Game Info
GAME NAME: Breezeblox
DEVELOPER(S): Brennan Maddox
PUBLISHER(S): Pugsley LLC
PLATFORM(S): Nintendo Wii U
GENRE(S): Puzzle
RELEASE DATE(S): January 22nd, 2015
Puzzle games seem to be the trend when it comes to games that are releasing on the Wii U eShop, if it’s not a 2D side-scroller. So basically what I am saying is that if you have a puzzle game or even a 2D side-scroller for that matter releasing on the Wii U then you better have something special. What Brennan Maddox and Pugsley LLC bring to the table is a unique puzzle offering but has enough flaws within it to hold it back from being great.
The concept of Breezeblox is way simpler then the execution. In Breezeblox, you control a square made up of four smaller squares. Now this is important because as you move through the level by either flipping in front of you or to your side you must keep all four blocks touching a platform at all times. Even if just a single block is off of the level it’s game over. This makes for a challenging yet rewarding gameplay system.
Breezeblox starts you off slow. You have a simple puzzle that will just show off the basics of how to control the block and guide it successfully to the goal. Speaking of the goal, the main focus of the game is to land on the red blocks, whether it be 2 blocks or 4, you just have to make sure that your entire block character is on the aforementioned blocks. Luckily, you don’t have a limit of moves you can make or I would have been terrible at this game, but after a lot of trial and error and walking the block around the level you will figure out the proper movements and get a great sense of accomplishment. There are 150 levels in the title, so there is definitely enough content here to keep you busy for a while. There game in the later stages will also throw in some falling blocks, switches and moving tiles all to mess with you and ramp the difficulty.
Graphically, I am quite torn on this game. The animation and motion of the block that you move is stunning. But unfortunately the backgrounds are hideous and the main menu doesn’t look much better. I like the isometric view and it reminds me of the NES classics Marble Madness or Snake Rattle and Roll. The soundtrack is fitting to the game and has a decent electronic loop that doesn’t get to repetitive as you are getting frustrated with completing levels.
The Recommendation
Breezeblox is a really good puzzle game with a lot of content. That being said, ten dollars at launch is a steep asking pricing, especially with all the other puzzle games on the market for a cheaper price. The huge amount of content might offset the cost for some and if you are a puzzle enthusiast then this title should be on the top of your lists of must buys.
