Flock

Flock's mostly simple mechanics and colorful world mean it all plays like a hug. With its low barrier of entry, people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the game, and in two-player co-op, even enjoy it together. When things do get a bit more complex, that leads to some of the game's most rewarding moments, like discovering and naming super-elusive animals, or eventually filling out the all-important Field Guide with every critter and call seen and heard in the Uplands. Flock paints the picture of a world that welcomes you with open arms and equips you with tools to reciprocate the same admiration and respect for its dozens of interesting creatures.

Creature collecting has never been quite so ruminative and beautiful.

Flock is a warm, wooly hug of a game, mixing vibrant views with moreish creature collection action to create an adventure that's as light as the clouds you glide over. While its structure can end up feeling repetitive, this doesn't dull its charm.

Flock flexes your curiosity to chase down strange and wonderful little animals. It can be a little repetitive, but it's full of freedom and playfulness and is a treat after a long day being a grown up.

Still, even with these small nitpicks, Flock offers a wonderfully serene excursion into a strange but beautiful world. Gliding around in itself is fun and relaxing, and tracking down all the critters feels rewarding without becoming too demanding. Those seeking out a unique, soothing game should flock to this.

Those looking for a low-pressure, artistic adventure about documenting birds should join this Flock. Bring a friend, because the skies await.

As an amateur birdwatcher myself, Flock really captures something I love about patiently watching animals in their natural habitats. On a recent walk through a nearby cemetery, I caught a bird I’d never seen soaring over a pond. I carefully peeked at it through my binoculars and started taking mental notes. Black feathers. Orange accents on its wings. A quick search let me correctly identify it as a red-winged blackbird, leaving me satisfied with my ability to clock its defining features. I get the same smile on my face whenever I see a green piper wrapped around a tree and correctly guess its name.

Unfortunately, Flock is hard to recommend. The game design is repetitive and confusing, not leading players enough to where they're supposed to go or what they should be doing. There's a lot of beauty to be had with Flock, which will attract many, but don't expect a fun game behind its beautiful exterior. This is a game I wish I could have liked more but found myself scratching my head, even raising my voice for a few moments.

Flock is well and truly ahead of the pack when it comes to the cosy genre. It meets all the criteria and then some. From visuals to mechanics, this is a seamless delight of a game. There’s something so joyous in the design of these funny little creatures and the gorgeous world they live in. And knitting. For goodness’ sake this game even has KNITTING in it. Can it get more comfy cute than this?

Flock is an excellent representation of the freedom of flying through an ecosystem that is both exotic and mysterious. A relaxing journey through a beautiful world that can easily be recommended for all ages.