Every now and then I feel compelled to write a review for a game that’s simply is not getting the attention it deserves.
Boom Blox could easily be billed and sold as a “Stephen Spielberg joint”.Those credentials alone would leave the average Wii owner intrigued enough to buy the game. But, as the game play has proven, there’s more to it than that. Bloom Blox is simple fun. The gist of it is knocking down blocks to earn points in a 3D environment. There’s also special ability blocks that do things such as “blow up real good”. And that’s it in a nutshell. But, where the “more” lies is where the game keeps you back.Puzzles are cleverly designed. Gravity, and throwing power can play a key part in each puzzle, and the special blocks serve to help or hinder you. The ability to edit puzzles and create your own also helps the game’s longevity. Although this game could have easily been ported to the PS2 (or PS3 for that matter), you would miss that satisfying throwing motion that only the Wii mote allows: you simply can’t get that interactivity from the DualShock or DualShock2. Utilizing the Wii mote is a big part of the charm of this game.The graphics aren’t much to write home about, but then again we are talking about the Wii, and they honestly don’t need to be fantastic. The cutesy, blocky, barn yard animals have their own charm that’s too sugary coated to be a turn off. The sound effects and music aren’t overly special either, however, they too have their own charm. You may be driven crazy by the looping music, but you can occasionally take out some frustrations by pelting an animal in the background, either on purpose or by accident, resulting in some funny reactions. Again, part of that charm.Boom Blox has definitely got me loving my Wii again. It’s simplistic game play, addictive puzzles, and quirky art style is a refreshing break from “yet another-Mario-themed-game”. A must-have if you own a Wii.
