Flock Review (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 & PC)

To say that there isn’t a more magical journey than the ones that we take from the skies wouldn’t be entirely true — but I can sort of see what Flock means when it says such things in its elevator pitch. Like Flower, I suppose, it aims to encapsulate the spirit of flying and the everlasting joy that comes with the art of aviation, and not to mention the highs and lows that we, as people, often face when coursing through own own fleeting moments with each passing day. It sounds all rather deep, thinking about it—the idea of being able to navigate the world through the lens of a bird that, even considerably less likely to feel human emotions like ourselves, can still produce a message that’s both informative and thought-provoking. The truth is, though, Flock isn’t quite as deep as that; it’s Viva Piñata with wings.

Alright, so it isn’t really Viva Piñata with wings; it’s more of a culmination of two different sources gelding together—Journey, and Flower, immediately spring to mind, weirdly enough. And even then, it still goes a little deeper than that. But of course, I’m getting ahead of myself, so perhaps it’s best to clip those wings of ours and return to the surface.

Alas, Flock has indeed just made its global debut on consoles and PC, and so, if you did have any plans to make the plunge and take to the skies yourself, then allow us to fill in a few blanks and provide you with some pre-purchase pointers. Care to join us as we all flock together for the latest bird-centric co-op journey? Then let’s press on.

Birds of a Feather

Flock sets out to establish an “ode to the joy of flight and discovery”—a concept that primarily consists of allowing players to take to the skies as an ever-growing fleet of hover-sheep and unlock various secrets and other woolly cosmetics. The game, much like Flower, begins with a simple set of steps: take the small flock of sprightly birds in your garden and set out to explore the colorful boroughs of an enchanting storybook-like world. Of course, there’s a bit more to it than that, for sure, but the goal, even during the latter portions of the game, remains mostly the same: navigate through the world and collect rare species of winged creatures. Suffice it to say, this isn’t a difficult task; in fact, the game makes it abundantly clear right from the get-go that, with navigational controls set aside, there isn’t a great deal to fret about. Phew.

Flock is all about building a communal home for your birds, and so, naturally, the idea is to search the far corners of each portion of the map to unearth new species to integrate with. Simply put, you find yourself with a few so-called hover-sheep—colorful characters that, with enough time and effort, will eventually transform into prosperous friends who, in turn, will provide you with a flow of wool to create hats, socks, and even the odd cardigan. Okay, so this isn’t the main purpose of the game—kitting out a small army of birds with knitted clothes and what have you—but it’s an added incentive for you to pursue when you’re not actively searching for new species to host.

Flock Together

Flock isn’t just a single-player experience, but an equal opportunity that can be enjoyed by a wealth of avid bird enthusiasts in a full-fledged couch co-op mode, too. Regardless of which avenue you choose to explore, though, the objective here remains similar to that of the other: nurture your flock, and piece together the pages of a field guide—a textbook that you gradually add to by collecting new characters and breezing through the woods and other areas of the world. It’s a novel concept, for sure, and one that might not gel all that well with those who yearn for an experience that keeps you second-guessing — but it works, and it’s far more likely to appeal to those with an interest in soothing vibes and forgiving gameplay.

Of course, the heart and soul of Flock doesn’t revolve around its gameplay mechanics so much as it does its peaceful ambiance and natural flora. Don’t get me wrong, the flying mechanics are great, as is the natural compatibility between the birds and the vibrant landscape, but what elevates Flock to the point of it being able to sport its true colors, unsurprisingly, is its serene atmosphere. Aside from the sun-kissed nature of the scene, Flock also delivers a musical score that’s both whimsical and oh-so-inviting. Naturally, that’s where I chose to spend the most of my time: aimlessly soaring from one location to the next, often neglecting the field guide for another class of incentives altogether—the joy of being able to roam the open skies, and without the added pressure of having to do something that wouldn’t benefit me or my own sense of wellbeing.

A New Journey 

If I was to compare Flock with another game of the same caliber, I’d probably opt for something similar to, I don’t know, Journey, or Abzu, perhaps. I say this, mainly due to the fact that, general altitude aside, both share a similar radiance and natural-born gift to capture heartwarming moments without having to overindulge in bottomless text or filler. And that’s just it: there’s a certain sense of beauty embroidered into the simplicity of its design, and it doesn’t deprive itself of any real value by implementing unnecessary jargon or template elements, either. As for whether or not it’s a game that you could quite easily play a second time and still feel the same fleeting emotions, however, is another question, and one that is likely to attract numerous answers.

I won’t lie to you, but when I did manage to evolve my flock and part ways with the horizon, I didn’t feel the sudden urge to glide back to the first blade of grass and do it all over again. I didn’t want to spoil it, as doing so would’ve felt like cheapening the mood, or forcing myself to recreate certain moments that, quite frankly, were only meant to survive in short verses. Like a fever dream, or an interactive visual novel, perhaps, with a near-perfect climax to call its own, it didn’t require a sequel, nor did it need to squeeze the journey dry by adding any extra plot points to the mix. It was a one-and-done sort of ordeal, and I was more than happy with playing the part of a passing spectator — if only until it ascended to its final destination and into the great beyond.

Verdict

From the serene roots of Flock’s glossy exterior comes a mesmerizing journey that’s absolutely bursting at the seams with enchanting colors and winged angels of all shapes and sizes. In addition to its generous host of bubbling personalities and eye-catching set pieces, Flock also offers a soundtrack that’s both flavorful and optimistically satisfying for all the right reasons. Sure, its gameplay isn’t perfect, nor is it weighty enough to warrant a second glance, but where it lacks in mechanical complexity, it most certainly makes up for in numerous other aspects—its harmonic effects and fluid composition, being two of its greatest strengths, for sure. And that’s sort of what this is: a cinematic art piece that, while not technically overbearing, strikes out to leave a lasting impression on its users.

When all’s said and down, there’s a ridiculous amount to love about Flock, and even now, as I’ve just about parted ways with its clouds, I’m beginning to see why so many fans of the minimalistic approach often fall head over heels in love with these sorts of stories. To say that it’s a game wouldn’t be entirely accurate, because it’s a lot more than that; it’s a palatable exhibit that has little interest in reinventing the wheel, so to speak, but to give the audience something to write home about. And honestly, the game comes through with more than enough passages to comprise a genuinely compelling narrative that can be enjoyed by just about anyone in the world.

I’ll just come out and say it: Flock is great. Scratch that — it’s beautiful, and it’s arguably one of the jewels that has the potential to become a staple in the world of novel concepts. The point is, if you love games like Flower or Journey, then you’ll absolutely adore Flock.