Game: Urban Flow
Genre: Simulation, Arcade, Puzzle
System: Nintendo Switch
Developer|Publisher: Team Knights | Baltoro Games
Age Rating: EU 3+ | US Everyone
Price: UK £13.49 | EU € 14,99 | AUD $22.50 | CAD $19.83 | USD $14.99
Release Date: 26th June 2020
Review code provided with many thanks to Baltoro Games
Red Lights of Mystery
There are a set of traffic lights close to where I live that I have always felt are against me. Every night when I drive home from work they always conveniently turn red. One last moment of frustration before I can get home to have a nice shower and a cup of coffee. Originally I just assumed I was unlucky. But after playing Urban Flow, I’m sticking with the conspiracy theory that it’s pigeons with remote controls that are behind it all. Now that I’ve convinced you all with my crazy talk, let’s delve into Urban Flow, because it’s quite wonderful and really a lot better than being stuck at a red light. Just remember folks don’t game and drive.
Monitor the Flow
Urban Flow tasks you with the higher of all powers, the power to control the traffic lights in the city and enable the traffic to flow as smoothly as possible whilst avoiding any nasty road accidents. Leave things red too long though and the cars will eventually push through anyway. It’s all about timing things just right. The cars do indicate which way they are going but some paths are not as predictable as they seen. It’s about timing things just right.
The loading screen for the game would have you believe you’re a pigeon controlling the flow of traffic with a two button remote. Had the developers leaned into this as the actual premise of the game I would be totally on board. Alas there isn’t really any story. You play single screen levels set in a variety of locals. The goal is to get the traffic to flow without causing any accidents. As cars safely move off the screen it adds to a point tally. You can score up to three stars on each level but only one star is required to progress. Fortunately for beginners this barrier is not high to reach enabling you to experience the next level with minimum stress.
It Takes Two to Sync
Originally I found the game quite overwhelming. Some levels give you more than 4 traffic lights to control and this really made by head spin. I panicked about causing car accidents and found it hard to get the flow of traffic going. I was in luck though as Urban Flow allows up to 4 players, so my wonderful wife picked up a joy con and helped me move the traffic in all the right directions. Playing this game with others really brought this experience to life. Once we were in sync together we didn’t even really need to talk that much to get the traffic flowing.
Controls Red or Green
Controls are simple in order to change the lights from red to green. To do this, you press the appropriate button on the controller or use the touch controls in handheld mode. You can even play the game co-op in handheld mode. Sometimes this was more preferable to using the controllers as players can simply decide which traffic lights to change rather than the ones designated to them using controllers. My wife would often cover all traffic lights on the left of the screen while I took the right, which also made it easier as you didn’t need to focus on multiple areas.
Low Poly World
The graphics are cute low poly 3D models. Whilst most stages are set in city environments the developers do an impressive job changing the themes regularly. This could vary from night to day time and changing the general feel of the environment with train tracks, roundabouts and all sorts of crazy road crossings. Even when the game does repeat certain themes they always add a new twist making the levels feel fresh and new each time. The music was also quite standout switching from club beats in the sunshine stages to relaxing melodies in the rain. The whole package feels welcoming and suitable for everyone.
Plenty of Traffic
Urban Flow has 100 levels in the core campaign but there’s always the incentive to replay levels to gain the 3 star rating. Getting more stars rewards you by unlocking a variety of things like new cars and buildings. As well as this, there are additional modes like endless mode to keep you busy even longer. This game is easy to dip in and out of even if you just need a really quick gaming fix.
Fun Times in the City
Who would have thought a game about controlling traffic lights could be so much fun. Well, Urban Flow proves simple ideas can still make incredibly good games. A good time alone but this game really came alive when I played with my wife and will now hold a special place in gaming memories for the two of us.
I really enjoyed playing this one, as James mentions the music was great and it was easy to get to grips with. It added in some extra twists to keep you on your toes and to keep the levels interesting without becoming tedious. It also got your brain moving a lot more than you might think it would. I also would have loved it if you actually were the pigeons that got hold of the controller but then one can dream! Melissa
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
