As of yesterday (2/12/09), PS3 owners can download a new title from the PlayStation Network entitled Flower. This game has been brought to us by thatgamecompany – the same developer that introduced us all to the sublime experience of flOw. The similarities between these two titles don’t stop with the letters in their names. Both use the PlayStation 3 controller’s motion-sensing capability to move the on screen avatar and allow you to press any button on the controller to accelerate the motion.

In the case of Flower, the player essentially controls a flower petal through an environment like a field and when the petal comes in contact with other flowers, it collects other petals. When certain flower patches are “touched,” this causes a chain reaction of life in the nearby area and plants that previously seemed withered and dying suddenly are filled with beautiful color.

Like flOw, it’s hard to describe Flower. On one level it is such a simple experience. On a much deeper level, it’s an exercise in discovery, hope, and rejuvenation. View the video and follow the link above to Sony’s site and judge it for yourself. I believe that it is an excellent example of interactive art in 1080p splendor.

Enjoy and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours!

But now, thanks to the groovy dudes over at Ratloop  Kari and I can share our mutual interest in crafts and video games, all in the same virtual world.

Developed by Lucas Pope and Keiko Ishizaka and entered into the Independent Game Festival, Mighter allows for some very unique interaction with digital space.  The premise is fairly simple, play as the Actionaut  and collect the Datagons to complete the level.  The fun comes when you have to solve the puzzles by drawing on paper.  Yep, you print the puzzles, scan in your solution, then play the level!

Mightier from Ratloop on Vimeo.

(via Kotaku)