10 thoughts on “Boom Blox Bash Party Reviews”

1. Rating:
   In a world full of sequels, it is refreshing to see a sequel truly improve upon the original while still remaining true to the core gameplay. With hundreds of levels and puzzles, the game is huge, but the same great gameplay is still present and the emphasis on multi-player, both competitive and co-op, has been increased immensely. Online functionality has been improved so much over the previous version, you almost don’t realize you’re working with Nintendo’s stringent limitations that shackle most online Wii functionality.

   For those of you that never played Boom Blox, here’s the quick rundown. Boom Blox is a physics action-puzzler. It is kind of like Jenga, but you use the Wii remote pointer to throw bowling balls, throw baseballs, launch paint balls, shoot cannons, fire lasers, grab, grip, and throw items, and use a slingshot to either destroy (or sometimes build) your way through puzzles. This is the type of game the Wii was designed for with deep and imaginative level designs and dozens of ways to interact with the world laid down before you.

   The new version has a lot of improvements over the last one.

   +++ Most multi-player modes only require one remote, which is very nice if you don’t have a full set of controllers.

   +++ A ridiculous number of levels. Best of all, they are well designed levels. So far, based the nearly 100 or so that I’ve played, I can say the vast majority are very enjoyable and none of them have been bad. Getting bronze on most levels is pretty easy, but silver and gold medals can be challenging, and a few still have me scratching my head wonder how I’m supposed to get that perfect score that will bump me from a high Silver score to that coveted gold medal. Levels are now set in even more locales than before, including underwater and outer space. I particularly enjoy the outer space levels.

   +++ An improved level unlock mechanism. You now collect Boom Bux, which can be used to purchase and unlock levels if you are too impatient to play through all of the prerequisite levels and achievements. With hundreds of levels in the game, I think this is a great feature. Although I’ve focused mostly on multi-player, I’ve observed that on every single one of the single-player levels that I’ve played I found a secret Boom Bux block.

   +++ Fewer “shooter” levels, which were honestly the first game’s weakest point.

   +++ Stronger emphasis on multi-player with more multi-player modes and a ton more multi-player levels, both competitive and co-op.

   +++ Smoother physics engine. This version seems to run smoother than the previous game, but the game can still experience a bit of slow down if too much happens on screen.

   +++ Improved level builder support, which is directly tied to the online experience. My only regret is that my own personal creativity is pretty much limited to making symmetrical geometric patterns.

   +++ Vastly improved online experience. Free download levels are already available and users can share their own custom levels with other players across the world without having to use Friend Codes!

   +++ Very good music throughout most of the game, with only a few exceptions.

   I do have a few minor complaints about the game, but they are very few. Competitive multi-player games tend to favor the first player slightly, but the game includes a “revenge” mechanic that mostly makes up for that shortcoming. The animals are still kind of annoying, especially with regards to their sound effects, but at least their animations have been diversified and been made more interesting. They still have the Happy-Tree-Friends-shoved-into-a-box look, which is kind of nice in a twisted sort of way. Like I said before, my complaints are really minor and I have yet to experience any gameplay issues that really, really bothered me.

   All in all, I highly recommend this game to every Wii owner. This is the type of game the Wii was designed for. Despite it’s cutesy art style and kid-friendly atmosphere, Boom Blox series isn’t a gimmick like a lot of junk shoveled out onto the Wii. Hard core gamers will find an amazing amount of depth and challenge while casual gamers, parents, and families will find an accessible game that almost anyone can pick up and have fun with. Multi-player modes definitely steal the show and create a classic party game atmosphere. The replay value for this game is through the roof. The 400 levels, level editor, and content available for download definitely make this game an amazing value.

   Review by Halicon5 for Boom Blox Bash Party

2. Rating:
   There have been a few awesome improvements over the first game which gives a refreshing new experience to an already established game. I can’t tell if the board areas are larger and more detailed, but it sure feels that way. There is much more destruction to be had in this new version. It feels as though they have re-invented this game for it’s second iteration and they did an excellent job. It is still just as much fun throwing items at towers of blocks as it was in the first one. Each level is not just about knocking everything down, there are significant strategies involved that bring a new meaning to the “easy to learn, difficult to master” cliché. My 3 year old loves this game, and I love this game.

