Blocky (XBLIG): "Like Owning A Pet Rock, But Much Better ..."

As an XBLIG, and XBLA reviewer I try hard to pick out titles that I believe my readers will be interested in knowing about. I use a simple method of narrowing down the list of choices by using certain criteria. The things I look for in a new title can include anything from the quality of humor, to the overall appearance of the game. In blocky's case I thought it showed a very humerous side as well as some solid looking gameplay. The trailer really drew my attention to this game, and the hilarious narration that was added also sparked my curiosity. This new XBLIG title by 'ThinkFlowGames' proved to be one of the best games that I have reviewed/plyed through this year, but I'll let you judge that for yourself ...

Blocky has a lot of features to it as well as two very solid game modes (Main, Retro). The main game mode in 'Blocky' is a campaign of sorts that will have you playing through multiple levels while unlocking new content (hats, retro mode items). The campaign mode (as I call it) is a mixture of RPG, and arcade style elements. You (the gamer) play as Blocky who is basically a very happy looking stone block. As Blocky you must complete certain tasks that revolve around surviving among an ever-growing , and constantly moving swarm of enemies.

There are multiple worlds in 'Blocky' that each have seven waves of enemies. Each wave (Avoid, Eat, Time, Points, Magnet, Score, Bonus) in the game involves different rules that must be followed in order to pass on to the next one. You gain experience from the points/power-ups (shield, reduce speed, points, magnet, hammer time ...), and enemies that you consume. Like any RPG you level up as you gain experience from completing the objectives. You can level up stats, and even unlock hats for your Blocky as you gain the experience points. The retro mode in 'Blocky' is more of an arcade game experience than the core/main mode. As you play through the main gameplay mode you will unlock enemies, and power-ups for the retro mode. All of the creatures/enemies, and power-ups you unlock in retro mode will definitely add some difficulty to the the experience.

As I previously mentioned this game has a lot of features to it. When you play the main game mode you will earn 'moneky' from the points you gather. Moneky (I like that word ^.^) will allow you to buy power-ups from an in-game shop that you can use for the more difficult worlds/waves. As you play you will gain experience points that can be applied to upgrades (speed, moneky magnetism, range of hammer time, power-up spawning speed, moneky value) for your Blocky. There are also a total of 12 different hats that can be unlocked by reaching certain experience levels. You can choose whichever hat you want, and have your blocky wear it as you play.

There are only 7 types of enemies that you will encounter in 'Blocky', but they attack in multiple numbers. The enemies include Ninjas, Spikes, Sparks, Horders, Ball & Chains, Sliveres, and Bloxx (the boss). Each type of enemy requires a different strategy for avoiding, defeating or consuming/eating. The 'ninjas' can only be defeated by eating them once you get the proper power-up. The 'spikes', which are metal creatures can only be defeated by being pushed into a portal when you have the magnet power-up. All creatures can be eliminated except for the spark which doesn't actually kill you. Getting hit by any creature without a shield, or magnet power-up will cost you a life.

During my playthrough of 'Blocky' I found it to be all about getting that highest score. The game does feature leaderboards which I definitely like to see, but they all seemed to be local. Blocky features two very fun game modes, and has a good replay value. Everything about 'Blocky' from the framed, and psychadelic pulsing backgrounds to the unique enemies really made this game stand out from the rest. The combination of RPG, and arcade game elements are added in such a way that really compliments the game rather nicely. I had fun playing through each mode multiple times while trying to level up my Blocky, and unlock all of it's hats. The game is definitely worth the msp for the experience, and the replay value that it offers.