Saturday, October 30, 2010

Boom Blox Bash Party (Game)

Boom Blox Bash Party.
Release Date: 2009
Developer: Electronic Arts
Platform: Wii
ESRB Rating: Everyone.
ASIN: B001TERJD2

Summary:
Boom Blox Bash Party has both single-player and multi-player options. The multi-player options include the ability to play cooperatively, competitively, or in teams. Each level includes a stack of blocks that they player must either knock down or add on to. The player has the option to throw items at the stack, grab the blocks, sling them, or explode them to knock them over. To build, the player can grab the blocks and stack them on top of each other. The levels become progressively harder as the player goes along. In competitive mode, the player must attempt to beat the other players by either toppling the blocks faster or being the last one with a tower standing. The game also includes the option of building levels. In this, the player can use items and rule options to create their own playing levels, either from scratch or from a preset template.

Critical Evaluation:
This is a game that will not only be enjoyed by teens, but their parents and younger siblings, as well. With the popularity of video game play among teens, the ability to appeal to all generations and allow for family play is an advantage in a game. The versatility of offering single-player mode as well as competitive or cooperative multi-player mode offers options that can satisfy any playing situation. The levels require some strategy to complete them, but they are neither so simple that they are boring, nor so complicated that they become frustrating. The ability to switch between several play “locations” with multiple levels of difficulty allows players to skip over any levels that they find too difficult or not enjoyable. The option to create levels is particularly enjoyable, as it isn’t a common inclusion in video games. It can provide endless opportunities, even after the player has completed all regular levels of play.

Reader's Annotation:
Bash, sling, and topple block structures in this single or multi-player game.

Developer Information:
Electronic Arts (EA) is an international developer and distributor of video games. It was founded in 1982 by Trip Hawkins. By 2000, it had become one of the world’s largest 3rd party game publishers. Their most successful products are sports games published under the name EA Sports, though they also publish the popular Sims and Call of Duty, as well as fantasy games like Harry Potter. EA is notable for its promotion of the designers and programmers who work on its games.

John Riccitiello has been the CEO of EA since 2007. His success with the company is often attributed to the fact that he is a gamer, himself. EA currently has 29 subsidiaries across multiple countries.

Genre:
Video Game

Curriculum Ties:
None
Interest Age:
6 and older

Challenge Issues:
None

Challenge Defense Ideas:
If a challenge were to occur:
  • Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
  • If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
  • Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
  • Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:
This a game that can appeal to teenagers as well as their parents and younger siblings.