Boom Blox is a unique puzzle game that was released for the Nintendo Wii in May of 2008, particularly notable because it is the first videogame that was designed by Steven Spielberg. In it players can choose from a number of different block-based puzzle games, the primary of which has them throwing balls at a tower of blocks in order to knock them off and score points. The game also features several other modes of play, such as games that allow players to grab and move blocks by hand, defend block towers from attackers or use the Wii remote to fire at on-screen projectiles, among others. An extensive number of single-player, cooperative and competitive levels are available, as well as a level-building tool that allows players to share levels with friends online, meaning plenty of play time both alone and with friends.

Educationally, Boom Blox is best regarding creativity. Level design in Boom Blox leaves players plenty of room to improvise, and between this and the impressive physics system in place players can be sure that no level of Boom Blox will play out exactly the same way twice. The game uses simple rules and mechanics to create a fascinating, deep game, and the fact that players can create their own levels only enhances the experience further.

Boom Blox is little more than clever application of abstract mechanics, and since it lacks any sort of plot progression this leaves no significant space for classroom facts.

By the Gamer:

Players can choose to play Boom Blox is any of a number of modes, and within these can choose any of a number of strategies in nearly any situation. Each type of goal – knock the tower over, shoot the projectile down, attack the enemy’s fortress – offers a wealth of new options, and players are free from the beginning of the game to explore almost any of them. Succeeding many sections of the game will unlock more challenging examples of these sections, ensuring that skilled players will be tested to their limits. Add to all this a fully-fledged level creator, allowing players to make their own levels or puzzles to present to friends or family, and players of any skill level will have plenty of room to play around in, alone or with each other.

By the Developer:

Perhaps the most impressive feature of Boom Blox is its simple-but-deep design. On the surface it seems simple, perhaps boring, and even on paper it sounds that way. In writing, the game has players throwing balls at a tower to knock pieces of it off, scoring points. In action, though, the game really shines; the towers and blocks interact with each other often precisely as you expect them too, and oddly enough this leads to many a surprise. Each of the many sizes of block has a different weight to it, and players will need to make shots carefully or aim at weak points on a tower in order to excel. The game throws in other surprises as well, such as blocks that explode when they touch each other or different, more powerful balls for the player to throw. More skilled players will, naturally, succeed at Boom Blox, but the touch of randomness added to the game ensures that players of all skill levels can play together and enjoy themselves, whether it's a family sitting together or a more skilled group of players competing.

Boom Blox does not feature and use of business skills.

Boom Blox shines brightest when played with others, competitively or otherwise. Players take turns knocking blocks down, and players will often need to be careful about what moves they make, as almost knocking a block down is really just setting up the next player to do it. Cooperative games require forethought as well; passing many of the more difficult levels requires players to coordinate their turns just so.

The single-player game, on the other hand, abandons any sign of people skills. In the Adventure Mode, cutscenes are added after every handful of levels that provide a loose narrative, but players never actually speak to any characters or interact with the story on any level.

Problem Solving

The primary mode of the game has players knocking blocks off of towers to score points. These blocks are of various sizes, weights and point values, meaning players will have to consider many variables before making each move. Players more skilled when it comes to spatial reasoning are at an advantage here, as the game revolves around the use of 3D space. Each move of each game mode essentially becomes its own puzzle for players to solve, and the game constantly provides new ones, particularly in its other game modes. One, for example, has players not simply trying to knock blocks off a tower but also knock them into various point multipliers strewn about the level, while another has players moving blocks around so that one of the game’s domino-shaped animals can reach a goal. The variety and depth of these challenges keep the game from getting old for many hours.

Boom Blox is not a simulation game.  However, the game does an excellent job of simulating the blox falling etc.

Boom Blox has received high review scores since its release, even earning "Game of the Month" and other accolades from a few publications.

Boom Blox features a few simple audio options as well as the ability to send player-created levels to friends online.

Boom Blox received an E from the ESRB with descriptors for Cartoon Violence and Comic Mischief.