flOw

flOw is a meditative underwater evolution game from thatgamecompany, one of the first notable titles available through the PlayStation Store shortly after its launch. The player controls a tiny aquatic creature moving in a smooth, almost fluid way through the depths, devouring smaller organisms and gradually evolving into more complex forms with additional body segments and abilities. The goal isn't to score points or compete with anyone else, but to sink ever deeper and watch how both the environment and the creature's form transform — the game functions more like an interactive, almost biological experience than a classic action arcade game with clearly defined rules and victory conditions.

The controls are deliberately simple; the game can be played with essentially a single analog stick, and this minimalist philosophy became a hallmark of the studio's later titles, namely Flower and Journey. The visual style relies on subtle lighting effects, translucent textures, and organic shapes reminiscent of microscopic images of aquatic life, while the ambient soundtrack reacts dynamically to what's happening on screen, with the tone and color palette of the environment shifting with each layer of depth. Together this creates a soothing, almost contemplative atmosphere far removed from typical console output of the time, which was dominated by loud action titles and competitive multiplayer.

At the time of release, it was one of the first signals that digital distribution on consoles could also offer experimental, artistically minded projects outside the mainstream of major studios, at a fraction of the price of a boxed game. flOw is still remembered today as a pioneering title that paved the way for so-called art games on consoles and shaped what players could expect from the PlayStation Network's offerings — not just lightweight arcade games, but also distinctive auteur experiences now counted among the classics of the relaxation game genre.

Why play it: For players interested in gaming history as well as fans of relaxing games, this is a pioneering title that opened the door to experimental art games on consoles at a fraction of the price of a boxed game.