Last year it was the task of almost every major publisher to try and develop its own casual Wii hit. Yet, while some were intent on creating below-par mini-game or sport game compilations, EA set about developing Boom Blox, an inventive puzzle game that was created in conjunction with movie legend Steven Spielberg.
And when the game hit shelves in May last year, the critics loved it. Nintendo Official Magazine awarded it 90 per cent, while 1UP gave it A+, and the game’s final Metacritic score sits at an impressive 85 out of 100. The game also sold well too, with the Wii edition (there was also a version developed for mobile phones) selling over 930,000 units worldwide.
And now the publisher is set to grow its Boom Blox brand further with a fully-fledged sequel.
“Boom Blox Bash Party is a wild social gaming experience,” explains Steven Spielberg. “We know families and friends really enjoyed playing the original Boom Blox together, so we designed more explosive multiplayer experiences with Boom Blox Bash Party.”
NEW KID ON THE BLOX
Bash Party resembles the original, in that it features physics-based puzzles with the objective of either knocking down block structures, or keep them from falling down, using the Wii Remote to throw, shoot and grab the blocks. However, this time the game features improved mechanics, new tools, and 400 brand new levels.
“Boom Blox Bash Party is extending and building on the critical successes we had with Boom Blox last year,” says EA product manager Alice Brandvik.
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“We’ve upped the focus on multiplayer as the most popular aspect of the game with over 400 new levels, new Blox, environments, characters and new ways to interact with the Blox themselves.
“New environments including Space and Underwater levels add new elements to the game’s physics abilities meaning you have to re-think how the blocks will fall and interact with each other.
“We’ve also enhanced the level create mode, making it easier to use. As long as your Wii is online, your finished masterpiece can then be uploaded to the EA servers where other Boom Blox Bash Party owners can hit a button to download or rate other players’ creations.”
As a major Wii release for EA, Boom Blox will certainly receive plenty of marketing support.
“Boom Blox was extremely well received, winning a host of awards including a BAFTA for Best Casual Game,” adds Brandvik.
“The new additions have given us a really strong title from the previous iteration to offer a truly quality game to any casual Wii gamer’s collection.
“We will have a full marketing programme including TV and online activity. Our PR activity will centre on running some level creation master classes, alongside a competition to find the best homemade level. We’re also looking to get the game into people’s hands through experiential activity throughout the summer right up until Christmas.”
With a growing fan base, critical acclaim and EA’s extensive marketing push, expect Boom Blox Bash Party to tumble off retail shelves.
