The Blue Flamingo

60%
Game Brain Score Based on 58 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
The Blue Flamingo Game Cover
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In "The Blue Flamingo," players navigate a pastel-colored world as a flamingo with a propeller hat, completing whimsical tasks and solving puzzles. Using unique movement mechanics, such as flapping and dashing, players traverse various levels filled with charming visuals and quirky characters. With no set objectives or time limits, this game encourages exploration and creativity at one's own pace.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

60%
Audience ScoreBased on 58 reviews
gameplay4 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • The game features stunning handcrafted graphics and a unique art style that stands out.
  • The soundtrack is pleasant and complements the game's aesthetic well.
  • The gameplay offers a simple yet addictive score attack mechanic that can be enjoyable in short bursts.
  • Controls are overly sensitive and imprecise, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • The game lacks content, with only two levels that quickly become repetitive and no significant upgrades or power-ups.
  • There are no lives or health regeneration, making the gameplay feel punishing and less engaging.
  • gameplay28 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its simplicity and repetitiveness, particularly in the rogue-like format with permadeath mechanics. While some appreciate the straightforward mechanics and tight controls, others criticize the lack of depth and the awkwardness of control options, leading to a feeling of monotony over time. Overall, the game appeals to a broad audience but may not satisfy those seeking more complex or engaging gameplay experiences.

    • “The mechanics are simple, the gameplay is tight, and the game is all in all pretty decent.”
    • “The core gameplay itself is as simple as it can get for a shmup: you shoot enemies who primarily appear from the top and sides of the screen, all the while earning points with which to upgrade the flamingo between stages.”
    • “This simple gameplay loop works wonderfully well.”
    • “There was no tutorial and the game is based on a rogue-like, permadeath mechanic that I don't personally like.”
    • “None of the control mechanics feel right; gamepad, keyboard, and mouse are all awkward in their own ways.”
    • “The gameplay, however, is repetitive and basic.”
  • graphics26 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique art style and clean visuals, with many reviewers noting the impressive use of real-world models and hand-crafted elements. However, some criticism arises from the presence of glitches and a limited asset pool, which can lead to redundancy in visuals. Overall, while the graphics are considered a strong point, they are somewhat hampered by gameplay issues and a lack of depth.

    • “The visuals are amazing and definitely unique, but with very limited assets, the visuals quickly become redundant.”
    • “One of the blue flamingo’s most distinguishing features is its use of real-life sources as graphical and audio assets – each and every one of the sprites seen in the game has been made using still images of hand-crafted, real-world models.”
    • “I love the visuals because I appreciate the time, effort, and care that went into making everything.”
    • “When you upgrade, it is the same gun, same graphics, just a stronger punch.”
    • “The shortness in terms of content is likely due to the limitations of the art style, which constrained them to only having one model for the terrain because building an impressively detailed 32-foot-long model is hard. The loose controls are less forgivable, as they combine with the lack of ability to restore your health to make a game where you're rewarded for playing very conservatively, which ends up feeling rather boring.”
    • “Novelty graphics and sound effects that, while beautiful and charming, quickly wear out their welcome after only a few minutes of dealing with the horrible controls (even menu control with an Xbox 360 pad is atrocious).”
  • music15 mentions

    The music in the game is described as pleasant and relaxing, often contrasting with the intense gameplay, which some players find mismatched. While the soundtrack is generally praised for its charm and balance with sound effects, it can become repetitive over time, lacking diversity as levels progress. Overall, the audio design contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, with standout moments in specific levels featuring upbeat jazz tracks that enhance the experience.

