Flock Around: The Cozy Birdwatching Sim That Beats the Real Thing

Forget the Binoculars, Grab Your Camera

Let’s be real for a second: birdwatching in the real world is an absolute test of patience that I, frankly, do not possess. You’re usually standing in a freezing park at 6:00 AM, praying that a specific warbler decides to show its face before your toes go numb. It’s a hobby defined by the unpredictable whims of nature and the bitter bite of winter. That’s why the demo for Flock Around feels like such a godsend. It captures that elusive "zen" of wildlife photography without the risk of frostbite, replacing the harsh realities of the outdoors with a park full of cartoonish, yet strangely realistic, feathered friends.

In this cozy sim, you don't play as a grizzled National Geographic veteran. Instead, you are a sentient, cylindrical blob. You can customize your eyes, mouth, and clothing, but your primary identity is "creature with a camera." It’s a simple premise, but once you’re unleashed into the park with a guidebook and 20 species to track down, the charm offensive begins in earnest.

The Chaos of the Perfect Shot

If you’re expecting a static experience where birds just wait for their close-up, think again. Flock Around introduces a surprising amount of tactical depth to its photography. Birds are sensitive to noise and proximity; if you stomp around or shout too loudly over proximity chat with your friends, your target will vanish into the canopy at high speed. Learning to crouch and slow-walk becomes essential if you want to fill your guidebook.

Speaking of that guidebook, it’s a completionist’s dream (or nightmare). For every bird you find, you’re tasked with capturing four distinct angles:

• Face on: The classic portrait.
• From behind: For those who appreciate tail feathers.
• The profile: A side-on view of the beak.
• In-flight: The ultimate test of your reaction time.

The best part? The birds actually have personality. While they might pose for you if you're lucky, they’re just as likely to treat your head as a literal toilet. There is nothing quite like laughing with your pals over a rare sighting, only for the bird to fly off and leave a parting "gift" right on your avatar’s scalp. It’s these moments of unscripted silliness that give the game its heart.

Making Bank at the Develop-o-Tron

Progression in Flock Around is tied to a slightly chaotic grading system. Scattered throughout the park are "Develop-o-Tron" boxes where you turn in your film for cold, hard cash. Your shots are graded on a three-star scale based on how close you were and whether the bird is a new discovery. However, the system isn't exactly "professional grade" just yet.

Sometimes, a blurry photo of a tree branch with a hint of a wing will net you a three-star payout worth thousands. Other times, a perfectly framed shot is met with a snarky "An effort was made" comment and a measly $1 reward. It feels morally wrong to get rich off a photo of the dirt, but when you’re saving up $50,000 for that shiny gold camera or a fresh new outfit for your blob, you learn to take the win and run.

The Verdict

Flock Around is exactly the kind of low-stakes, high-reward indie gem we need during the "bleak midwinter." It turns the often-frustrating reality of birdwatching into a social, hilarious, and deeply addictive scavenger hunt. Even with its slightly janky grading system, the core loop of stalking a Yellow-rumped Warbler through the trees is incredibly satisfying. If you've ever wanted to be a wildlife photographer but lack the patience for a real forest, this is your ticket to the big leagues.

Is there a release date for Flock Around?

As of right now, there is no official release window for the full game. However, the demo is currently available and offers a substantial amount of content, including 20 birds to find and various customization options to unlock.

Can you play Flock Around with friends?

Yes! The game features proximity chat, which adds a layer of hilarious tension. You'll need to coordinate with your friends to stay quiet and move slowly so you don't scare off rare birds that someone else is trying to photograph.

What can you do with the money you earn from photos?

The cash you earn at the Develop-o-Tron can be spent on various cosmetic items to customize your cylindrical blob avatar. If you're a true completionist, you can also save up $50,000 for the ultimate prize: a prestigious gold camera.