Blast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy (E)

Old-school space-shooter gets remake that's fun.

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details

Genre: Video Games - Side-scroller
Release Date: 06/10/2008
Platform(s): Nintendo Wii
Online Enabled: Yes
ESRB Rating: E
Price: $39.99

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this game is a remake of TUMIKI Fighters, a game that's available free of charge for play on the PC. But Blast Works contains much more than just that game, as it also has four additional unlockable games (that can also be found online.) Parents should also be aware that there is an online portion of this game which allows you to download user created ships, levels, and more enemies to battle; and like any online interactions, there's the potential for inappropriate content to be exchanged.

Families can talk about what makes video games entertaining. Did you attempt to create levels and characters of your own? What do you see different in games that people play for free versus purchased games?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

None - Although some user created content could take the form of product placement.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Educational Value:

Creative skills are put to the test when using the in-game editor for building ships or levels, but the main skill needed is quick reflexes.

Violence

Enemies are shot down with square-shaped bullets; they do not explode but simply flip upside down and fall off the screen. The violence is extremely light and cartoon like.

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Jeff Paramchuk

BLAST WORKS: BUILD, TRADE, DESTROY has a very simple premise that is a throwback to games from long ago. Simply put, you control ship that moves across the play area at a constant pace while blasting down near endless enemies on your way towards a large boss. What makes this game stand out is the ability to bind downed enemies to your ship and use them as a shield to help you work through the hundreds of bullets that are swarming the screen.

Controlling your ship can be done with the Wii remote held sideways, or by using the classic controller accessory, with both methods being equally enjoyable. The game consists of shooting square bullets at enemies and then catching them as they fall to add them to your shield, which can be torn apart if you don't manage to dodge oncoming enemy fire. The game can seem somewhat simple and uncomplicated initially, but soon the massive number of bullets and opponents onscreen can become daunting -- as does the choice to hide your acquired shield for increased mobility, or to leave it out to protect you from incoming assaults.

Is it any good?

The game can be played with up to four players at once, but the screen does become extremely cluttered and confusing with that many people playing at once. The biggest standout of this title is the editor built into the game. Using this simple interface you can create your own ships, bullet patterns, and enemies, or even entire levels. These can then be shared with friends online, providing you've previously exchanged Wii system codes. An online database also stores user-created content which can be downloaded to your Wii for additional options when creating your own masterpiece.

The game has a very simple concept but is highly entertaining for young and old gamers alike. The challenge can get quite high, but with multiple players helping each other, the challenge becomes part of the fun. The game is rated E, and is acceptable for gamers of all ages.