Now and then, I get curious about some of the random games I see on Steam. One of the games I did eye was Blow It Up. Thanks to a special opportunity, I had the chance to review the game. Below are my thoughts on this explosive adventure.
Blow It Up
Publisher: Brain Seal Ltd
Developer: Brain Seal Ltd
Release Date: Feb 18, 2025
Platforms: Steam (reviewed on Steam Deck), iOS, Android, Xbox Play anywhere), Playstation, Nintendo Switch
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co
Intro:
Blow It Up is a physics-based demolition game that delivers exactly what it promises: chaotic, explosive fun. The premise is simple yet satisfying—you’re given a variety of structures, tools, and explosives, and your goal is to cause as much destruction as possible to eliminate the targets. Developed by Brain Seal Ltd, the game invites players into the quirky world of BOOMTOPIA, where an alien invasion has thrown chaos into a once-peaceful realm. With your friends captured by enigmatic invaders, your mission is clear: master an arsenal of seven uniquely behaving bombs to demolish enemy structures and rescue those in need.
While the story is not the focal point or well conveyed. The main selling point of Blow It Up is to destroy while eliminating the targets in each stage while aiming for the highest score. Let’s take a look at this in the gameplay section.
Gameplay:
At its core, Blow It Up excels in its ability to merge precision bombing with engaging puzzle elements. Each bomb feels distinct, thanks to a realistic physics simulation that makes every explosion unpredictable and visually rewarding. Whether you’re calculating the perfect angle for a TNT blast or experimenting with confetti and fireworks for a more theatrical effect, the game challenges you to think tactically about where and when to strike. Over 70 levels of meticulously designed mayhem ensure that no two playthroughs feel exactly alike, keeping the gameplay both fresh and demanding.
The core gameplay loop is addictive and entertaining. You’re tasked with demolishing buildings, bridges, and other structures using a range of explosives. All of this is to get the highest points in the game while taking out all of the enemies. The physics engine is the star of the show, as debris flies in all directions, creating a spectacle of destruction that’s both satisfying and visually impressive. The campaign missions can feel repetitive after a while, as the objectives often boil down to blowing up X structure to eliminate the targets and gifts within each mission.
Audio and Visuals:
The game boasts a charming, stylized art direction that blends a voxel-like aesthetic with playful, almost LEGO-inspired visuals. This approach not only makes the destruction satisfying to watch but also reinforces the light-hearted, family-friendly tone of the adventure. Complementing the visuals is a dynamic audio track that punctuates every explosive moment, ensuring that the satisfaction of a well-timed detonation is felt as much as seen while in each stage.
The sound design is serviceable outside of each stage. Explosions pack a decent punch, but the lack of variety in audio effects can make the destruction feel monotonous over time. Three music tracks are somewhat burned into my brain at this point, one of them being a remix of “Pop Goes the Weasel.” I wish there were more audio tracks available.
Fun Factor:
Blow It Up takes an old formula that has been done before and mixes it up. It adds an addictive loop, which kept me engaged until the end of the game. It was a game that was silly fun, and I was genuinely impressed with the physics of everything blowing up and the variety of bombs that could be used.
Wrap-up/Conclusion:
While Blow It Up might not revolutionize the genre, it certainly knows how to have fun. Its blend of tactical bomb-throwing, engaging puzzles, and a whimsical narrative makes it a promising title for those looking for a fresh take on destruction-based gameplay. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard fan of physics simulations, this game is poised to offer hours of explosive entertainment.
– Until next time, Mgs2master2 out!
Score: 8/10 – If you’re in the mood for some mindless, explosive fun, Blow It Up is worth a try. It offers a variety of challenges. It is a game that sets out to accomplish what it wants to do.