Boom Blox Bash Party (Wii) Review

Boom Blox Bash Party for the Nintendo Wii is an excellent sequel that improves on the brilliant original in every way. It features superb controls that really take advantage of the strengths of the Wii Remote and gameplay that manages to continually challenge and captivate players of all skill levels and tastes. The audio/visual presentation is fantastic and representative of the high level of effort that has gone into the development of the entire package. There is also a huge amount of content, excellent multiplayer and party modes and a well implemented online mode that provides access to a large amount of user generated and bonus content. The entire package is indicative of what a Wii game should be and a lesson to the many developers out there that are trying hard to tap in to the Wii’s huge market for family-oriented games.

Describing what Boom Blox Bash party is all about is a very difficult task. The closest real-world comparison is a game like Jenga, or even children’s building blocks. The game’s objectives mostly revolve around demolishing structures made out of blocks by throwing different types of balls or carefully removing the blocks without collapsing the whole structure. There are plenty of variations on the theme and numerous rules that must be observed. While it may sound simple and silly, the concept works perfectly and is one of the only third party games on the Wii which manages to use the Wii Remote in a natural and innovative way.

While Boom Blox Bash Party is essentially a puzzle or skill-driven game and there is no overriding storyline, the game is still presented in a wonderfully quirky way and charming way. Cute little Boom Block characters inhabit a variety of madcap worlds, and silly little animated stories accompany each area adding to the fun atmosphere. These little animations manage to bring the overall experience together in a coordinated way and turn a bunch of simple skill puzzles into a complete game experience.

The game is controlled with the Wii Remote on its own and incorporates intelligent motion controls that work and are extremely reliable. A great variety of motions are possible and prove that the Wii Remote, without the Wii Motion Plus attachment, is able to accurately mimic and track a player’s movements. Camera control, throwing, shooting, grabbing, pulling and more is easily handled with just the use of the A and B buttons and the Wii Remote itself.

There are a number of well thought out game modes on offer and more than 400 stages to play through across the single and multiplayer modes. These stages are broken up into different themed areas. The pacing is spot-on with each area’s stages offering a gradually increasing challenge, allowing players to learn the more advanced techniques at a steady pace. The game is also helped along by a system of achievement points called Boom Bux, which can be used to buy not only extra characters and toys, but also to unlock new stages without having to complete the previous one. Game modes include single player, and competitive and cooperative multiplayer and each offers hours of fun and entertainment. There is also a comprehensive create-a-stage mode which allows players to create their own puzzles. These can then be shared with other players via the Nintendo WiFi connection.

Boom Blox Bash Party features a simple, yet effective visual design that is at once original and interesting. Each area has its own unique look and feel and there is plenty of attention paid to making everything look organic and alive. Little Boom Blox walk around in the background and can be hit by flying blocks, and while touches like these add nothing to the actual gamplay, they certainly help make the game feel more interactive. The excellent visual deisgn is backed up by the superb audio design which really complements the whole package nicely. Everything is entertaining and light-hearted and most of all contributes to the overwhelming sense of fun.

Technically the game is also excellent with an easily manipulated camera and wonderfully realised physics engine complementing the smooth frame rate and well modelled environments and characters. EA should be applauded for ensuring that the entire package works as well as any Nintendo-developed game. Quality testing is an area where many developers and publishers often attempt to save on development costs, but here, EA have shown that quality testing was given an extremely high priority.

Another obvious priority is the attention given to making sure players received plenty of value for their money. There is so much to do in the game and the superb multiplayer modes make it a game that is sure to be a big hit with families and friends. The awesome level creation and seamless online integration ensures extra levels are never more than just a quick click away.

Personal Thoughts

I love the Boom Blox series. It is one of those games that easily manages to bridge the great hardcore/casual divide and can bring together players of all types. It is easy to play, hard to master, accessible, fun and well made, and I think it easily outpaces almost anything that has come to the Wii from any third party publisher.

For those who have played the original, rest assured that the new additions only enhance the experience. The puzzles are just as fun, just as devious and even more entertaining. It is everything that a sequel should be, and then some.

My only negative comment is that an online cooperative/competitive mode would have added tremendously to the appeal for hardcore gamers. It is not something that affects the overall quality of the game, but could have just added that extra element of appeal for the hardcore crowd.

In the end, if you are looking for a good family-friendly game that can be enjoyed by both hardcore and casual players, Boom Blox Bash Party is the perfect addition to your collection.

Graphics 7.0

Excellent stylised visuals that complement the fun atmosphere of the gameplay.

Gameplay 9.0

This is where Boom Blox sets itself apart from so many other party-style games. So much fun.

Sound 6.0

Serviceable sound effects that help set the right tone for the game.

Tilt 9.9

400+ stages, downloadable levels, coopertive and competitive multiplayer and a highly detailed create a stage mode says that Boom Blox Bash Party has about a million times more value than your average game.

Value 9.0

A competitive/cooperative online mode would have been a nice addition, but is not a deal-breaker