Flower, Sun, and Rain: An Unorthodox Mystery Adventure

Story

Flower, Sun, and Rain is a unique game that stands out for its unconventional narrative and surreal atmosphere. Developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and directed by the legendary Goichi Suda, commonly known as Suda51, the game was originally released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2001 and later ported to the Nintendo DS for international audiences in 2008. The game is set on the fictional island of Lospass, a place that seems to exist outside the normal flow of time and reality.

Players take on the role of Sumio Mondo, a “searcher” who is tasked with finding a bomb on a plane that is set to explode. However, the plot takes a bizarre twist as Sumio finds himself trapped in a repetitive loop, waking up every morning at the Flower, Sun, and Rain hotel with the same mission, yet constantly being diverted by the eccentric guests and staff of the hotel. Each day presents a new mystery to solve, ranging from missing items to peculiar requests, all while the looming threat of the plane explosion persists.

The story is layered with themes of existentialism, identity, and the nature of reality, drawing players into a narrative that is as much about introspection as it is about solving puzzles. As Sumio interacts with the island’s inhabitants, players are gradually exposed to the deeper mysteries of Lospass Island and the enigma of the endless loop.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Flower, Sun, and Rain is as unique as its story. It primarily revolves around exploration and puzzle-solving, with a strong emphasis on narrative progression. Players navigate through the hotel and its surroundings, engaging with various characters and tackling the puzzles that stand in the way of Sumio’s objective.

One of the game’s distinctive features is the use of a device called “Catherine,” which Sumio carries with him. This portable computer is used to crack codes and solve puzzles by inputting numerical sequences. The puzzles require players to pay attention to details and gather clues from conversations, the environment, and the in-game guidebook, known as the “Lost and Found.” This guidebook contains valuable information that helps players deduce the correct solutions to the puzzles they encounter.

While the repetitive nature of the daily loop can feel monotonous, it serves as a narrative device to emphasize the surreal and dreamlike quality of the story. Each day presents a new challenge, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging as players strive to uncover the island’s secrets and break free from the cycle.

Graphics and Sound

Flower, Sun, and Rain’s graphics are characterized by their simplicity, yet they effectively convey the quirky and mysterious atmosphere of the game. The original PlayStation 2 version featured low-poly character models and environments typical of the era, which were faithfully recreated in the Nintendo DS port. The visual style complements the game’s surreal narrative, contributing to the otherworldly feel of Lospass Island.

The game’s sound design is another highlight, with a soundtrack composed by Masafumi Takada, who is known for his work on other Suda51 titles. The music ranges from ambient and atmospheric to upbeat and whimsical, perfectly capturing the mood of each scene and enhancing the player’s immersion in the game’s peculiar world. The sound effects and voice acting, though minimal, are well-executed and add depth to the characters and their interactions.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Flower, Sun, and Rain received mixed reviews from critics and players alike. Its unconventional approach to storytelling and gameplay divided opinions, with some praising its originality and others criticizing its repetitive nature and lack of traditional gameplay elements. Despite this, the game has garnered a cult following over the years, largely due to its unique narrative and the reputation of its creator, Suda51.

The game’s legacy is marked by its influence on later works by Grasshopper Manufacture, as well as its role in popularizing Suda51’s distinct style in the West. It is often regarded as an experimental title that paved the way for more ambitious projects like Killer7 and No More Heroes, which further explored themes of identity and existentialism.

Flower, Sun, and Rain’s port to the Nintendo DS allowed it to reach a wider audience, introducing its peculiar charm to players outside Japan. The handheld version retained the core elements of the original while making use of the DS’s touch screen for puzzle-solving, enhancing the interactive experience.

Conclusion

Flower, Sun, and Rain stands as a testament to the creative vision of Suda51 and the willingness of Grasshopper Manufacture to take risks with unconventional storytelling and gameplay. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, its impact on the gaming landscape is undeniable, inspiring a new wave of narrative-driven games that challenge players to think beyond traditional boundaries.

The game’s lasting appeal lies in its ability to immerse players in a world that is both bewildering and captivating, inviting them to unravel its mysteries one day at a time. For those willing to embrace its idiosyncrasies, Flower, Sun, and Rain offers an unforgettable journey filled with intrigue, humor, and philosophical musings.