Florence
Developer: Mountains
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Release Date: 14 February 2020
Genre: Casual
Platform: Switch
RRP: $8.95 AUS
Florence Yeoh feels a little… stuck. Her life is an endless routine of work, sleep, and spending too much time on social media. Then one day, she meets a cello player named Krish who changes everything about how she sees the world and herself.
Florence is a poignant and emotionally-charged interactive novel that beautifully captures the complexities of love, personal growth, and the ups and downs of life. This short indie gem from Mountains studios takes players on a captivating journey through the life of its titular character, Florence Yeoh, and delves into the universal themes of relationships and self-discovery.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Florence is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. From the initial moments of excitement and fluttering butterflies to the deeper, more sombre moments of heartache and introspection, the game takes players on an emotional rollercoaster. It masterfully intertwines moments of joy and sadness, creating a truly immersive and relatable narrative.
The gameplay mechanics are simple yet effective, employing intuitive gestures that symbolically represent various aspects of Florence’s life. Through cleverly designed puzzles and interactive sequences, players get a first hand glimpse into the highs and lows of her journey. The game’s clever use of visuals and sound enhances the storytelling, creating a captivating and immersive experience that resonates long after the game is over.
The hand-drawn art style is utterly charming and perfectly complements the game’s narrative. Each scene feels like a living, breathing storybook come to life, filled with vibrant colours and expressive illustrations that capture the essence of Florence’s emotional journey.
Florence is a short and intimate experience, but its impact is undeniably powerful. It explores the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the inevitable challenges we face in life. While the game may have made me cry (as indie games are wont to do), it also left me entirely satisfied with the emotional journey of the protagonist.
Emotionally captivating, Florence leaves an indelible mark with its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and beautiful art style. It’s a must-play experience for those seeking an emotional and introspective journey.
All video games are purchased by myself or gifted from a friend.
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About Nemo
A lover of kittens and all things sparkly, Nemo has a degree in English Literature and specialises in reviewing contemporary, paranormal, mystery/thriller, historical, sci-fi and fantasy Young Adult fiction. She is especially drawn to novels about princesses, strong female friendships, magical powers, and assassins.
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