blue-tongue
Latest
Check out de Wii and DS versions of de Blob 2
The latest de Blob 2 screens and video offer a lot of information about various iterations of the sequel. For example, the DS version, developed by Halfbrick, is revealed as a 2.5D platformer, rather than the 3D paintathon of the console versions. And the Wii version looks pretty similar to its predecessor, with evidence of some more open environments. As for the trailer, it offers an indication of the kind of storytelling we'll see in the games and, most likely, the tone of the SyFy "transmedia" programming as well. And it's as close as you could get to a Raving Rabbids TV show.%Gallery-110318%%Gallery-110317%
De Blob 2 surfaces on February 22
THQ has quietly revealed a release date for De Blob 2 (now minus "The Underground"), the multiplatform sequel to the Wii splatformer: February 22, 2011. The date was revealed on the newly launched website, along with the box art for each version, which also reveals Move compatibility for the PS3 version. Interestingly, the box art carries the "SyFy Kids" logo, suggesting that the network is partnering with THQ not just for other Blob media based on the game, but for the game as well. After the break, check out a trailer. You can see more footage of the HD version in IGN's video preview, which reveals that special "target buildings" must be reclaimed not just by painting them, but by completing 2D challenges.%Gallery-107236%
Nintendo Power reveals de Blob: The Underground for DS, Wii
[Nintendo Power] The upcoming July issue of Nintendo Power reveals a new de Blob game coming to the DS and Wii, called de Blob: The Underground. Wii players can expect two-player support in The Underground, as well as "new moves, new foes" and "new 2D platforming segments." Blue Tongue will once again handle development on the Wii version, while Australian studio Halfbrick works on the DS debut. de Blob: The Underground is currently slated to launch in Spring 2011 -- but before that, you'll see much more at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
THQ and SyFy bringing De Blob back for games and more
When THQ announced that the De Blob franchise would continue this year, we didn't imagine it had anything this big in store for what we thought of as a semi-obscure Wii franchise. The publisher has partnered with the "Syfy Channel" (ugh) on a new banner called "Syfy Kids," a multimedia initiative including web content, TV, and games -- and De Blob is going to be featured heavily. "We are pleased that our owned franchise de Blob has been selected as a foundational character and storyline for Syfy's new Syfy Kids brand," said THQ's Doug Clemmer. "We look forward to working closely with Syfy to introduce de Blob's colorful world to a new audience of young adults via webisodes, television and other media, broadening awareness for this loveable hero." Most importantly, this De Blob resurgence will result in new video games. The announcement claims that THQ will release new de Blob games across "multiple gaming platforms" by the end of March 2011. That's something you can appreciate even if you never watch a second of SyFy.
de Sequel
Last year's de Blob found a squishy, colorful place in all of our hearts and, more importantly, sold enough copies to make THQ keen on a sequel. Speaking to IGN, a representative for the publisher expressed pleasure at de Blob's performance worldwide, promising that we can "expect to see more of de Blob in the future." We'll hold you to that, THQ.Something else of interest in IGN's article: NPD data shows that de Blob sold 230,000 copies in North America between September 22 and the end of 2008, whereas Wario Land: Shake It! moved only 150,000 copies in the exact same period. de Blob isn't just a third-party "core" success -- it's even outsold a rival title from Nintendo!%Gallery-17709%[Via NeoGAF]
de Blob advertised in very strange way in Japan
This might be one of the weirdest ads we've ever seen, to tell the truth. Much like those awesome ads for the Sega Saturn starring Segata Sanshiro, we see potential for many more commercials starring the man above, whether they are for de Blob or not. Watch and try to believe this is happening.%Gallery-17709%
Oz developers love de Blob
Move over, Paul Hogan. Aussies have a new hero: de Blob.Even though the game wasn't a commercial success, the game won the hearts of gamers and critics alike. In fact, it might as well be Australia's favorite game, as the title has dominated the Australian development awards. Every year, the GDAA (Game Developers Association of Australia) bestows honors on outstanding games and this year, a majority of those awards were dropped on THQ's title. Among those nods were several big ones, including best console title, best gameplay, best audio, best graphics and the GDAA's game of the year award.%Gallery-17709%
Metareview: de Blob
In the shadow of recent releases like Mega Man 9, Samba de Amigo and Wario Land: Shake It! rolls de Blob, a game that might have been easy to forget about despite the compelling visuals. But when people start throwing around high review scores and phrases like "best third party game" (in a while, at least), we stop and take note -- and there's a great deal worth noting.Eurogamer (80%) thought de Blob was colorfully delightful, though flawed: "The premise is delightfully daft, and some superbly animated sequences help set the tone with a style and tone evocative of LucasArts' legendary Day of the Tentacle. [de Blob is] a game we'd heartily recommend to anyone who thirsts for a 'proper' Wii game, whatever that is. Admittedly, some of the control and camera niggles ultimately detract from the overall enjoyment, but not so much that they should put you off trying this excellent and thoroughly original game."Gameplayer (100%!) found something for everyone: "This is because de Blob is, in many ways, what you want it to be - there's no single, 'on-rails' way to either play it or complete it. Whilst progression does rely on a deftly implemented learning curve, and increasingly challenging elements of strategy, the route to the end can vary greatly. Want to barrel