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This one will be a must have sleeper hit...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 73 / 74
Date: May 08, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Boom Blox is the perfect example of what a good Wii game should be. It is innovative, intuitive, and most of all, fun. Gamers and non-gamers alike will be able to pick this game up and start playing within seconds.

First off, I'll get the bad news out of the way. Graphically this game isn't going to wow anyone. The graphics are adequate and never go beyond that. The sound and music is instantly forgettable. The characters are saccharine cute, uninspired and half of them make weird grunting noises like a puppy with a bad case of painful gas. Hardcore gamers will likely dismiss this game as a throw-away cutsie/kiddie title. I wouldn't blame them, but that would be their loss. On a side note, if you're a fan of Happy Tree Friends, the characters bear a striking resemblance... except they are block-shaped.

The good news is that just about everything else in this game is very well designed and fun. To truly grasp how the gameplay works you have to see it in action, but I'll try to describe it as best I can. The premise of this physics-based puzzle game is that each level will have a challenge, such as destroy every gem block or carefully unstack a pile of rectangular blocks much like you would as if you were playing Jenga. Some levels will have you throwing tennis balls, bombs, or bowling balls at to interact with the level while others may have you spraying fire hoses and blasting things with lasers. Some levels encourage you to operate with delicate precision and others encourage reckless, destructive behavior. Overall, the game has a good balance. The gameplay is varied and the use of the Wii controls is very impressive (with one minor exception being the light-gun style mini-games which are very rare). This game really could have been terrible. Too many developers would have slapped some half-baked control scheme onto this game and called it good, but this is one of those rare games where the developer obviously put a lot of thought into the control.

I haven't played multi-player very much, but what I've played is very fun and enjoyable. Single player is addictive, so much so that I was late to a dinner meeting because my friends kept urging me to check out the next level. Most of the levels are clever and leave the player with a great sense of accomplishment when completed. After every five or six levels a new feature or function is opened up, which keeps the gameplay from getting stale. From what I can tell there are hundreds of levels built into the game PLUS the game includes a full featured level editor allows you to modify existing levels and create your own in addition to being able to share your creations with others on the internet.

Simply awesome

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 22 / 31
Date: May 06, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Imagine your older brother just finished building the masterpiece of a lifetime out of blocks. Then, you sneak up from behind and bash it all down. It's that safe sort of fun which could make people think this game is a kids-only game. But, it's far from that. You can play this game with a single hand, allowing you to hold a beverage, or the crying child that wants to play in the other.

It's a huge game, with almost 400 levels, plus the ability to create new ones. It is the best game out there for the Wii, it doesn't have the frustration that Mario Kart and Smash Bros has. You'll feel great playing the game and it doesn't get old.

A fun puzzle blast

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 12 / 14
Date: May 11, 2008
Author: Amazon User

A game that has Steven Spielberg's name attached to it in some way, shape, or form deserves some sort of attention, and EA's Boom Blox for the Wii is that such game. A fun, slightly inventive puzzle blast; Boom Blox finds you disassembling, destroying, or just playing around with a series of Jenga-esque blocks. What really makes Boom Blox stand out from the pack though is that the game makes excellent use of the Wii-mote, and as a multiplayer party game, Boom Blox truly shines above all others. If there are any downsides to Boom Blox, it's that the game's story (or lack there of) is more of a distraction than anything else. Along with some moments of repetitiveness, the good outweighs the bad quite a bit: there are a heaping amount of inventive puzzles, and the game's level editor is simply spectacular. All in all, Boom Blox is an inventive, fun, and pretty addictive puzzle blast that doesn't disappoint; and for puzzle lovers and party-game lovers alike, the game is an essential addition to your Wii library.

Worth every penny

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: May 09, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I know the first thing that almost prevented me from buying this game was the $[...] price tag. Now let me just say that the game is worth every penny whether you're a casual or hardcore gamer. I myself am a hardcore gamer and usually pass over casual games like Boom Blox, but it's incredibly addicting.

The basic idea of the game is you throw, grab, or whip around balls, blocks, or whatever to accomplish whatever goal is given to you, either it be pull out the blocks without splattering the cow on the ground or destroy everything as quickly as possible. You do this with the Wii remote (nunchuck isn't required for most of the game but helps with precise camera movement) by pressing A and throwing or grabbing. Every movement with the remote is picked up very precisely and feels like you're in total control. Combine this with the Havok physics engine (the most recent physics engine released) and the game is incredibly accurate and realistic.

The graphics themselves aren't top notch, but they're aren't horrible either. The only frame rate drops are when you're creating your own levels and you place too many objects on the screen where the physics engine can't handle every item because of the Wii's horsepower.

The best part of the game is located in the multiplayer component. Basically it's a combination or everything in the single player mode along with a Jenga-like mode which is the best use of the WiiMote yet. Every movement is picked up perfectly and you can't help but taunt your fellow players to accidentally jerk their hand and topple whatever they're doing.

