Groovin' Blocks

Infobox VG
title=


caption=
developer= Empty Clip Studios
publisher=
released= vgrelease|NA=September 8, 2008
genre= Puzzle
modes= Single-player, Multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Everyone
platforms= Wii (WiiWare)
media=
input= Wii Remote, Classic Controller

"Groovin' Blocks" is a puzzle video game for WiiWare by Empty Clip Studios. It was released in North America on September 8, 2008. [ [http://wii.ign.com/article/908/908367p1.html Wii-kly Update (September 8, 2008)] ]

Gameplay

"Groovin' Blocks" is a falling block-type puzzle game with gameplay that has been likened to "Columns" and "Lumines". The game sees players having to clear lines of three or more blocks of the same color, and like "Columns" players can cycle through the falling lines of blocks, with adjacent blocks of the same color also disappearing with the matched lines. In addition, extra points can be scored when players bring their falling blocks down to the downbeats (called "Superbeats") of the game's electronica soundtrack, adding to a score multiplier.

By setting high scores, players collect stars to unlock new songs and power-ups. Unlike most puzzle games which are played to infinity, each stage in "Groovin' Blocks" lasts for the duration of the song if the player has not yet failed the stage by filling their play area with blocks.

The game also features offline two player competitive and co-operative modes, as well as an option for colorblind players that turns the different colored blocks into shapes.

The music for the game is by the group Mercer Friendly.

Reception

WiiWare World, which gave the game 7/10, felt that "Groovin' Blocks"' unique scoring elements sets it apart from other puzzlers, though overall they felt the game was still "not terribly original". They were also disappointed in the lack of online play, but had high praise for the soundtrack, feeling that it was "very high quality", with each song sounding "very distinctive" and becoming increasingly more intricate in later stages of the game. [http://www.wiiware-world.com/reviews/2008/09/groovin_blocks Groovin' Blocks (WiiWare) Review] ] IGN gave "Groovin' Blocks" a 7.6/10, calling the game a fun "one trick pony" and a "pretty impressive" first effort from the developers. [http://wii.ign.com/articles/908/908965p1.html Groovin' Blocks Review] ] Siliconera called it "a deceptively addictive, fun little gem" that is "a great hybrid of the puzzle and music genres". [ [http://www.siliconera.com/2008/09/11/getting-into-the-groove-with-groovin-blocks/ Getting into the groove with Groovin’ Blocks] ]

References