Few games could coax players into grabbing their spring clothes out of their closets like “Flower,” a $10 game downloadable through the PlayStation Network.

The game itself is as austere as the lush landscapes in which it takes place. The only sign of story-like progression over the course of playing “Flower” is the gradual coloring of the apartment and city that comprise the game's menu screen. There are no characters and no sources of conflict.

What “Flower” players do is float - that's all. By tilting and turning the PlayStation 3's motion-sensing Sixaxis controller, players guide a flower petal through fields at brisk speed. The more flowers players steer the petal through, the more additional petals are caught in the wake of the first to form a vibrant trail. Guiding the petal through a series of flowers can restore life to the yellowed grass in the area and even trigger a melodic series of notes with each plant passed.

The simple design of “Flower” allows players to delight in details that would be taken for granted in busier titles of this generation. There is a perennial thrill in the motion-sensitive physics of simply gliding along the wind and scoping out the beatific scenery from limitless angles as the player's efforts liven it up.

“Flower” is further distinguished by a rich graphic presentation marked by verdant hues and a graceful soundtrack of bare melodic stringed notes. The game's emphasis on floating through particular areas of the environments to advance is the only dry spot due to the introduction of order to an otherwise carefree spring breeze.

David Wilcox

253-5311 ext. 245

david.wilcox@lee.net

If you play

Game: “Flower”

Score: A-

Parental rating: E for everyone

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Developer: ThatGameCompany

Platform: PlayStation 3

Price: $9.99

Play: Single

The final boss: With its tranquil action and serene setting, “Flower” is the perfect game for players wanting to welcome the spring season.