NIDZUMI+

I know I don’t speak for everyone but I’m slightly disappointed with the way the Wii has turned out. Endless shovelware, constant mini-game collections and then the occasional stand out game, normally, made by Nintendo. I guess not every developer has had an easy time grasping the innovative controls and the natural challenge they bring.

A challenge that WayForward Tech has avoided, but in doing so, they’ve created a seldom seen stand out Wii game, and they’re a third party developer.

They’ve created a seldom seen stand out Wii release from a third party developer

In a semi-faithful remake, of the 1989 original for the Super Nintendo, the game entails the adventures of a transforming blob and the cutest brown haired boy you’re likely to see in a video game. Well it actually tells of the relationship between the two characters because the real story is a little thin and mainly left in the back half of the manual. That doesn’t stop you becoming quite attached to these charming characters that have even been dedicated their own heart-warming hug button.

A Boy and His Blob looks like a platformer but it rarely is, sure you’ll occasionally have to time a jump or judge the distance between you and a platform but it never really comes close to a traditional platformer. The game is functionally more of a puzzler with you having to put Blob’s transmogrifying talents to use. You do this by planting jellybeans throughout the level, each one transforming Blob into a different shape. You’ll have Liquorice Ladder, Tangerine Trampoline and many more to aid you through each little obstacle or challenge throughout the game.

This gives the game a slow methodical pace throughout which is a pleasant change from the fast-paced shooters or intense sports titles you might be used to. Despite the slow pace the game is surprisingly short, you’ll race through the first half of the game in no time and before you know it you’ll be replaying levels to find the additional secrets hidden within, ones that you’re likely to find because of the thought-out and slow pace.

That’s not to say that A Boy and His Blob is without its action sequences but they aren’t noteworthy due to their temperamental nature. Half way through the game you’ll receive the bubble jellybean, which basically allows you to go zorbing, mid-level. The problem is that it throws you into these levels without any instructions or hints, even after a good ten minutes of attempting the first jump.

This whole sequence just feels awkward and not in keeping with the rest of the game

A quick consult of the manual told me what I was doing wrong but I was suddenly hurled across levels in a Sonic-esque way. This whole sequence just felt awkward, unnecessary and not in keeping with the pace of the game.

Luckily the game has bags of charm so you can’t stay mad at it for long. The boy will use Blob as a space hopper, a pillow and most importantly will hug the hell out of it, and this is just too cute for you to hold a vendetta against.

The Ghibli-esque visuals help as well though, not only do the hand-drawn characters look brilliant but they also put them against excellently painted dreamscapes, cities and forests. This is actually another thing that sets it apart from its peers; the unique drawn visuals and vibrant colour palette really make the game something special.

A Boy and His Blob really is something special. Cleverly conceived puzzles, charming characters, stunningly hand-painted visuals and a hug button; they are all reasons within themselves for why this game is something unique. It might not play to the strengths of the system and would be better suited for a HD capable system, this would real let you appreciate the art, but A Boy and His Blob is an excellent example of a child friendly title that can be enjoyed by all. It’s smart, charming and accessible, a triple threat that you won’t see coming out of a third party on the Wii all too often.