If you’re looking for a game to just chill out to, Flock will definitely meet that criteria. From the minds behind Hohokum, I Am Dead, and Wilmot’s Warehouse, to name a few, this laidback adventure is all about finding and documenting dozens of unusual creatures, and that’s more or less it.
The open world expands as you progress through the extremely loose story, uncovering new areas and more critters to discover. You fly atop a large bird, seeking out animals to add to your compendium and, if you like, charm them to have them join your peaceful expedition. In addition, you can find sheep throughout the game and drop them off at grassy mounds; doing so reveals pesky Burgling Bewls, who’ve stolen the whistles you use to charm each group of creatures, as well as charms that increase the max capacity of your flock and new clothing items.
Whether playing solo or in online co-op, you’re given simple objectives, like finding special species by following clues, or locating other researchers, who in turn will reward you for completing their requests. There’s very little pressure, though — Flock is designed to be played at your own pace, and once you’ve revealed the full map, you can freewheel around to your heart’s content. It’s super relaxing, and the soft, colourful visuals and gentle music elevate that feeling.
There’s some nice diversity throughout the land, with each area hiding new creatures and other secrets. We will say some beasties are perhaps a touch too tricky to find, somewhat going against the zen vibes of the game by requiring some sharp observation. Similarly, charming creatures isn’t too hard but it can be very finicky; the unpredictable movements of the animals can disrupt the minigame through no real fault of your own.
Still, even with these small nitpicks, Flock offers a wonderfully serene excursion into a strange but beautiful world. Gliding around in itself is fun and relaxing, and tracking down all the critters feels rewarding without becoming too demanding. Those seeking out a unique, soothing game should flock to this.