   Some of my favorite new features about this game are the environments, where in the first game it was basically “land based”. This game takes you underwater and into space, giving the levels a whole new dynamic. There are also many new characters who are just as adorable as the first. The multiplayer mode has been expanded but I have yet to try it (the game is brand new after all). Maybe I will update later after I’ve given the multiplayer some more time… but I hear it’s great.

   Another major plus for this game is that it has a great starting price at $40 or less. I’ve never been big on paying $50 or more for games, so I’m glad they are making QUALITY games at $40 or less. Don’t pass up this great game that is fun for hours or just a few minutes at a time.
   

   Review by James E. Ranshaw for Boom Blox Bash Party

3. Rating:
   Pros:

   +Delightful art style and sense of humor
   
   +Easy to pick up and play
   
   +Tons of levels
   
   +Lots of customization
   
   +Tons of variety
   
   +Good music
   
   +Fun multiplayer experiences
   
   +Level creation and the ability to share online

   Cons:

   -It doesn’t really do a whole lot of things the first game didn’t already perfect. On the other hand, it’s hard to say if this is such a bad thing because there’s still a lot of variety and it doesn’t repeat any puzzles from the first game, but some might still wish they’d added a bit more to it

   The original Boom Blox was quite an amazing game. It just sort of dropped in there from EA and Steven Spielberg. Yet to the enjoyment of many gamers it was a great game that was simple to pick up, addictive and huge. There was so much to do within the game that no one could imagine putting it down for a while. Boom Blox Bash Party is pretty much the same game. It doesn’t add a whole lot, but then again, it doesn’t really have to. You’re more or less getting an expansion of the first game. There are new puzzles and new challenges. It’ll feel fresh if it’s the first time you’ve played Boom Blox, but for those who played the first one, they need to know that they’re getting an expansion and not really getting a lot of new things.

   Much like the first game, it’s easy to pick up and play. There are still a ton of modes to enjoy here, and a ton of levels to do. Boom Blox Bash Party will keep you busy for a few days. You’ll also be surprised to find that it can, and often is, quite challenging. Trying to figure out how to do specific puzzles is actually a treat and can test your abilities. So much so that once you complete a level, you’ll probably go back to see if you can do a better job. There are medals to get in every level. You have to get a bronze at the least to move on, but die-hard players will end up playing levels over and over again for the gold. It’s very fun and very addictive. If you find yourself getting frustrated with one level, you’ll be glad to know that there are so many levels that you’ll be able to find something to do easily.

   There are many of the same tools that come into the fray in Boom Blox Bash Party. The balls that you’ll throw at blocks return (and the bombs) and so do many of the other tools like the grab tool and whatnot. Likewise, many of the puzzles have the same objectives as the first game. You might find yourself playing a game where you have to pull blocks out, hoping not to knock over the penalty block (in Jenga like fashion), or you may find yourself having to demolish whole areas using bombs. With the addition of Zero Gravity levels and underwater levels, there’s a bit of variety. But as I mentioned earlier, you won’t find any of this new if you already played the first game. For newcomers, however, they’ll find this to be quite a treat.

   All of this stuff is done with the Wii Remote. You’ll either point, lock on and give a flick of the wrist to throw balls, or you’ll have to click and maneuver the Wii Remote to pull out blocks. It’s all simple stuff and makes excellent use of the Wii Remote controls. And as I mentioned, it’s so easy to pick up on that no one should have any trouble jumping in at all. Boom Blox is accessible to everyone.

   There’s a level creator that people can use to build their own levels as well. It can feel kind of limiting, but you’ll be surprised at what you can come up with. You can also share these levels online and download some creations by other players.

   Then there’s multiplayer where you and a few friends can do some of the objectives against each other. Or you can go on a co-op campaign. These are just as fun. Playing against friends is much more fun than playing with them. You’ll all have a blast.

