Burst System
The reproductive structures of flowering plants, essential for pollination and seed dispersal.
Flowers, also known as blossoms and blooms, are the reproductive structures of flowering plants. Typically, they are structured in four circular levels around the end of a stalk: sepals, petals, male stamens, and female gynoecia. When flowers are arranged in a group, they are known collectively as an inflorescence.
- Game Title
- Flower
- Developer
- thatgamecompany
- Publisher
- Sony Computer Entertainment
- Platform
- PlayStation Network (PS3)
- Mechanic Type
- Environmental Interaction / Energy Accumulation
- Primary Input
- L1 Button (Accumulate), L2 Button (Release/Burst)
Lore & Background
Flowers first evolved between 150 and 190 million years ago, in the Jurassic. Plants with flowers replaced non-flowering plants in many ecosystems due to flowers' superior reproductive effectiveness. In the study of plant classification, flowers are a key feature used to differentiate plants. For thousands of years humans have used flowers for decoration, medicine, food, and perfumes. In human cultures, flowers are used symbolically and feature in art, literature, religious practices, ritual, and festivals.
In Their Own Story
The wind whispered through the skeletal remains of an old oak tree, carrying with it the faint scent of rain and decay. A single red petal drifted down, caught in the updraft that was you. You reached out, not with hands, but with presence, pulling the fragment into your core. It joined a dozen others, swirling in a tight, vibrant vortex against the grey sky. The air grew heavy with potential energy, humming with the promise of change. With a sudden, sharp intake of breath from the world around you, you released it all—a roaring gust that shattered the silence, pushing back the fog and revealing a path of green waiting to be born.
Reader's Guide
The main purpose of a flower is reproduction of the individual, aiding in the survival of the species. Flowers produce spores, which become gametophytes that produce sex cells, leading to fertilised cells, and also develop and help disseminate seeds. Pollination can occur between different plants (cross-pollination) or between flowers on the same plant or even the same flower (self-pollination). Pollen movement may be caused by animals such as birds and insects, or non-living things like wind and water. After pollination, fertilisation occurs, and the resulting cell grows into a seed. The female part of the flower forms into a fruit, which protects the seed and aids in its dispersal.
Did You Know?
- Flowers range in size from 0.1 mm to 1 m in diameter.
- The Old English word for flower was blossom, which is still used today but refers especially to the flowers of edible fruit trees.
- The spelling flour was more common in English until the 17th century, when it became specialised to mean 'ground grain'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Burst System in Flower?
The Burst System is an environmental interaction mechanic where players collect flower petals to build up wind energy. This accumulated power creates visual and auditory intensity that can be released to alter gameplay states.
How do I activate a burst of wind?
Players must hold the L1 button to gather petals and increase their energy meter, then press L2 to unleash a powerful gust. This release clears obstacles like thorns and opens new paths through the level.
What role does collecting petals play in this system?
Gathering petals acts as the fuel for the dynamic energy cycle, directly increasing the strength and range of the wind you can generate. The more petals collected before releasing, the more intense the resulting gust becomes.
Why is the Burst System important to gameplay?
It serves as the primary method for progression by allowing players to destroy barriers that block their path forward. Without mastering this energy accumulation and release cycle, navigating through the game's diverse environments would be impossible.
Does the Burst System affect the game's atmosphere?
Yes, building up energy enhances both the visual colors and auditory sounds of the environment to reflect growing power. Releasing this burst provides a satisfying sensory payoff that reinforces the feeling of freedom and flow.
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