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Ever since Animal Crossing regained its popularity over lockdown, the widespread desire for ‘cosy games‘ has blossomed. This popular genre promotes relaxing gameplay and encourages a more friendly play style. Most often they’ll be accompanied by cute and appealing art styles. They often consist of simple goals; chores, farming, or gathering. There are games out there that can be included under this description, but may have a darker or more violent side to them like Tchia. It’s rare to find a game completely devoid of stress, but a strong contender has entered the fray.

If you’ve found 2024 to be as long and as tiring as I have, Flock is well worth a gander. The developers have
created something utterly charming and whimsical. I picked this game out on Xbox after watching the trailer, I needed a little whimsy in my life. Take to the skies and gather creature companions as you explore an enchanting world that will bring you cheer and contentment.

Story – Do You Wanna Build a Critter Guide?

You play as a Bird Rider, recruited by your aunt who’s a zoologist. Aunt Jane needs your help to finish her guide book to local fauna, as only a Rider can get close enough to observe. Her place of study (and the game’s setting) is a place called the Uplands. It’s high enough above sea level to feel like an island in an ocean of clouds.

Upon arrival, Aunt Jane gets you settled with some training while Uncle Reg gets bogged down in sheep semantics. Suddenly, thieves appear! Burgling Bewls, complete with classic thief black and white stripes. These pesky creatures make off with all of Aunt Jane’s whistles. Without the whistles, you won’t be able to Charm critters and add them to the guide. With the call to action sounded, you must search across the Uplands for the thieves and Aunt Jane’s stolen belongings.

Along the way, you come across a weird and wonderful variety of creatures. Charming them with retrieved whistles and adding them to your flock earns you the help of these funky allies. Some are sheep, ready to munch away the hiding places of burglars. Others are somewhat mystical, lowering the cloudbank to reveal more places to explore.

The Comfiest Vibes

There’s a host of quirky characters to interact with, each with optional goals and challenges to offer. The personalities of the researchers reminded me a lot of fantastic people I’ve met in reserves and zoos. Add to that memories of going bird watching with my parents, and it’s no wonder I love this game. It evoked a deep sense of fondness and warmth.

The story of Flock isn’t terribly complex, and it doesn’t need to be. Aside from a few specific tasks from Aunt Jane to help expand the map, the game feels incredibly freeform. It has that sandbox vibe that gives you freedom to relax. Flock’s beauty is in its simplicity.

Gameplay – The Hands Down Cosy Champion

Everything about the mechanics are designed to be easy, intuitive, and ultra smooth. The game requires little brain effort and truly allows you to relax. The gradual reveal of the map stops it from feeling too overwhelming. The steering does require some presence of mind at times however so watch out for that.

Gotta Charm ’em All!

When the aim of the game is collecting, having a scratch card-like layout is a cheeky but effective method of motivation. The Interactive Uplands Field Guide is reasonably simple and visually very appealing.

At a push you could finish this game in a few hours but why would you want to rush this glorious experience? Completing the story goals doesn’t end the game. You can continue to fill your guide at your leisure. Some tasks are actually easier post story for reasons I won’t spoil.

In addition to identifying critters, you have a hand in naming a few as well. It’s a small detail that affects the plot in no way; however niceness for the sake of it is very on brand for this genre.

The guide includes clues, though of mixed quality. For example you can listen to the creatures calls once you find a creature from a family you’ve seen before. This is great for trying to pin down cunningly disguised critters. On the other hand, the location hints aren’t terribly helpful. For instance they’re a bit vague like “the wooded area” (of which there are many).

Travelling – Falling with style!

Despite how chill this game is, it was surprising at how fast I can get around. A huge relief when my ADHD puts me in the mood to hustle! Being able to drift lazily over the rolling hills is so soothing. Sometimes though I just want to blitz and slam through those tasks. Might not be relaxing per se, but it achieves the same goal of that lovely dopamine hit. I’ve rarely found a game that can cater successfully to both.

They’ve certainly provided a variety of boosts and routes. Swoop down from colossal updrafts, navigate through mossy megaliths, or breeze across the cloudbank. Even just rhythmically tapping to have your companion flap her wings. All of these can set your flight speed JUST how you like it, be it lightning or lackadaisical.

Being able to achieve that same zen feeling while you gotta go fast is in big part down to the automatic dodge feature. Drift too close to a tree or outcropping and your faithful steed will gently correct your path. I tested this thoroughly and she was determined to keep me safe and aloft. Uninterrupted flight makes this game feel like one of the smoothest experiences.

A Naturalist’s Dream

Observing the creatures for things like gait and behaviour before identifying them is a nice touch. It adds depth to the world and to the adventuring zoologist vibe. Each class of creature has similarities, however their individual natures keep things interesting. For example, you can’t approach Vigilant Pipers head on, and Glowing Thrips only come out at night.

A few easy ones are chilling in the open early on. However, as things progress, you need to try different methods to find or catch the more elusive critters. I appreciate having an option later in the game that can make this a lot easier if you’re still struggling.

The difficulty level is very much up to the player thanks to in-game mechanics as well as switches in the settings menu. The flexibility in this tailoring reduces the potential for guilt because it’s so incorporated into the game. Unfortunately, within the gaming community there is a lot of stigma around playing on easy-mode. Flock calmly and serenely rejects this notion in the best way. Cosy is not about the win, it’s for curating a relaxing experience.

On the other hand, it doesn’t spoon feed you. This game requires you to notice things about your surroundings, differing textures, odd sounds etc. The flight mechanics gel well with this thanks to being able to immerse fully, with no worries about crashing, or running out of energy. It gives the game a very natural feel and greatly added to my sense of accomplishment.