   The original Boom Blox had an interesting artistic style and Bash Party continues it. It might not be the best Wii Game out there, but it’s the artistic design that keeps Boom Blox strong in the visuals department. The theme is unchanged and it’s kind of fun to see those block characters and the levels. It’s very colorful, very smooth and the frame rate is always consistent. The physics are also very really good.

   Sure enough, the game still sounds great. There are some great tunes and sound effects from the block characters. You just might find yourself enjoying some of the tunes and humming them. It’s also nice to see that there is still a sense of humor there as well.

   The only real big issue with this game is that for those who played and enjoyed the original, you’re getting what can virtually be seen as the same game. Which makes that price tag a bit steep when you realize you’re basically getting an expansion of what’s already been done. It’s still an enjoyable game for fans and newcomers alike (though newcomers will like it much more, I’m sure). It’s just doesn’t do much more than what the original did. However, that’s not really such a bad thing. Since it is as simple as the first game and doesn’t try so hard to outdo it, it still stands tall. Some who played the first one might even come to enjoy Bash Party much more. It doesn’t add a lot but it varies up the experience enough to be a different game all together.

   The original Boom Blox was a treat. A real addictive and fun game. Bash Party is just as good, just as addictive and just as enjoyable. If you have the first game, give this one a try. If you never played Boom Blox before, then this is a great place to introduce yourself.

   Review by S. Rhodes for Boom Blox Bash Party

4. Rating:
   I am a huge fan of the first Boom Blox game.

   I of course pre-ordered this one, and it’s good.

   However,
   
   1) I, like another reviewer, think they really could have left some of the content from the first game (cannon, side-by-side bashing!) in the game
   
   2) I think the puzzles are not as well thought out this time. You’ll be in a chemical blox section, with tons of special blox all over the place. Using a slingshot for instance (that’s cool, right?) But half the time, the easiest answer is not to do something cool or interesting in order to get a chemical explosion…. You can simply just grab the biggest block and let it rip. So I think some of the cleverness of the original was lost, because they tried to go too over the top with the design.

   It just doesn’t typically feel as “rube-goldberg” like as the first one did….Random pulling, throwing or whatever seems to work just as often, and often works better than trying to find an elegant solution. The first Boom Blox had its weaknesses too (the shooter games, for sure) but there were some really clever puzzles in there.

   Some things are good, the money thing is hokey, but the ability to skip a very tough level is great. I still have 2 puzzles on the original I can’t get, blocking 2 other puzzles. I guess I’ll never know!

   I’ve downloaded a few puzzles, with definitely mixed review. That could be the one redeeming feature, if there grows up to be a cottage community that creates some really great levels, because frankly I think the ones that came with the game are a little lacking.

   Overally, buy it, and fast, it’s great fun, but I’d strongly consider the first one as well for its simpler yet in my mind more elegant puzzles.

   Review by J. Gallagher for Boom Blox Bash Party

5. Rating:
   (The title is courtesy of my 5 year old) We buy an embarrassing amount of games. My philosophy is that life is too short to waste it slogging through games you don’t enjoy. The original Boom Blox was so great I ended up giving it out as Christmas gifts. Everything we liked about Boom Blox is intensified in this game. You can play it as the kids do, a wild free for all with lots of explosions and excitement. You can play it as I do, trying to find a way to complete every level with one move. You can play it as a quick to learn party game. (I can’t comment on the level editor. Only the 9 year old is interested in building boards, the rest of us aren’t)

   One major addition to the game is the ability to buy your way out of a frustrating level. We have a number of games on the shelf that we just walked away from after getting stuck in a section. It’s just not fun to spend hours failing to progress. While I haven’t needed to use this option, the kids have skipped levels, continued playing, and come back later and less frustrated to explore the skipped section again. I think this is a tremendous improvement in a game designed to appeal to all skill levels. Since this is a puzzle game, there’s nothing to be lost by letting the player pick and choose what appeals to them, instead of forcing them to complete something they are no longer enjoying.

   The new shapes (Triangles! Cylinders!) and tools (Color! Slingshots!) are easy to learn and much more challenging than they first appear. This is an obvious addition to any list of must have games for the Wii – (Boom Blox might be to Wii what Katamari was to PS2) talking about it with her friends on the bus has filled my daughter’s playdate schedule for the next two weeks.

