Blob (video game)
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Blob (video game) |
Blob is a puzzle-platform game created by Jonnathan Hilliard and released by Core Design exclusively for the Amiga, debuting in the United Kingdom on September 1, 1993.
Gameplay
The game Blob consists of 50 stages arranged on floating platforms positioned at varying altitudes in space. Players guide the character Blob from a three-dimensional viewpoint, enabling side-to-side movement, upward bouncing, and descending between levels. Goals include locating exits or gathering specific items; certain stages require fulfilling conditions such as stepping on every tile (reminiscent of Q-Bert) or saving creatures known as Blobletts.
The tiles serve different purposes: some increase bounce height, others limit bouncing ability, some can be toggled on or off through switches, while icy tiles cause continuous sliding until a standard tile is reached. Falling from significant heights inflicts damage on Blob and may crack tiles beneath. Enemies pose additional threats, and losing all health or falling below the lowest platform results in losing a life.
Development
The development phase spanned approximately one year, from September 1992 to September 1993. Jonnathan Hilliard, the lead developer, commenced work during his final university year, applying his background in 3D programming to build the engine behind Blob. After preparing a nearly finished version initially named "Bouncy Thing," he approached ten publishers. This led to Core Design commissioning the project and employing him full-time.
Billy Allison from Core Design revamped the visuals using Deluxe Paint IV to improve animation quality and bring more character to the design. Enhancements also included adding more alien creatures and polishing the overall presentation. The game's title transitioned from "Bouncy Thing" to "Odd Blob" before Core Design staff voted to finalize it as Blob.
Reception
Critical response to Blob among Amiga publications was varied. Amiga Power lauded it as "brilliantly original" and "maddeningly addictive," emphasizing its user-friendly gameplay and awarding an 88% score. Similarly, Amiga Format praised it as "wonderfully different," highlighting its distinctive 3D viewpoint that set it apart from other puzzle games. Conversely, The One and Amiga Computing expressed dissatisfaction with the control mechanics; The One considered them overly harsh, assigning a rating of 67%. CU Amiga questioned its lasting appeal due to potential repetitiveness but still regarded it among the stronger puzzle titles released in 1993.