Florence originally came to Switch back in February 2020, but we didn't manage to review it at launch. Following several reader requests, we're pleased to say we found time to catch up with it over the holidays...
What is Florence? It could be described as an interactive novella or a visual novel, perhaps, although those are pretty dry descriptions of this delightful, evocative nugget. Coming from indie developer Mountains and the artist/designer behind Ustwo's minimalist mobile hit Monument Valley, Florence's short story is another wonderful addition to publisher Annapurna Interactive's impressive indie catalogue, and one that's absolutely worth your time on Switch.
The story follows a period in the eponymous protagonist's life as she begins making her way in the world, embarking on a new relationship and discovering what she wants to do with her life. It's a cute tale that mingles the excitement of dreams and new love with inevitable external pressures and the honesty and wisdom that comes with age.
To reveal any more of this short game's story would rob you of a touching encounter or moment of realisation, so we'll keep totally shtum. Florence is perhaps best compared to other short-and-sweet titles in Annapurna's enviable line up; there's something of Gorogoa in its artful, mobile-friendly presentation, although it lacks Buried Signal's mind-expanding puzzles.
Florence is much more directly concerned with evoking emotion and recognition through its clever use of mechanics which replicate her mindset during everyday scenarios. Again, we're dancing around specifics here, but the game does a wonderful job of conveying evolving social dynamics through elegant little gameplay interactions.
Like Gorogoa, it's a game made for mobile that has been sensitively ported to Switch, and console controls are beautifully implemented here. Likewise, Florence can also be experienced on other platforms at a lower price if you feel that the extra cost of the Switch version isn't warranted. The Switch release (which includes optional touch controls in handheld mode) is excellent, though, and it looks beautiful on a large TV screen.
The game also sounds lovely, with strings and elegant piano that compliment the mood. Florence is a clean, classy affair that doesn't trade in the sun-tinged, ukelele-infested tropes you'd expect were the game's squiggly font to appear on the title card of a navel-gazing Netflix series. Even if its delicate score isn't your cup of tea, it doesn't stick around long enough to pall. You'll work your way though its twenty short chapters in under an hour, after which you can choose to play any of them again and peruse a small gallery of lovely concept and developmental artwork.
Under an hour?! Yes, but worrying about value for money is really missing the point. If you've read this and you're still on the fence, probably best you steer clear: Florence simply isn't for you. If, however, any single part of the game sounds interesting — characters, art style, story, mechanics, score — we'd urge you to give it a try.
But, what is Florence? It's an evocation of the beauty, sadness and hope that comes from any human connection we make in our lives, whether with art, nature or another person. It's a succinct and incredibly successful exploration of moments you'll recognise from your own life, and the way it mirrors thoughts and feelings through small gameplay mechanics makes it one of the most affecting experiences we've enjoyed on Switch, or any other platform.
Comments (18)
I grabbed it ages back but still haven't gotten around to playing it. I really should make the time for it sometime soon considering the short length makes it easy to squeeze in between other games.
Art style is interesting and I like the premise, just not interested in a short game right now.
Looks like a great indie, but not on the top of my wish list rn.
It’s utterly beautiful and well worth a play. Yes, it’s short but I still remember it despite the short run time.
I've played a few games that Annapurna produced, and have absolutely loved each one. I also adored the art direction of Monument Valley, so I guess this is a good fit for me. I've seen it on sale a couple times, so I'll try to pick it up next time around.
@nessisonett Florence can best be described as a good novel. It might be short but this is missing the point. You'll replay it again and again. If you have any taste in gaming and/or melancholic love stories (as opposed to the melodramatic anime novels) you'll be right at home.
@RadioHedgeFund Yeah, it’s like comparing a 20 hour TV show to a 2 hour movie. Different runtimes, different pacing, different experience.
Admittedly, I got stuck at the sailboat less than five minutes into the game.
@Kalmaro You can play it, finish it, and then start a longer game immediately afterwards all in the same evening. You'll miss out on nothing by playing this.
More of these finally-getting-around-to-it reviews, please. Not just for the players, although we obviously can only benefit from more information, but for the developers. Discoverability is a major problem that is getting worse, and anything that helps good games find an audience is a positive.
I downloaded not too long ago when it was on sale. Haven't gotten around to playing it yet, but it's nice to know that I have something to look forward to!
@JimmySpades Sure, or I could just keep playing the game I'm already on.
Just not in the mood for a short break right now. On my 30th run of hades now.
Glad you’re finally reviewing this. Hope it gets more people to play the game. The developer deserves it and gamers will love it. Win win!
Monke for president
I enjoyed my time with it. I have said again and again that the mere fact that a game is short is not a bad thing at all. Some many feel differently, particularly if one demands more hours for their gaming buck (in which case, a video play-through should more than satiate one's curiosity), which is also a fair criticism as Florence is overpriced for what it is.
In the end, I found that Florence epitomised what people so often do wrong in relationships nowadays, yet crazily enough, many would call it "empowering" when a man isn't fulfilling his responsibilities in a relationship.
Awesome I just got it on a half off sale tho I’d be happy to pay full price. Also not concerned about the short run time. Looking forward to checking it out. Thanks for the review!
It sounds like my kind of game, but your constant name-dropping of Gorogoa means I'm now required to buy it immediately. Thanks a lot, Nintendo Life.
Sounds like my kinda thang.
Thanks for the review
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