Not enough levels for you? Create infinite numbers of levels with the editor. I cannot delve too deep into this since I've just begun messing around with the mode, but this is definitely where a bulk of the fun is. combine it with the fact that you can send your levels to Wii friends via WiiConnect24 and you're all set.

Overall, unless you have friends to play the game with, the single player levels may grow dry unless you enjoy building your own, but that shortcoming cannot stop me from giving this game 5 stars just because of the amount of material within the game. A+ in my book.

And overgrown shockwave game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: May 12, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I'll start off by saying that I've only played this game on single player.

For some reason, this game reminds me a lot of various (better quality) Shockwave block based games games out there that you can play on the Internet. The graphics are only marginally better. It's extremely easy to learn. And it keeps you entertained despite the sub-par graphics.

That said, it's a Shockwave game on some major steroids. You can rotate around quite easily. The controls are obviously much more interactive.

One of the things I love most about this game is it's auto-save feature. After each level, it takes a fraction of a second and saves your progress. Unlike so many other games, you do not have to spend 25 minutes before you get to a point where you can save your progress. This means that you always have the option of putting the game down at any time without losing progress. That said, the challenges will keep you from wanting to put the game down. Last night for instance before heading to bed I wanted to play a video game, but did not want to devote a lot of time. So I played two levels, felt sleepy, and quit then.

The game saves memory by not having great graphics. It makes up for it though by instead having tons of content. There are tons and tons of levels, and I'm looking forward to trying out ones that other people have made. You unlock the next level by beating a level. You unlock more advanced levels by beating levels well. You also unlock things to use in create mode by beating levels well. You will be drawn in by a desire to not just beat a level, but to do so in fewer throws.

One thing I would like to address are the controls. First of all, you'll start wishing that the Wii controller was a bit more ergonomic. Your hand may ache after extended play from having to so finely control the motion of the controller (which does allow greater interaction though).

Another issue, which is the games largest annoyance for me is the limited area in which the cursor works. You have a cursor that you position, and then click a button to lock into place (and then use a throwing motion to fire at that place). There's only a fairly small area of movement for the Wii controller where the cursor will be on screen. I really wish that there were more options for you to define this area for yourself. To get an understanding of this annoyance, go to the Wii menu and move the cursor around. Now make a throwing motion with the controller. Now reposition the cursor, and repeat this a few dozen times.

My final issue with the game is that although you can (usually) rotate around the puzzle, you are limited to only rotating. You can't move around so that the center of the puzzle is not directly in the middle of the screen. You can not zoom in or out. Yet you can move around and zoom in and out in the create mode. It puzzles me and annoys me why this is not possible in the actual game.

New games are not cheap, and I was a bit wary of getting a game that I knew only had mediocre graphics. I was intrigued enough however by the innovative controls and use of the Wii to get the game. The game was worth the money. Despite it's shortcomings, it's a fun, challenging game that's simple to learn, and you can put in as much, or more importantly as little time into as you want.

Best Wii Game Yet

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: May 15, 2008
Author: Amazon User

No, the title isn't hyperbole. I do honestly believe this is the best Wii title I've purchased. Granted, I do not own No More Heroes, Metroid Prime 3, or Zelda: Twilight Princess - but I do have all the rest of the so-called "best" Wii games (Super Mario Galaxy, Zack and Wiki, Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Okami, etc.). Those other games aren't bad, not by a long shot - I've loved them all - they just don't have the downright pure fun factor that Boom Blox does.

Boom Blox is astounding in its simplistic design yet addictive nature. This is a game all ages can enjoy. It has decent colorful graphics, nice relaxing music, and tons of puzzles to solve. While some puzzles aren't as fun or enjoyable as others - it is still never a chore to finish any portion of this game. I have yet to even try the multiplayer or create-a-puzzle modes, but after having just played most of the single player I doubt my opinion of this game could get any higher.

Is it a technical marvel? No. Is it high action super polished AAA? No. Is it the most fun I've had playing the Wii? YES.

This game has made me believe my Wii purchase was not in vain and that there can be good inventive games that will tear me from my Xbox 360.

A Wii game for everyone

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: May 26, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This game looks deceptively simple and grows to be quite addictive. My 65 year old mom gave this to me for my birthday and actually stayed in the room (she hates video games and runs the other way if we are playing) for hours with the rest of the family, watching and offering tips on how to knock down the blocks! This is a fantastic game that really can be enjoyed by the whole family. This game costs less than a tank of gas but sure lasts longer and brings far more enjoyment- we've had a great holiday weekend with it!

