Boom Blox - Wii

It's easy to be cynical when you hear that Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg is behind a videogame. However, you needn't worry, as Boom Blox is one of the most fun and addictive games on the Wii.

Since the sequel was announced this week, I thought I'd take a look back at this modern classic and tell you why Wii owners should pick up a copy.

Boom Blox is a physics-based puzzler and each of its colourful levels features a structure made out of blocks.

Before starting a level, you are given an objective. This could task you with destroying the entire structure with a well placed shot or two, grabbing individual blocks and sliding them out of the pile, taking care not to topple the lot - a bit like Jenga, or taking shots to knock off a series of numbered blocks.

Boom Blox is another game which makes great use of the Wii's unique controller and it really couldn't be done on any other system.

Pointing the Wiimote at the screen brings up a crosshair. By locking on to an area, you then make a throwing motion which sends a ball whizzing towards the target. The same system applies for the Jenga-style levels, with you having to gingerly pull the Wiimote back to remove the targeted block.

Some levels add special blocks to the structure, such as explosive blocks or blocks that vanish as soon as the ball makes contact with them. Another important block is the green chemical block. When two chemical blocks collide, they explode.

Hitting these at the right strength and angle is sometimes key to setting off huge and spectacular chain reactions, and it becomes something of an obsession trying to perfect your angles and throws to send the structure toppling to the ground with one well-placed shot.

Now looking at the screenshots, you're probably wondering why there's a bunch of funny looking animals on the levels. Well, they are just background decoration on some of the 300 levels, however, on some, you have to help them reach their destination safely by removing blocks that stand in their path, or sometimes you'll have to create stairs for them to walk down.

All these different gameplay objectives is what keeps Boom Blox fresh.

Along with main Adventure and Explore modes, there's also an excellent multiplayer mode and you can even create your own levels and share them with friends via Wi-Fi.

From casual players to seasoned gamers, everyone will love Boom Blox. The graphics might be a little cute for some. But don't be put off. The physics engine is spot on and that makes for some real laugh out loud moments.

Boom Blox is innovative,and above all,fun. Check it out.

images courtesy of Electronic Arts