Block Blast Full Review: Story, Gameplay, Graphics & More
I vividly recall the day when I decided to install Block Blast on my smartphone. I had only intended to pass some time while waiting for my food delivery. Honestly speaking, I was confident that I would give the game 5 minutes to entertain me and delete it after that. However, I ended up playing for an entire hour and did not even notice when that time elapsed.
This is perhaps the main surprise Block Blast can offer. Despite the absence of impressive battle scenes, costly graphics, or even a story, the game always encourages you to play just one more round.
Here is my honest opinion about Block Blast and its appropriateness after playing it for several weeks.
What is Block Blast?
Block Blast is a free puzzle game which can be downloaded on Android or iPhone. Block Blast combines the old-school puzzle feeling with new graphics and smooth control.
Instead of dropping the blocks from the top, as usual in puzzle games, in Block Blast, you have three types of blocks that you need to put in 8×8 squares. When you manage to fill one row or column, it disappears, freeing up the place.
It looks easy at first, but when you reach higher scores, every move counts.
Story Review
Those who expect a story or some character development may find themselves disappointed.
Block Blast does not have a story mode.
In Block Blast, you will only find puzzles. You will feel rewarded by breaking your high score record rather than progressing through chapters of the story.
For me, personally, the absence of a story did not matter since the game itself turned out to be very interesting.
First Impressions
The installation process was fast, and when I launched the game, it didn't require me to sign up for an account.
In just a minute, I was already playing puzzles.
What I instantly liked about the game was its neatness.
It wasn't overloaded with confusing menus and functions.
All the functions and controls are done in such a way that even someone unfamiliar with puzzles will grasp everything easily.
Game play Review
The game play is where Block Blast really impresses.
Each turn gives three random blocks.
You have to use them somewhere on the game board.
When all three blocks are used, three new ones become available.
The difference from other games is that there is no auto-drop.
This makes all the difference.
Instead of having to react fast, you plan a few moves in advance.
It was my mistake not to do so at first.
At first, I used only quick reactions.
It worked well for a certain time.
However, I ended up filling the middle of the board with strange block shapes and had no space for large blocks.
Game Over.
After some unsuccessful tries, I started reserving empty space for large blocks.
My scores got better immediately.
Various Modes of Play
Depending on which version of Block Blast you play, you can have different modes available.
Classic Mode
It is the most widespread mode.
There is no timer.
The game ends when you cannot place any blocks.
Adventure Mode
Adventure mode has unique goals.
You don't just try to get the highest possible score; there are many challenges you need to complete.
This makes the game more interesting for people seeking something besides endless fun.
Daily Challenges
The majority of versions have daily challenges.
This is cool because everybody gets the same puzzle.
Solving daily challenges brings you some coins or other bonuses.
Graphics
Do not think about great console graphics.
This is not the goal of Block Blast.
What we see are colorful, neat, and nice visuals.
Each block has beautiful colors that allow you to identify any shape easily.
Smooth animations
When rows disappear, you enjoy great visual effects.
However, they do not distract you.
Despite hours of playing, I never had any issues with eye strain due to bright effects.
Sound Effects and Music
This is another case where simplicity is the way to go.
The background music is calm and relaxing.
Satisfying sounds for placing the blocks.
Line clearing sounds provide a little sense of achievement each time.
Sometimes I just turn the sound off while playing TV, but it doesn't reduce the fun at all.
This is a good indicator.
It doesn't matter for the gameplay itself.
Controls
In one word:
Perfect.
Drag.
Drop.
Done.
No learning curve at all.
Even on old phones, controls work smoothly.
Never encountered any issues with delayed touches or wrong block placing.
Performance on Other Phones
I played Block Blast game on two different phones; one cheap Android phone and another mid-range phone.
The game was running well on both phones.
The loading time was quite quick.
The battery usage was not that high either.
As the graphics required by the game are minimalistic, there is no need for a high-end phone to play it.
Almost any phone can do the job very easily.
Offline Game Mode
One important aspect that I like about the game is its offline game mode.
On my recent trip, I played many matches of the game without internet connection.
Everything was working fine.
Block Blast becomes an ideal game during trips.
No matter if you are traveling by bus, train or even plane.
Advertisements
Due to the free nature of the game, ads were anticipated.
Fortunately, ads are not overbearing.
One encounters ads between rounds of the game or in case of opting for rewards.
As compared to other free mobile games, one is never compelled to watch ads constantly.
This is one aspect which many players would like.
Level of Difficulty
The game begins at an easy level.
Extremely easy.
One might find the game too easy.
However, one should not fall into this illusion.
When one progresses beyond a certain point with their scores, things get pretty difficult.
With random combinations of blocks, one needs to plan moves in advance.
Planning assumes precedence over speed in the game.
This aspect is one of the reasons behind the popularity of the game.
Tips That Helped Me Get Higher Scores
After committing numerous mistakes, the following tips helped me.
Leave Room For Larger Blocks
Avoid filling up all the empty corners.
Ensure that there are spots left for larger blocks.
Look Ahead Three Moves
Always keep in mind that you hold three blocks.
Plan how to place all three blocks before placing any of them.
Don't Place Blocks Randomly
A block might fit perfectly into a gap.
But that doesn't mean that it is the best move to make.
Think for a few seconds more before placing the block.
Clear Lines in Bulk
It is better to prepare two or even three lines rather than clear one line immediately.
In this way, you would have created far more space.
Be Calm and Patient
Once the game board is overcrowded, do not become frustrated.
Many times I have saved games just because I took time to analyze each and every move.
Mistakes Made by Newbies
Below are some mistakes that I have made while playing Tetris.
Early filling up of the center of the game board.
Not considering the future shape of blocks.
Making poor use of large empty spaces.
Hasty moves.
Immediate clearing of lines only.
Who is Suitable for Playing Block Blast?
In my opinion, the game is perfect for:
Those studying in between lessons.
People working in offices who have some time off for lunch.
Those who like playing puzzle games.
Those who are interested in playing brain training games.
People who want to play a mobile game which doesn't create stress.
This game is not for those who love action and multi-player games.
Is Block Blast Game Worth to Play?
It goes without saying that Block Blast is a good game for everyone who likes to entertain himself by solving different puzzles in order to relax his mind. For students this game could be perfect as a relaxation tool after studies; office workers can have fun during lunch breaks and any gamers will find pleasure in playing this game. Since it can be played even offline, it is an ideal game for those who want to relax and have fun while being in the road. Those who prefer only fast action games are not meant to play Block Blast.
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