You really have to play it. I'm always wary of critic-crowd art hype, but it was really an incredible experience. Similar to
flOw in some ways, but absolutely nothing like it at all in others. It's very pretty, and very... well, flowy, like its predecessor, but it's much more grounded and emotional. Still abstract to some degree, but not nearly as much, and capable of inspiring some emotional highs and lows throughout. I wasn't sure what exactly to expect, though it had been indicated by some reviews I'd read that the experience isn't as straightforward as it would seem at first glance, with some twists as you go.
So that said... don't spend time looking at screens, watching videos, or reading anything about it. If you own a PS3 and know you'll appreciate something beautiful and unique that you may not spend much more than an hour or two with (though you actually
could spend a good bit more since some of the trophies could potentially take a bit of skill and persistence to acquire -- so depending on your playing habits it might be a decent investment), just go grab it right now. Don't read about it, don't think about it, just grab it, make sure you have an hour and a half or so free, and just sit down and play the whole thing by yourself, without distractions. If you're skeptical... well, I'm not sure what you would do. You could watch videos or something, but I don't know how compelling the thing would look if you're just watching. If you don't have a PS3, try to find a friend who has one and tell him to get it and let you play it. It would be worth it just to sit down and play once even if you didn't touch it again.
I wasn't sure how much I was going to care, but wanted to try it, and I totally don't regret it. I hope everyone without a PS3 at the 2009 meet will take a little time to experience it.
The Gamespot review sums things up nicely, but I don't recommend reading it due to the spoilers. Technically they aren't really spoilers because the game doesn't really have a
plot, but it does tell a kind of
story, and the way it takes you up and down its little fable is remarkable. Much better to just go in blind and enjoy the unexpected nature of it. As it went I was afraid it was going to end up lopsided or even preachy, but it doesn't really veer far enough for that. It uses things conceptually and ends up with a somewhat unexpected climax and denouement.
Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. Unless you're a robot.
