Overview of Flockers

Flockers is a unique strategy and action puzzle game developed by Team 17, released on May 6, 2014. Offering a modern twist on the classic "A to B" puzzle genre, the title combines challenging tactical gameplay with dark humour and sinister foreboding. Players can dive into this experience across a variety of devices, with availability on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.

Story and Setting: The Great Escape

The narrative of Flockers is rooted in the universe of the Worms franchise. For over nineteen years, sheep have been an integral part of the worms' fearsome arsenal, held in thrall by their diabolical masters. In this game, the flock finally breaks free, making a desperate dash for freedom. The journey forces the sheep to navigate through the grim confinement of the Worms' weapons factory. Players must guide the flock past lethal machinery, heinous traps, and sadistic devices as they push through the testing grounds toward the promise of pastures green.

Gameplay Mechanics and Strategy

Flockers requires players to use strategic planning and quick reflexes to guide their flock through perilous stages. The core objective is to get as many sheep to the exit as possible while dealing with deadly hazards. The gameplay draws comparisons to the classic Lemmings formula, where players manage the flock's survival by placing obstacles and granting abilities.

Survival is achieved by assigning specific powers to individual sheep or groups. These abilities are represented by clothing items; for instance, beanies allow sheep to jump over gaps, while superhero capes enable them to survive long falls and climb sheer walls. Players must time these interventions carefully to prevent the flock from being torn apart by saw blades or falling off ledges. Performance is assessed via a star rating system, which rewards players for the number of sheep saved and the speed of completion.

Notable Features of Flockers

  • Challenging Levels: The game includes 60 gruelling levels designed to test a player's skill, alongside 6 bonus levels hidden throughout the campaign that unlock a unique mode focused on waking sleeping sheep.
  • Customisation Rewards: Players can unlock a wide range of objectives to earn cosmetic rewards, including 17 crazy skins and 6 types of blood, allowing for personalised flock appearances.
  • Level Creation: PC players have access to the "Meat Maker," a powerful tool that empowers users to design their own deadly puzzles and share them with the community.
  • Social Integration: Supported by Steam Workshop, the game allows players to share creations and compete on leaderboards for the fastest times in both individual levels and story mode.

Platform Availability and Appeal

Flockers is accessible on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android, ensuring that strategy fans can enjoy the game on their preferred device. The game appeals to enthusiasts of classic arcade puzzles, those who appreciate Team 17's history of creature-based games, and players looking for a blend of tactical depth and dark comedy. With its mix of challenging puzzles, customisation options, and creative tools, Flockers offers a compelling experience for anyone ready to guide a flock through a gauntlet of diabolical traps.