say that ***"The Florist"*** is a well executed and immersive plot-driven game that is packed with promising charm. I'd like to extend my kudos to the talented team, you all did a great job!
2020-04-21 12:31
Just gonna keep it short because i have a attention span of a Alzheimer riddled goldfish.
The game is really nice, everything clicks really well together. Music clicks nicely with the environmental art and the art just straight up looks on point for the mood of the game.
Everything is very competently made and the pace of the game is nice, it doesn't waste your time.
Just play it.
fae-exe
2020-04-22 23:54
I very much enjoyed the game - in fact I played through twice.
The mood is pretty strong; the music and graphics do a lot to establish the game's aesthetic and immerse us in the otherness of this desert world. The music never got the time to be boring or repetitive, and set the mood perfectly; the sound design was very nice. Some illustrations are a bit wonky to me, but overall, beautiful pieces that underline nicely the text and help immensely with the experience of travelling in this world. Maybe the UI could have used a little more juice, but it's entirely functionnal as is. The character design and environment reminded me a bit of Homestuck and the wayward vagabond's story, with some Grim Fandango vibes and Journey thrown in.
I loved the details in the writing, some little moments of brilliance. Rock soup and forearm spoons, the two tailed fox leaving glitter and questions behind, meeting the deads, the ransom of bites... There is some awkwardness in the text here and there; sometimes it feels a bit convoluted, sometimes it's a little off or disjointed, but I feel like the little scenes still manage to paint a pretty story that's rather cohesive, even though the content is atomic and with not much in terms of variations in the text. Also, obviously it's a jam game, and writing is hard as fuck, so very solid work here. Overall I found the writing competent, and despite the stumbles, the tone and style are good, and the "inland empire" of the writer shines through. I felt it was soulful and original, so keep up the good work.
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey; it's short and it's sweet, and did not overstay its welcome. I found it rather poetic, and paradoxically refreshing. A charming little game. Not blown away, but it washed over me like sunshine in the afternoon, and I felt warm. Not very innovative, I feel, but not every game has to be. Not very funny either, but again, not every game must be.
The whole work really oozes theme, although the story might be a bit too easy and forgiving - I never felt in danger of dying.
Thank you for this experience. I had a great time. I wish you all the best, and hope to see more of your work in the future. You did very good.