Florence Reviews
Like the video game equivalent of an orchestra, Florence is comprised of so many different elements that all work seamlessly together to create an emotional masterpiece. Video games exploring romance is nothing new - but this short and sweet game is probably the best and most realistic title that portrays what the realities of falling in love is actually like.
Florence weaves its alluring aesthetics, simple interactivity, and genuine story in creative and compelling ways
But, what is Florence? It's an evocation of the beauty, sadness and hope that comes from any human connection we make in our lives, whether with art, nature or another person. It's a succinct and incredibly successful exploration of moments you'll recognise from your own life, and the way it mirrors thoughts and feelings through small gameplay mechanics makes it one of the most affecting experiences we've enjoyed on Switch, or any other platform.
At only 30 minutes long and with little replay value, this is not for everyone, but its unique emotional journey is an experience that stays with you.
Through the highs and lows of a newfound love, Florence is a wonderfully told and emotive story that engages you in such simple, but effective ways.
This graphic novel-style chronicle of twentysomething romance uses a delicate aesthetic and clever interactions to keep you emotionally invested
Of course, with a great desire, the authors of the project can be accused of plagiarism, because a year before the game was released, the Brazilian blogger Rudy Mancuso released his famous video "Circle of Love". However, Florence has much more side meanings.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Florence is a love story, a story that merges video game and comic, capable of giving shape to a delicate and poetic narrative, but with an overwhelming emotional impact, which really leaves you speechless: at the end of this short story, you will therefore find yourself with a lump in your throat that would just like to melt into tears. The perfect synergy between impeccable visual construction and gameplay designed at the service of the plot gives life to a set that emphasizes the potential of the video game medium, exploring the potential of digital fiction.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The graphic style is clean and the music is lively; we finally regret only its short lifespan of just 30 minutes, which leaves an aftertaste of too little, but nevertheless, the experience is perfectly worth the detour.
Review in French | Read full review
For something that you can fit into a long lunch break, Florence is a beautiful and memorable story that has stuck with me ever since I finished it. I laughed and cried along with Florence as she made her way through life, and it helped me get through some particularly tough times. The developers at Mountains have done a phenomenal job at elevating an everyday story to a beautiful, whimsical and sometimes sad adventure, and they’ve reminded me that if things don’t work out, there’s always something else to look forward to.
I haven't been touched by a love story like this since reading Scott McCloud's The Sculptor, a wonderful and affecting graphic novel. Fullbright is probably the only other developer that could claim to do love right with Gone Home, but Mountains can stand proudly alongside them. In a medium so fixated on hurting others, it's refreshing to enjoy a slice of life story about the complexities of love, romance and life itself.
Despite its short, singular narrative, [Florence] is one I will undoubtedly visit multiple times. Just because it’s so touchingly beautiful.
Overall, if you are looking for a deeply emotional and relatable story about the joy and challenges of love and everything that comes with it, Florence is definitely a game you cannot miss. With its simple gameplay, lovely art, and powerful soundtrack, anybody can pick it up and find themselves connected with the story of Florence and Krish.
Florence is a simple, exciting, sweet and sometimes bitter narrative experience, suitable for those who want to laugh with sadness and cry with joy. It is a graphic novel about youth, first love, personal dreams and gender issues and, although it manages to do everything it proposes in a short period of time, it must frustrate those who hope for more challenges or longevity.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Although Florence is a short and sweet look into the love life of a 20-something young woman, the experience is one that I feel is well worth enjoying. Granted, it features a story that will leave you wanting for more. Much like many of the most compelling artistic works, however, the feelings it elicits will forever be remembered and cherished.
Florence tells a wonderful story about first love. You can see how love grows and goes and be part of a great story. It's over after around 40 minutes and I couldn't have any influence on what's happening, but that just meant that I wanted to experience more of this game. Florence is as delicate as a flower and as mighty as a storm.
Review in German | Read full review