   Review by E. A. Montgomery for Boom Blox Bash Party

6. Rating:
   We are a two adult, no children household. We look for Wii games that are suitable for many players (we like to have friends over to play), and that are very engaging, and fun. We don’t like war/shooter games or games that are too juvenile. We also try to find games that are structured around the unique Wii experience. (Ie, we don’t buy racing games and others that require you to use the Wiimote like a traditional controller–we’d use a traditional system for that!)

   We’re a big fan of the Wii Mario games so with that and our other game criteria in mind, we purchased Mario and Sonic at the Olympics.

   The basic premise of the game is that you select a character to compete against either other people or AI characters in various Olympic events. You have your choice of 8 classic Mario characters, 8 Sonic characters, or anyone from your Mii Village. Each character has different strengths and weaknesses, though what those precisely are is revealed only through game play. Out of the box, you know which characters are generally more speedy, powerful, skilled, or all around talented.

   The events include several variations meter dashes and relays, long, triple and high jumps, swimming races and relays, trampoline and vault activities, skeet shooting, rowing, archery, fencing, hammer and javelin throws, and table tennis. All of the activities are not immediately available for play but become unlocked through game play and success. I can’t give more specifics because we’ve not yet successfully unlocked any games. Some of the activities like the trampoline and triple jump require precise control and timing and other activities like running and swimming are larger, more generic movements.

   There is also something called “Dream Events” that are awarded on a merit basis but we’ve not yet unlocked them so I don’t know what they are. The game does allow for 4 separate saved profiles so you can save your progress as you work through the game. Additionally, you can constantly vary the type of game and number of players within 1 profile, which is nice.

   Straight out of the box, the unlocked activities are: Trampoline, Javelin Throw, Fencing, Hammer Throw, Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100m Dash, 110m Hurdles, 100m Freestyle and 4x100m Freestyle Swimming, Skeet Shooting and Table Tennis.

   The game has several modes of play. Single Event mode allows 1-4 players to compete in any of the unlocked events.

   Circuit Mode allows 1-4 people to compete in one of 4 circuits, each containing 3 preselected events. Alternately, you can select “Free Circuit” and choose the events yourself. 8 players play each round so anywhere from 1-7 spots are filled by AI COM players. The way events are scored varies by event. You are ranked according to the performance in the event and then each rank is assigned a numeric point value. The highest point total wins the circuit.

   Mission Mode is for 1 player only. Each avatar character is eligible for different challenges, which are specific goals within a single event. For example, Yoshi’s swimming challenge is to complete the 100m Freestyle in 48-52 seconds. Each character has different challenges. Clearing all the missions for all characters results in a prize–so far, I don’t know what that is.

   Gallery Mode is a mode for mini game play that unlocks Olympic trivia. We have not yet played this mode so I have no further comment.

   So far, we’ve played it one time for a couple of hours. We played in Circuit Mode, on the Beginner setting, with 2 players. I’ve also played a few individual rounds and we’ve tried about 5 different challenge rounds.

   A lot of the mini games are still locked so we have not played all of them. So this review is based on the 12 or so mini games that are available out of the box.

   First, we enjoyed the game. We found it interactive (with each other), challenging, and fun. Some of the activities require quite a lot of steps and coordination so I enjoyed that even as an adult, I was challenged. I think some of the activities would be too difficult for children and others would be just fine. There is a handicap setting that I suppose you could adjust for children. Our favorite events are swimming and the trampoline.

   The graphics are better than any other Wii game we currently own or have seen. However, this comes at a price. The time to reload between rounds or between circuits is 5-10 seconds long. The graphics are not competitive with other systems that specialize more in graphics, but they’re great in comparison to other Wii games. Characters have full bodies and move fluidly than in previous games. Backgrounds are detailed and complex. Attention has been paid to detail such as reflections, shadows, sparks under feet to indicate speed, skids, etc. We haven’t noticed any problem with pixelization or fuzziness.

