Game Review: de Blob (Xbox One)

Originally released in 2008 as an exclusive for the Wii, gamers of other consoles have had to wait a while to experience the original de Blob game. Although its sequel de Blob 2 did show up on the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Both remastered versions of de Blob and de Blob 2 have now been released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.

You might wonder why anyone would bother going back and playing a game that is over 10 years old now. It’s not like the original or its sequel were particularly successful. Where is the fun in just rolling around painting things? Well, de Blob is fun. A lot of fun as well as being addictive and with a well-balanced level of increasing difficulty.

Simply put, it’s a great game that many a gamer may have missed out on and now have the opportunity to see what the fuss is all about.

You control de Blob, a clear ball that can roll around and collect paint. Paint that comes in three colours: red, yellow and blue. Target the paintbot that holds the colour to transform de Blob into that colour. Colours can also be combined, say for example if de Blob is yellow already slamming a paintbot that is red will see him turn orange.

Once in colour, everything de Blob touches will turn to colour depending on which one he is at that time. Why do this? Well, that’s the story which sees the INKT Corporation invading Chroma City. A colourful and happy city populated by the Raydians, the INKT Corporation wants to eradicate all colour. Led by Comrade Black, Chroma City falls and is transformed into a grey, lifeless place.

Seeing the chaos caused by the INKT Corporation, de Blob joins up with the underground resistance and sets about freeing the city and its people from the evil Inkies.

It’s got a surprising amount of depth. Something that is welcome as it gives more motivation for you to transform every inch of the city back into colour. Of course, the INKT Corporation isn’t going to make it easy for you. You’ll have to do battle with an array of enemies along the way.

When full, de Blob has 100 paint points. As you paint buildings and deal with enemies that number will decrease. Water and ink will drain it even faster and should it reach zero a life will be lost. There are benefits for having de Blob not be full constantly though, as this makes him slower and have shorter jumps. It’s all about strategy.

While de Blob can paint away, to progress levels and complete them, tasks have to be completed and points gained to unlock gates. The tasks range from painting buildings in a certain colour, to transforming landmarks that require a certain amount of paint points or completing check point races. This is one of the games’ drawbacks as there is little in the way of variety and across a fair few levels, you’ll find yourself doing the same tasks over and over again.

Levels do get tricky though and if you want to be awarded every badge, you’re going to have to be thorough and quick. Thankfully, badges can be earned on different attempts. As going for 100% painting in a level can take over an hour. Whereas speed runs have to be done in a short amount of time. This does give it some replay value but it can get frustrating when you can’t find 1 missing collectable. The game has a radar but it only serves to show you the next mission and where paint is located. Not much use really.

It is such an absorbing game though. Easy to lose yourself in with little touches that bring a smile to faces. The way colour seeps back into the grey world is great. The way in which the music transforms as you colour is really clever.

Not only that but de Blob can certainly be called original. While its sequel is much improved, this isn’t a game many should miss out on. It’s fun, addictive and rewarding.