A quality platformer that proves third-parties can do so much more on Wii

User Rating: 8 | de Blob WII
By seaward12 | Review Date:
I think de Blob is one of the best third-party efforts to come over to Wii in a long time. This is a fun, stylized 3D platformer that oozes atmosphere and shines with amazingly slick presentation and polish. All of the gameplay mechanics work very well, the challenges are enjoyable and there's even good comedy peppered between the stages comprising the adequate 10-hour-plus experience. Meanwhile, if you want something to come back for, there are a variety of secondary sub-challenges and the spit-screen multiplayer mode, which enables you to compete in paint-off contests with a few friends, isn't half bad, although I would much rather play a notably absent online component.
I have only a couple of genuine complaints, the biggest of which is that there aren't more of those ultra-entertaining head-scratchers -- the puzzles that require you to think about how to color certain multi- tiered objects. And that the Wii remote isn't better utilized. No pointer functionality in-levels is a disappointment. Utilizing gestures primarily for jumps doesn't feel broken or bad, just unnecessary.

There's a well made, fun, unique, gorgeous platformer to be found here. If you're a Wii fan, I strongly recommend that you support this caliber of third-party effort so that we can see more games like this. Specifically, a sequel that addresses the few concerns that I've mentioned, adds Wii MotionPlus functionality and an online mode, and takes THQ's blobby hero to the next level.

Presentation: Spectacular. Ultra-slick menus, gorgeous pre-rendered cinemas, a host of unlockables, excellent visuals and dynamic in-game music. Really well done. 9/10

Graphics: Beautiful, stylized graphics and excellent tech to match. Monochromatic world contrasts well with the primary colors. Runs at 60 frames with a bevy of tech effects 8/10

Sound: Funky, catchy jazz soundtrack changes dynamically as you play. More games need to sound like this. 8.5/10

Gameplay: Really fun, but there's still room to grow. Mostly intuitive controls and enjoyable challenges. Simply painting the world is entertaining, but there are a variety of tasks 7.5/10

Lasting Appeal: A robust 10-plus-hour single-player mode, a host of sub-challenges and a multiplayer mode, too. No online component. And split-screen play is not as refined as the single-player action 6.5/10

Overall: 8/10

My Verdict: Rent It First :)

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