Florence (2018) is a little puzzle game that tells the story of a relationship, following the usual stages of loneliness, meeting, dating, falling for and moving in with another person. At first, the puzzle interactions seem trivial and the game doesn’t change depending on how well we do. But each puzzle is cleverly designed to reflect the story. Sometimes easy, when the relationship is going well; sometimes almost impossible, when the couple is struggling.

These interactions transform the emotional quality of the game and implicate us in what unfolds. It’s hand-drawn and full of whimsy but powerfully clears emotional space to consider the commitments, choices and priorities of relationships in our lives.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked Florence 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 7 days ago.