Boom Blox: The Simple Choice

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: May 09, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I'll keep it simple. Much like this game. If you are looking for a game that is fun and easy to pick while still maintaining that in-depth, mind mashing, just-one-more-game-feeling, this is that game. Think of it this way: Single player mode lures you into the game by starting you off with simple puzzles. Puzzles that many people will not only find easy to do, but rewarding to see solved as pieces go flying about in a spectacular true physical display of awesomeness. You'll feel good about your success. You'll love the little gold medal. And you'll want to play more. And that's where it gets you. The challenges increase. The puzzles get harder and soon you'll find yourself judging each puzzle with a strict eye, analyzing each structure for the weakest point or the perfect spot where the nice gentle lob of a bowling ball with bring the whole structure down with an elegant explosion. You will want that gold medal--and trust me, this game in later levels will make you work for it.

That aside--the shear number of levels for single player is astounding. You'll be at this for a while. And the best part is--you won't mind. You'll find yourself every day going back to this game just to finish off more and more of this monster. Honing your skills. Perfecting your shots. Like an addict of crossword puzzles, you'll desire the gratification of "beating" the puzzle. It's fantastic feeling.

As for multi-player. Well, get ready to gather with some friends. Play against each other. Strike with strategy in mind. Or play together. Your choice. But the number of options in this mode will lend itself to hours upon hours of unpredictable play. And that my friends is one of the main reasons to own a Wii. Nothing says Wii like friends gathered around vying for ultimate victory at the expense of their peers. Every move by your opponents, even those made by you, can lead to ultimate victory or you giving the game away to the lucky mug who will take advantage of you smashing the structure "just enough" to let him/her bring it down with a gentle toss.

So here is the bottom line. Buy it. Play it. Thank me.

Boom Blox is a fun game for EVERYONE!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 25, 2008
Author: Amazon User

Steven Spielberg said he made this game so that he would have a video game that he could play with his kids. This game is a game that a hardcore gamer, a mom, dad, uncle, cousin, etc etc can pick up and have a lot of fun with. There is a great single player mode where you must figure out how to solve puzzels by throwing things at blocks or picking blocks out of a pile. It gets to be very challenging. The multi player is probably one of the top 3 most fun Wii games to play multiplayer. If you have even the SLIGHTEST interest in this game I high reccommend you buy it. Everyone I know who has played it has loved it.

Another Sleeper Hit for the Wii!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 29, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I have to admit...when I first read/heard that Steven Spielberg was getting involved in creating a video game, I was skeptical--especially when I heard that the game would be comparable to Jenga. Well, I'm happy to say that my skepticism was unfounded. "Boom Blox" is easily the newest and best party game available for the Wii. What is essentially a basic and potentially-inane concept turns out to be an addictive and thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially when played with multiple people.

The premise of "Boom Blox" couldn't be simpler: score points by breaking, blowing up, or knocking over blocks. While there are variations on this theme, the gameplay is simple enough that it could be learned within minutes (seconds, even).

I have not yet played the single-player mode (other than the tutorials), but the multiplayer mode is a top-notch party game. At one point I nearly forgot I wasn't playing a traditional board game because I was so immersed in the gameplay itself.

One of the multiplayer modes involves towers of stacked blocks of varying sizes and point-values. Players take turns using the Wiimote to "throw" a ball at the tower, trying to knock blocks off the tower and earning the associated points. Because this is essentially a physics-based game, there is strategy involved in choosing where you throw the ball. Blocks on the bottom of the tower are not easily moved because of the weight of the blocks piled on top of it; on the other hand, piles of blocks precariously supported by a thin column of blocks will all come tumbling down with one well-placed throw. In some levels, there are additional types of blocks that enhance the damage you can do, including bomb blocks and vanishing blocks. This particular mode is the one I found myself spending the most time playing.

Another multiplayer mode was bombardment. Each player has his/her own "fortress" composed of various blocks. Players take turns hurling bowling balls at the fortresses of the other players, trying to knock down as many blocks as possible. While this mode was enjoyable, the limited camera adjustments made this mode a little less enjoyable.

The control scheme for the most part felt incredibly natural (I have the sore throwing shoulder this morning to prove it). In most cases, you simply lock onto your aiming target by holding the A button, then use a throwing motion and release the A button to throw the ball at the target. The harder you "throw" with the Wiimote, the more power your ball has and the more damage you can do. The only control mechanic that seemed a bit awkward was for the Jenga-style gameplay when you "grab" a block and try to remove it from the stack without disturbing the other blocks. The sensitivity of the Wii to detect motion control moving toward and away from the screen is still weak (compared to the easy side-to-side motion detection), making the Jenga-style gameplay problematic and sometimes frustrating.

I couldn't recommend this game more highly, especially if you enjoy party-style games. The only caveat is that you'll want to make sure that the wrist strap is secure--the gameplay of "Boom Blox" almost guarantees that we'll be hearing about a few more Wiimotes going through expensive TV sets.

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