Groovin' Blocks

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Groovin' Blocks
Groovin' Blocks.jpg
Developer(s) Empty Clip Studios
Publisher(s) Zoo Publishing, Sony Online Entertainment
Platform(s) iPhone OS, Wii, WiiWare, PlayStation Network
ReleaseWii
  • NA: August 11, 2009
WiiWare
  • NA: September 8, 2008
iOS
  • NA: October 24, 2009
PlayStation Network
  • NA: March 18, 2010
Genre(s) Puzzle
Mode(s) Single-player, Multiplayer

Groovin' Blocks is a puzzle video game for Wii by Empty Clip Studios. It was released in North America on September 8, 2008 as a downloadable WiiWare game. [1] It also released as an expanded retail of the game in North America on August 11, 2009. [2] The game was later released for the iPhone OS platform and on PlayStation Network on March 18, 2010.

Contents

Gameplay

Groovin' Blocks is a falling block-type puzzle game with gameplay that has been likened to Columns and Lumines . [3] 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. [4]

Reception

Groovin' Blocks received mixed reviews from critics upon release, with the Wii version getting more positive reviews compared to the PlayStation 3 version. On Metacritic, the game holds scores of 68/100 for the PlayStation 3 version based on 6 reviews, [7] and 75/100 for the Wii version based on 13 reviews. [8] On GameRankings, the game holds scores of 75.17% for the PlayStation 3 version based on 6 reviews, [6] and 75.46% for the Wii version based on 13 reviews. [5]

IGN gave the Wii version of Groovin' Blocks a 7.6/10, calling the game a fun "one trick pony" and a "pretty impressive" first effort from the developers. [4] Siliconera called it "a deceptively addictive, fun little gem" that is "a great hybrid of the puzzle and music genres". [14]

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References

  1. ↑ Wii-kly Update (September 8, 2008) [ dead link ]
  2. ↑ Groovin' Blocks finally hitting Europe via retail disc, North America getting the same package [ permanent dead link ]
  3. ↑ Groovin' Blocks (WiiWare) Review
  4. 1 2 3 Hatfield, Daemon (9 September 2008). "IGN: Groovin' Blocks Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 14 September 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  5. 1 2 "Groovin' Blocks for Wii". GameRankings . Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  6. 1 2 "Groovin' Blocks for PlayStation 3". GameRankings . Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  7. 1 2 "Groovin' Blocks for PlayStation 3 Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  8. 1 2 "Groovin' Blocks for Wii Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  9. ↑ Ramsey, Andrew (2 October 2008). "Groovin Blocks - Review". GamePro. Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  10. ↑ Platt, Dylan (18 September 2009). "Groovin' Blocks Review - Wii". GameZone. Archived from the original on 10 January 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  11. ↑ Hatfield, Daemon (19 March 2010). "Groovin' Blocks Review - PlayStation 3 Review at IGN". IGN. Archived from the original on 23 March 2010. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  12. ↑ Dillard, Corbie (8 September 2008). "Groovin' Blocks Review - WiiWare". Nintendo Life . Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  13. ↑ Metts, Jonathan (18 September 2008). "Groovin' Blocks Review". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 21 December 2017.
  14. ↑ Getting into the groove with Groovin’ Blocks
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