Whistle while you work

The actual method of Charming is in itself kind of charming. Firstly, Flock is full of soft edges and bright colours, and the aesthetics of this mechanic match in a pleasing way. Secondly, lining up your brackets with those of the critter’s by flying at just the right distance and whistling feels companionable. You know they’re joining your flock willingly rather than kidnapping them!

I love how your bird sings while you whistle. When you reclaim a new whistle, a wee cutscene shows of your bird learning its tune. And of course your rider then applauds her cause she’s so clever! In conclusion, she’s my best girl and I will hear no arguments on the matter.

If you want to test your whistling and creature wrangling skills, Charming challenges are available from the researchers. For example, Charm 3 Bewls in 2 minutes. However, you can’t Charm the critters till you find the corresponding whistle. For that, you need sheep…

Shepherding Simulator With A Twist

In the Uplands, critters don’t need wings to fly, including the local sheep! Finding lost or stuck sheep on your journey will add them to your flock. Yes, they nyoom through the air alongside your flock quite happily. Each with their own unique name and appearance, I became so attached to my wee woollies! I didn’t have to worry about leaving them to graze, as a handy progress bar pops up when they leave your sight. Not that there’s any inherent danger in this game anyway. Its refreshing to have a cosy game truly free of any fear-inducing situations.

A freshly grazed meadow results in an exposed Burgling Bewl. Once ousted, the Bewl leaves behind either a whistle or a knitting pattern. Nadiya the Wandering Wardrober uses these patterns to unlock new custom outfits for your rider. But she’s going to need materials to work with too! Sheer your sheep after they’ve munched on some grass and you’ll keep Nadiya well supplied with wool. Furthermore, researchers also give wool rewards for challenges or seeing certain creatures in your flock.

The motivations from the game are very gentle and balanced throughout. Be it finding patterns to upgrade your appearance, or filling out the guide, I never felt pushed to prioritise one over the other. I could fly wherever my mood took me.

Audio and Visuals – Relaxation Therapy In Game Format

As per usual, the bright colours and satisfying sounds strike a nice dopamine chord for me. Though I’d be remiss in not emphasising how much the environment plays into the overall experience. For instance, changing up the colour palettes and soundtrack for each biome. Switching from zingy to pastels, and jaunty to calming. On the one hand, these changes keep you engaged. On the other, this provides opportunities to breathe. The devs certainly have found that sweet spot that keeps you stimulated rather than overwhelmed.

From the menu aesthetics to the interface mechanics like Charming, everything is cohesive. It’s all been carefully curated to avoid any jarring interruptions to your peace. The streamer that trails behind you as you fly has no in-game use or effect. Yet another unassuming detail literally adding to the flow of play.

Audio – Now That’s What I Call Easy Listening

I highly recommend headphones. Much like the visuals aid creature discovery, audio comes into play as well. Directional calls and each creature having a unique cry adds vibrancy and brings the Uplands to life.

Additions such as having the sheep shiver after bein shorn drew an out loud “Aww” from me. Followed by giggles when they immediately sprout a new coat (it’s cold in the Uplands y’know) with an entertaining “PUFF” sound.

Most importantly, the soundtrack is delightfully soothing. Seamless transitions between each area of the map and even when speed boosting are phenomenal. Not to mention just the basic UI sounds that are a reward in themselves!

Visuals – More Than Just A Pretty Picture

A seemingly simple game on first glance, there’s such joy found in the details. Flock’s art style lends itself well to the crucial way your surroundings provide subtle clues. Details don’t bog you down while searching, but the scenery is hardly a bore.

Whether it’s day or night really has an impact. More than a few creatures take on new aspects after sunset. It feels like nature is really playing a role here. Similarly, the visuals around Charming creatures add to this harmonious sensation. Like you’re synchronising with the world rather than manipulating it.

Given the size of the game, the abundance of options to customise your Rider’s appearance is a surprise. There’s enough choices at the beginning to let you feel unique, though there are plenty of burgled patterns for you to start a clothing line. In the same vein, you can choose which Charmed critters stay in your flock. Being able to admire your collection of creatures and woollen apparel on the go provides a steady sense of accomplishment. Flock appreciates the little things. I appreciate you, Flock.

Verdict

Flock is well and truly ahead of the pack when it comes to the cosy genre. It meets all the criteria and then some. From visuals to mechanics, this is a seamless delight of a game. There’s something so joyous in the design of these funny little creatures and the gorgeous world they live in. And knitting. For goodness’ sake this game even has KNITTING in it. Can it get more comfy cute than this?

The devs came into this with the clear understanding that everyone relaxes differently. The cosy genre opens up room for discussion on wanting to play a more peaceful style of game. Sadly, the players are still frequently judged and accused of not being “real gamers”. Regardless, the cosy community aspires to be accepting and welcoming. Flock is the epitome of that. Whether you’ve come from playing CoD or Animal Crossing, Flock has the potential to cater for all, no matter your skill level.

Honestly, I have no complaints bar the length of the game (which is perfectly acceptable given the price point). I can’t wait to see what else these studios come up with. You can bet I’ll be waiting eagerly, equipped with a snuggly blanket and warm mug of tea in hand.

I have no doubt Flock will be in my top 3 games for this year. And maybe even next year too.

Whether you’re a fledgling cosy gamer or a seasoned comfy flier, I definitely recommend checking out some seasonal titles to get you in the spooky chilled out mood. What’s your favourite game to unwind with? Let us know via our Facebook community or tweet us on Twitter!