A Mash-up That Matters: “Blocks That Matter”

Xbox Live Arcade, PC

When thinking of a puzzle game, Tetris will almost always come to mind. Indie developed superstar Minecraft probably comes in second only to World of Warcraft as a “time waster”. Super Mario Bros may be the most influential side-scrolling platformer of all time. What do all these games have in common? They all have influences on the wonderful mash-up Blocks That Matter.

Developed by Swing Swing Submarine, Blocks That Matter (BTM) presents a simple, but intriguing, concept. Playing as Tetrabot you are on a quest to save your creators Alexey* (Pajitnov, creator of Tetris) and Markus* ("Notch" Persson, creator of Minecraft) from evil kidnappers. Starting as a simple platformer, BTM quickly evolves into much more. Tetrabot has the ability to drill through blocks of different materials, then “recycle” them into tetrominoes (geometric shapes made of four pieces). Collect blocks and build platforms out of tetrominoes to reach the end of the level. In addition to being able to create platforms via tetrominoes you can also destroy rows that are made of eight or more blocks.

Pic of BTM, PC version, via Steam

Simple as it may be this game was clearly put together with purpose and thought at every step. The graphics, while simple, do more than just get the job done. Cartoon like stages, and still-frame storyline sequences provide the perfect backdrop. Tetrabot’s actions are well animated and smooth, and adds to the cartoon world you’re exploring. 

The music, reminiscent of eight-bit era classics, is repetitive, but not annoyingly so. Created with a retro chiptune feel, each song adds to the experience of the game. Ranging from soft tunes, to upbeat boss-level music, the variety is as surprising as it is pleasant. My only complaint is that on certain levels the music can feel too mellow in comparison to the difficulty. After struggling to get one mind-bendingly difficult secret box, mellow music was the last thing I wanted to hear.

BTM, PC version, via Steam

The controls are crisp, and clean, providing the necessary accuracy you need while jumping from one platform to another. On PC, the keyboard control is decent, but like most platformers, a good gamepad, such as an Xbox 360 controller, is preferable.

Difficulty wise this game is almost perfect and each level takes thought to get through. The game starts out with little explanation in way of controls, leading me to immediately blow myself up, but I quickly, and easily, picked up the controls. The first few levels remain easy, gaining difficulty with progression, with each level containing a chest that takes thought and planning to reach. Each chest contains a “Block That Matters”, representing popular and obscure games alike that have influenced the industry. While some chests can be frustratingly difficult to get early on, replaying early levels later almost always leads to head-smackingly reasonable solutions. And replay you will, this game has a great level of replay thanks to great design and cool little bonuses, such as the Blocks That Matter, and Stars earned for playing well.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the cost: five bucks via Steam for PC, or 240 points ($3) on Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA). Blocks That Matter is worth every penny you’ll spend.

All in all Blocks That Matter is a great game. Well planned, well executed, and at a price you can’t pass up, it’s a must own title for every fan of puzzle games, platformers, or just good games in general. I’m giving BTM 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Until we meet again, play hard and keep gaming.

*Alexey Pajitnov and Markus "Notch" Persson had nothing to do with the creation of this game. They are just the basis for the storylline.