Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Indie, Puzzle, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Team17
- Publishers: Team17
Flockers (2014): A Sheepish Strategy Puzzle Adventure
For over two decades, sheep have been an integral part of the Worms’ fearsome arsenal, used as hapless projectiles and unwitting pawns in the worms’ explosive conflicts. But in 2014, Team17, the developers behind the Worms series, gave the sheep their own chance to shine in Flockers, a delightful and challenging puzzle game that puts players in control of a flock of sheep as they attempt to escape the confines of the worms’ weapons factory.
Flockers is a modern take on the classic A to B puzzle genre, with a generous helping of sinister foreboding and dark humor for good measure. Players must guide their flock of sheep through a series of increasingly challenging levels, dodging deadly machinery, avoiding sadistic traps, and solving diabolical puzzles. The levels are designed to challenge the player’s skill and strategic planning, but they are also fair and rewarding, allowing players of all skill levels to progress through the game.
One of the things that makes Flockers so unique is its charming and darkly humorous art style. The game’s world is rendered in a minimalist black and white style, with the sheep represented as simple white dots and the worms as menacing black silhouettes. This stark visual aesthetic creates a sense of foreboding and danger, but it also gives the game a timeless quality.
The gameplay in Flockers is simple to learn but difficult to master. Players control their flock of sheep using the arrow keys or the WASD keys, and they can use the space bar to make the sheep jump. The sheep will automatically follow the player’s cursor, but players can also click on specific sheep to select them individually. This allows players to control the flock as a whole or to focus on individual sheep to solve specific puzzles.
The levels in Flockers are filled with a variety of deadly traps and obstacles, including spinning blades, crushing pistons, and electrified fences. Players must use their wits and skill to guide their flock through these hazards without losing too many sheep. The game also features a number of puzzles that require players to think outside the box, such as using the sheep’s weight to activate switches or using their bodies to block lasers.
Flockers is a challenging and rewarding puzzle game that will appeal to fans of all ages. The game’s charming art style, clever puzzles, and challenging levels make it a must-play for anyone looking for a fun and engaging puzzle experience.
Tips for Playing Flockers
Here are a few tips to help you survive the deadly factory and guide your flock to freedom:
- Use the environment to your advantage. The levels in Flockers are filled with objects that can be used to help you solve puzzles and avoid traps. For example, you can use crates to block lasers, or you can use conveyor belts to transport your sheep across gaps.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is often more than one way to solve a puzzle in Flockers. If you get stuck, try experimenting with different strategies until you find one that works.
- Don’t give up. The levels in Flockers can be challenging, but they are all beatable. If you get frustrated, take a break and come back to the game later. With a little patience and perseverance, you will eventually be able to guide your flock to freedom.
Flockers: A Critical and Commercial Success
Flockers was released to critical and commercial acclaim. The game was praised for its charming art style, clever puzzles, and challenging levels. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Flockers has been nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Puzzle Game. It has also been featured in several “best of” lists, including IGN’s list of the best puzzle games of 2014.
Flockers: A Legacy of Puzzle Excellence
Flockers is a worthy addition to Team17’s legacy of excellent puzzle games. The game’s charming art style, clever puzzles, and challenging levels make it a must-play for fans of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned puzzle veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Flockers is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8/10