Windows Phone 7 review: De Blob Revolution
When I first saw De Blob listed in the Xbox Live Marketplace, I thought "oh, a watered down console game." I was resistant towards downloading what I thought would be a quick cash-in port of a kid-friendly Wii franchise. I'm glad I spent the $3 asking price, because this is one of my favorite launch games so far.
While you still control the titular Blob, the flow of the game is very different from the console games. In fact, describing the gameplay makes the game sound childishly simple. You must draw a path from the start to the exit, while collecting trapped "graydians" along the way. As the Blob moves along the level, you must make sure not to cross the stream of paint you leave behind. This simple mechanic evolves over time, with the addition of a timer, and eventually, enemies that chase you through the level.
What makes De Blob work so well as a mobile game is that it's always rewarding, whether you're playing for a minute or an hour. Every attempt at the game builds a cumulative stat, which combines the number of graydians you've saved, how quickly you complete levels, and how challenging the levels are. The game does an excellent job of encouraging you to try more difficult levels, but gives you the freedom to play however you'd like.
The latter levels are brilliant, forcing you to think quickly, and figure out unconventional paths to make it out alive. Not only is the gameplay rewarding, but it's so easy to understand and control. Add attractive, smooth graphics, quick loading levels, truly scalable difficulty, and persistent stat-tracking, and you have the very definition of the perfect mobile game. Definitely download this.
See also: Windows Phone 7 launch games reviews hub
This review is based on a retail Samsung Focus provided by Microsoft and AT&T.