    • “The real-world audio also adds a good touch to the game’s aesthetics, and is complemented by a charming musical score that fits quite nicely with the setting while feeling relaxing at the same time.”
    • “The audio is great as it doesn't distract from the game itself; the music doesn't drown out the sound effects, nor does the reverse happen, it's a great balance.”
    • “The catchy music and beautiful environments make this simplistic shooter a joy to play as you find that perfect balance to achieve your high score.”
    • “What could be one of the best indie/arcade games developed during its time, got to the finish line just to drop the ball... excellent game for the first three rounds, after which a pattern emerges; levels repeat without any diverse change, and the music continues on the same beat every round.”
    • “The audio is great as it doesn't distract from the game itself, the music doesn't drown out the sound effects, nor does the reverse happen, it's a great balance.”
    • “There are two soundtracks in this game.”
  • story10 mentions

    The story in "Blue Flamingo" is minimal and straightforward, primarily serving as a backdrop for its gameplay rather than a focal point. While some players appreciate the simplicity and find it sufficient for an endless shooter, others criticize the lack of depth and rushed presentation, noting that it feels generic and underdeveloped. Overall, the game offers a basic narrative that complements its mechanics but does not aim for complexity or innovation.

    • “You can have all the 'generic shmup', 'pretty visuals, shallow gameplay', 'imprecise controls' that you want, for my money (and I did pay full price, gladly) this is a great little game... there may not be a whole lot of depth in the story but I couldn't care less about that, at least there is a bit of story in it, rather than just shooting up some stuff.”
    • “Blue Flamingo does not try and get fancy with a crazy story about an elite pilot taking on an entire army or a prototype jet that needs to eliminate an evil alien race.”
    • “Blue Flamingo has one caveat that makes that quest for the highest score that much more interesting.”
    • “All the designers need to do is add some story aspects, better and smoother ship movement, way less input stuttering, and 1000 times more imagination into gameplay and level/enemy design.”
    • “Only survival mode, so no story, same crappy enemies that get more hit points.”
    • “However, the menu interface uses a 1990s era 'blink' interface to tell you what's selected; there is no real story and it generally feels rushed.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    Reviewers express significant concerns about the game's replayability, noting that it offers limited incentives for players to return after completing it. The experience primarily appeals to those who enjoy competing for high scores, but lacks broader replay value for the average gamer.

    • “Blue Flamingo offers a unique challenge for players who enjoy competing for high scores, but it may not provide extensive replayability for everyone.”
    • “The second major complaint is replayability; this critique actually has some weight behind it.”
    • “There is very little replayability for the honest gamer here.”
    • “Blue Flamingo doesn't offer a ton of replayability unless you're the type that can rack up a massive score and enjoy defending it.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The game's humor is highlighted by its amusing sound effects and visual effects, complemented by a well-crafted musical score, resulting in an overall lighthearted and enjoyable experience.

    • “The funny fireworks sound effects and visual effects add a delightful touch to the game.”
    • “The music, sound design, and handcrafted elements all come together to create a good-humored experience.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Reviewers indicate that the game's optimization requires significant improvements, particularly in enhancing ship movement, reducing input stuttering, and incorporating more imaginative gameplay and level design elements.

    • “All the designers need to do is add some story aspects, better and smoother ship movement, way less input stuttering, and 1000 times more imagination into gameplay and level/enemy design.”
  • stability1 mentions

    While the game features appealing graphics, players have reported occasional glitches that affect overall stability, though the experience remains enjoyable.

    • “The game offers some nice graphics, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
    • “I frequently experience crashes that disrupt my gameplay.”
    • “The frame rate drops significantly during intense moments, making it hard to enjoy the game.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unengaging, leading to a frustrating experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment.

    • “It's a sorry excuse for a shmup, extremely tedious to play.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making the game more of a chore than fun.”
    • “I spent hours doing the same tasks over and over, and it just became boring.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the tension and anxiety players feel when navigating through enemy encounters, as the risk of damage adds a layer of urgency and vulnerability to the gameplay experience.

  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its satisfying graphics and explosive effects, although some users note a slight lag when using the cursor keys. Overall, it creates an engaging experience that is perfect for short play sessions.

    • “The graphics, atmosphere, and explosions are all highly satisfying, making it a great way to kill the lunch hour.”
    • “The immersive atmosphere really draws you in and enhances the overall experience.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is incredibly engaging, creating a sense of tension and excitement throughout.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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