Year in Review 2018 Letter Series: Florence-For Caitlin, On Florence

My Dear Caitlin,

If I were to select the one quality I possess which most greatly impacts how I live my life, it would be my love of love. I love falling in it, being in it, and giving it. I savor every flutter, pang, and stir this unruly emotion bestows upon me. I love love’s every contradiction; the way it is both delicate yet strong, how it gives us weight yet makes us lighter, and the peculiar way something so intensely intimate is somehow so universal. I love the way love erodes our beings, revealing a self both entirely new yet deeply familiar. Simply put, I am enamored by all things amorous. As a fan and victim of this four-letter word, and a connoisseur of the stories it creates, I am very excited to talk about Florence with you.

I started Florence at 2 AM on a February night. I had run out of conscious friends, timelines to refresh, and internet rabbit holes to fall down. As I clicked on that small, yellow icon, I had no intention of playing through it in one sitting, but quickly realized it gently demanded it. An hour later, I felt a bit ruined- and my sleeves, now damp with mascara-tinted tears, definitely were.

Awhile back on an episode of my podcast, Kiss Kiss Game Game, my friend and Irrational Passions founder Alex O’Neill said of the game Persona 4 Golden “it finds a way of finding you when you need it.” It’s a sentiment that stayed with me, and one that absolutely comes to mind when I think about Florence. Furthermore, I would also say Florence has a way of becoming what you need it to become. While everything in life leans on your own experiences and becomes the meaning you assign to it, I think the mixture of minimalism, familiarity, and the earnest realism in every mechanic of Florence allows the game to mold into a shape which curls up into your own perfectly. Nearly everyone I spoke about Florence with had some portion of the game deeply resonate with them, whether it be the devastation of heartbreak, the fear of change and isolation, the triumph personal growth, or the unrelenting love of an unrelenting mother.

In your letter, you mentioned you don’t feel Florence tells a new story, and frankly, I would be inclined to agree with you. However, I don’t think that’s the point. Love stories are notoriously formulaic, but this makes sense when you consider how formulaic love is. Love is the great unifier- a point of connection, and a spark that ignites empathy. In a world filled with misunderstanding, isn’t it slightly pleasant to know most of us understand the rush of fingers first meeting, or the pain of walking with a wounded heart? I think Florence tells a very familiar story through an interactive medium that invites us to experience and feel in a way that hasn’t been done before- and therein lies the importance, appeal, and beauty of this game.

I will say, I am so so happy you found the mechanics as spectacularly clever as I did. The way conversation shifts, feelings are portrayed, and mundane routines are performed in this game consistently surprised and delighted me. These mechanics had such interesting things to say about our interactions with people and the world, and should not be overlooked. I think it’s also important to point out how perfect the art of Florence is. Aside from being gorgeous, it’s reliance on color theory and space to tell a story and guide you through emotions was absolutely brilliant.

For all these reasons, this hopeless romantic found Florence incredibly special. It’s also worth noting I firmly believe its message of growth and graciousness said “thank u, next” better than any 2018 pop anthem could, all due respect to Ms. Grande.

Now, you wanted to know how I thought we could better promote other emotionally-driven indie games, and honestly, gosh I wish I knew. I wish I had a wonderful answer I could give you that would give the hundreds of brilliant creators out there the credit they are due and inspire whoever reading this to go play the games like the ridiculously charming Butterfly Soup, (whoever is reading this, that was your call out- play it) but even I have a hard time navigating through the AAA ocean and finding those little treasure-filled islands. I think the best thing we can do is constantly seek to expand and contribute to the conversation, which is something you do better than anyone I know, and why I am so honored to be your friend, have this piece published on your site, and co-host Palin’ Around with you and Monti.

Much love,

Jessica