   The sound is clear. A human voice welcomes the player to the Olympics. Each player makes its own character-specific sounds and utterances in response to success, failure and exertion. The accompanying music is clear and appropriate for the Olympic theme.

   We also noticed that Nintendo did a better job of programming when it comes to panning and keeping up with the avatar movement. With Wii Sports and Wii play, we noticed that sometimes, especially in a game like tennis, the ball would go off the side of the screen and the “pan” feature wouldn’t catch up in time to actually return the ball so the play would be dead before the camera ever moved over to where the ball was. That was markedly improved in the sports in this game, leading to much less frustration!

   This game experienced is enhanced if you have the nun-chucks. All of the games have an option to play without a nun-chuck so they are not “required” but some of the movements such as swimming and fencing have more options with the nun-chuck (ie different swimming strokes, etc). We found ourselves always opting to use the nun-chucks because of the expanded capacity.

   This game truly does use the Wii as it was designed to be used. None of the games are played by using the Wiimote as a traditional controller (unless you don’t have a nun-chucks). The Wiimotes are used to run, jump, throw, lunge, swing, swim (6 different strokes, each performed by using the Wiimotes a different way), twist and clap, depending on the event. Moves are executed through a precise sequence of Wiimote manipulation. For example, dog paddling in swimming is performed by holding the wiimote in one hand and the nunchuck in the other and shaking them alternately, up and down horizontally. On the trampoline, you shake the Wiimote up to jump, and then press A, B and/or twist the Wiimote to perform different twists and flips. The precise sequence for each game varies in both actual execution and complexity.

   One significant oversight on the part of Nintendo is the failure to include an option to set a player as left handed. My husband is left-handed and in the games where the movement was conducted with both the Wiimote and the nun-chuck simultaneously in a specific sequence, he found himself handicapped because he was not able to use his dominant hand for the dominant movement. He still enjoyed and was able to play the game, but did find that aspect frustrating and disappointing.

   This is a great game for multiple players. A lot of the mini games are played in “Party Mode” with all of the players playing simultaneously. I especially liked that in some of the games, Nintendo did not split the screen and all players play on the full screen simultaneously. Other activities have more down time as you wait for each person to play the round individually but the down time was really only too long in one circuit that had two championship structured games. The other games in other circuits were short enough that no one was bored for too long watching the others play.

   One significant improvement is the ability to skip through the extra animations, replays, computer movements, etc. One thing I’ve always hated about Mario Party 8 is the amount of down time as you listen to the narrator, watch the AIs move, etc. This game allows you to skip through all narration and replays, and there is no watching of the AIs at all so there is a lot less down time overall.

   Some of the instructions before each mini game we found to be either confusing, incomplete, or both but in most of the games we found we picked it up easily enough. One thing we noticed was the absence of a “practice” feature that some other Wii/Mario games have. We would have appreciated that but again, we were able to pick up the games easily enough, without. One thing that is NOT clearly explained is that in the swimming relay, you swim for all 4 teammates, even though your Avatar is only one of them and the others are characters that are played by AI through the entire rest of the game.

   Overall, I think we will enjoy the game. The minor annoyances are offset by the general enjoyment this game evoked and the quality of the activities and challenges. It thus far is a game that appears to have a lot of game play. One game of playing through all 4 circuits on Beginner took us about an hour and a half and we didn’t unlock anything so we will need to try again. So I am confident that there are many hours of play in this game before the game is beat or all levels are exhausted. If the game had a provision for left handers, I’d give this a 4.5 or 5 stars, but overall, we’re happy with our purchase, even at the 4 star rating.

   Review by AZJen for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

7. Rating:
   A few comments:

   1) It is fun to compete against your friends/family.
   
   2) It is fun trying to break your own records in single player.
   
   3) I have 2 sons 7, 4 1/2. Both like the game. The 7 yr old has more success across a wider variety of events. The 4 yr old has found events he can be successful at.
   
   4) You can play as your Mii. That is fun.
   
   5) Graphis – okay. I have 50″ DLP TV. Mostly good, some jaggies, though you don’t notice this during the events because you are too busy.
   
