Release Date: 05/15/2008
ESRB Rating: Rating Pending
Genre: Shooter
Publisher: Majesco
Developer: Budcat
First off, this new Nintendo Wii title is one of my favorites so far because of the modification tools built-in within it. Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy is a clever game that combines a shoot-em-up style game with an object editor that allows you to create your own scenes and levels. It basically gives you the ability to make your own shooter game without having to have any knowledge of programming. Absolutely anyone can use the editor with ease as the layout is really nice. Nothing is hard to do or find so all in all…the object editor can be an extremely powerful tool for those with a creative mind.
Once you begin the single-player game you will be dealing with an interesting way to play the game. What was dubbed as a “sticky blocks” mechanic adds a pretty fun way to kill your enemies. When you defeat an enemy it will stick to you when you hit them. So basically their attack becomes your attack. If the enemy lands on you facing the left shooting bullets…he will continue to shoot bullets to the left for you. This can add quite a chaotic experience to the game once you collect a lot of enemies! The multiplayer mayhem can be a lot of fun as well if you and some buddy’s enjoy this style of game. The party game consists of a Katamari Damacy style of gameplay where you collect every enemy you can…becoming a huge ball of death with enemies blasting away every direction and even you!
Now back to the editor. As I said above, everything is easy to use and create. In fact, you are given the same tools the developers used so you can create your own enemies, backgrounds, etc. Although, for those of you who are artistically challenged you can rely on unlocking lots of pre-made content through the campaign of the game. The creation options are definitely not something you are low on. You can create enemies, ships, level layouts, bullet patterns, and adjust the variables along with them such as damage, etc. I like the editor more than the game itself, but that is because I have a lot of fun designing things to my taste. It’s a great tool to see on the Nintendo Wii, and I hope to see more games like this.
Now Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy is a game that won’t appeal to everyone. I understand that not everyone wants to make their own games…even if it is a lazy way to do it. However, if you like shooter games you will still find joy in this game. If you like designing and modding games (or you would love to try) you will find lots of entertainment as well. If you like both well…you are in for quite a treat. This is definitely one of the more creative games to hit the Nintendo Wii so it is worth playing for that if nothing else. I reccomend you give it a try and see what you think. Who knows…this could be the game that inspires you to become a game designer down the road? Either way, its a lot of fun and that’s what really matters.
DeVOTeD 2 GaminG Rating:
