Kill the past. SUDA follows up 1998's The Silver Case with this relaxed and tropical exploration game, a contrast from the former's cyberpunky claustrophobic atmosphere. But things aren't all as they seem, and as the player explores the mysteries of Lospass island we return once again to this abstracted idea of crime, or evil, as made (ostensbily) tangible in the form of "Kamui." Having recently finished up a playthrough of Deadly Premonition, I was struck at how effortlessly Flower, Sun, and Rain manages to capture the comfy and mysterious vibe of Twin Peaks without directly channeling it--especially given how far short Deadly Premonition fell.

You start each morning with a nice cup of coffee as Erik Satie's Gymnopedie plays; Sumio Mondo reflects on the previous (heh) day's events and his lack of understanding thereof as he sips his coffee, occasionally wishing he had tea. You can settle into the gameplay loop like a nice warm bath, taking strolls around the island and talking to the residents. You begin to wonder if it isn't odd how easily your tasks are solved by consulting the guidebook; you question why you can never remember going to sleep.

The specifics of the final turn of the game are a little unclear to me, though I wish it had gone for broke more. I didn't feel a real sense of finality with the end of the game, which would have helped a lot I think. Still, this oddball little game should have gotten a wider release. It's by far the best DS game I've ever played.