   6) Its you against the world on the online leader boards. You can scroll though every score uploaded, see the top 30, or see the few around your score (and see your exact rank in the world). You can not limit the leader boards to you and a few friends who also have Wii.
   
   7) When you start the game you type in your name. All records uploaded to the online leader board take this name, even if the record was set by your friend while playing a multiplayer match. Thats kind of annoying since we have 4 people playing all together, but all are leader board entries say my oldest son’s name, even though they aren’t all his records. They do get the correct Mii picture beside them if you set the record with your Mii (as opposed to a Mario/Sonic character).
   
   Sonic can’t swim? He wears a life jacket when in the pool and runs along on the bottom of the pool. That’s odd.

   Overall: I really like the game. My kids like the game. My wife is even playing (first time since Wii Sports).

   Review by A Guy from Texas for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

8. Rating:
   Anyone who fondly remembers the EPXY Winter Games Summer games series and grew up in an era of these two videogame mascots has to at least want to give this a rental for nostalgias sake alone , the thing is this is one of those rentals that is hard to let go of. Once the controls become second nature(and the aches in your shoulders and arms go away) it becomes clear that this title has some of the strongest legs in the replay department that the Wii is currently offering. The usage of Miis is remarkable(unlike say NBA 08) they look good and can be used in Circuit and Single Event Mode- for record setting and unlocking goodies. This being basically a multi mini game experience hard wired into the Summer Olympics the events represented are done so in exceedingly fun and accurate representations (Archery and Table Tennis are reasons enough to own this title) When the game does veer from the more realistic events you are offered things like DREAM RACE a Mario Kart style footrace that is loads of fun particularly in multiplayer mode. The Wii controls are excellent once you read either the manual or the in game control tutorials and after a day or two of practice should become second nature, some remain tricky once learned however and increase in difficulty as you proceed through the circuits. The gallery offers five minigames with five levels of difficulty with OLYMPIC trivia scattered throughout.
   
   I haven’t even mentioned the character specific missions which require specific tasks during events. The controls require real muscle behind them and kids will need some patient adults and the right characters on their side to succeed and enjoy this title to its fullest. After spending five days with this game I am really impressed by my desire to keep coming back and besting my records and unlocking everything.
   
   The only real negatives might be that a ranking system is the only online feature and the slightly non kid friendly controls- also the fact that you NEED the rubberized Wiimote covers currently included with the console just to a get a proper grip on the controller for alot of the events. If you have a plethora of Miis in your Wii to experiment with as well as a love for the Mario and Sonic worlds you are in for a very fun, VERY PHYSICAL Wii Sports style workout that rewards the gamer around every turn.

   Review by P. Webb for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

9. Rating:
   I had high hopes for this game. When I learned it was coming out, I couldn’t wait, and I bought it the day it was released. I’m a HUGE Sonic and Mario fan (and I LOVED Wii Sports) so naturally I had to have it.

   Let me start off by saying the game is fun. The graphics are great, and the option of playing as so many different characters and so many different events is enjoyable. And I actually LIKE having to move around with the Wii Remote.

   The problem is, some of the controls are hard to use, which makes the game frustrating. For example, it’s next to IMPOSSIBLE to win the swimming and track. I’ve had the game since it came out and I’ve yet to win those. The Skeet is also difficult, and the trampoline is just plain frustrating.

   If you’re having a party or want a way to pass a rainy day, RENT this game. Then if you like it, buy it.

   Review by dustymonkey for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

10. Rating:
    Having bought the Wii almost exclusively for multiplayer fun, we are looking for titles that provide good head-to-head entertainment for the money. We rented this title with “Game Party” (1.5 stars) and after two days had almost all events unlocked and were convinced to buy. The sheer variety alone makes this a title a) worth the money, and b) good for replay. The graphics are nice and the music is pleasant enough, and the physics are fairly accurate and challenging. The table tennis alone was such an upgrade over Wii Play that we were captivated, and the characters are so much fun that we stopped importing our Miis (although you do need to be aware of the strengths and skills ratings for the characters).

    Review by rhodeymark for Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games