through as quickly as possible? Go for it! You only need to attain a certain amount of points to advance. A bit of a score whore? Do your best to find all the hidden bonuses! Meanwhile, the obsessive-compulsive out there may wish to colour in everything they encounter and go for the 100% effect – no problem!"Matt Casamassina of IGN (84%) thought it looked fantastic: "de Blob is a game whose graphic look seems perfectly suited to Wii and it really is an excellent style. I love the contrast between the monochromatic cities and the colorful main character who drenches them in bright primary colors. I think it's worth stating, though, that Blue Tongue has matched all that style with a technical showpiece for Nintendo's little system. The platformer boasts an exceptionally clean, polished look complete with well-rounded architecture, beautifully animated characters and objects, some of the best particle effects I've seen in any Wii game to date, gorgeous graphic effects like depth of field blur, shimmering water transparencies, heat distortion and bloom, and more. All of this at an astonishingly rock-solid fluidity of 60 frames per second." Gallery: de Blob
de Blob comes with de Freebies [Update 1]
The first reviews are appearing for de Blob, and they're really good. We should all buy it, in other words, but it's worth mentioning that a couple of retailers are willing to bribe you to purchase your copy from them. Best Buy, for example, is offering customers a free and also very yellow de Blob T-shirt (pictured here). It's rather nice, in our opinion. We'd definitely wear it in public, and we're extraordinarily fashionable people. Meanwhile, Circuit City is giving away copies of the de Blob soundtrack, which is happy and catchy and jazzy.Wherever you purchase it from, we just hope de Blob sells some copies. We're tired of the myth that the Wii lacks quality third-party releases, but also tired of people not buying said games.[Update: Brits take note: de Blob is a measly £18 at Play -- thanks, Nigeria!]%Gallery-17709%
Producer talks about what to expect from de Blob
With de Blob's release getting closer and closer (September), we're starting to see more and more media on the title. This, to us, is a good thing. And informed public is a good public. Also, we want to see stuff get all painted up. This latest bit of media is an interview with Nick Hagger, the game's producer. He talks about the sinister corporation that's sucked all of the color out of Chroma City, the way Blob can acquire color and roll about, as well as his gang of cohorts. It's an insightful look at THQ's upcoming game and we suggest you check it out.%Gallery-17709%
New de Blob screens, trailer keep us excited
Even though our cruel overlords didn't paint a pretty picture regarding THQ's upcoming de Blob, we're still interested in the title. Maybe it's the great multiplayer or the wonderful visual style, but something has us fascinated with the title. And, in that spirit, we'll continue presenting you with new media from the game. The latest, which is an exclusive trailer, can be found here.%Gallery-17709%
Latest de Blob videos show off multiplayer
Having already expressed our admiration for de Blob on more than one occasion, we were beginning to think THQ's game had run out of ways to impress us. Wrong! IGN has a stack of new videos from the game (all located past the break), a couple of which feature something we're yet to see -- four-player de Blob.It looks like great fun as well, with players sharing the same colorless arena, and then racing around to daub as much of the play area as possible in their own color. Furthermore, players can paint over colors laid down by their opponents, providing a perfect opportunity to quickly avenge previous defeats, or to gang up on more skilled players. It might just be us, but we find multiplayer gaming is at its best when there are simmering grudges and bitter rivalries.%Gallery-17709%
De Blob looks like de bomb
Want to see what it looks like when a third-party developer puts time, thought, and effort into an original Wii game? We would like to refer you to the de above video of De Blob, from THQ of all people. This looks great -- and not just "great for a third-party Wii game." Regular great!Those colors (and lack of)! The jazz/funk soundtrack! The level designs! The bouncing back and forth from building to building! This game looks totally fresh and surprising every time we see it. We hope it doesn't get forgotten when it comes out -- whenever that is. Check after the break for another video!
de Blob looking de Lightful as ever
Another batch of de Blob screens has found its way onto the interwebs, all featuring our globular hero rolling through, bouncing around and generally making a colorful nuisance of himself in Chroma, the game's monochromatic metropolis. As usual, we've squished them into the gallery below. Those lil' law enforcement officers are the cutest!Incidentally, while there's been no more official announcements on a release date, Wikipedia has the game listed for June 27th. That seems too specific to be a simple fabrication, but none of our other sources confirm the date; all we know for sure is that the game is due at some point after April 1st.%Gallery-17709%
De Blob is shaping up as much as a blob can
While we weren't looking (because THQ had delayed the game's release and hadn't sent out any more video or screens), Blue Tongue's de Blob went from being another kind-of novel Wii game to exactly what they delayed the game to make: an AAA experience. Just watch these videos (another is after the break) of hyper-stylized, hyperkinetic action-platforming and tell us that you don't want to go paint the town as an amorphous hero. (Don't, actually. We're sure some of you are total contrarians, and it would just make us sad).IGN's preview of the game is full of the same yaaaay feelings we get from watching the videos. We just hope the game isn't really scheduled for a February release. Keep delaying it, THQ, just a little longer. It looks great, but February isn't the best month to release new Wii games that aren't about beating the crap out of Diddy Kong.
