Pixel Blocked! Review-Byte

Overview

Developed by Daniel Truong for the Xbox Live Indie Games channel, Pixel Blocked! is a simple puzzle game where the goal is to fill every empty space on a grid using blocks fired from below. You need to rotate the grids to shoot blocks past obstacles like breakable tiles and magnets, and every puzzle tends to have more than just one way to complete it. The trick, rather, is figuring out the quickest and most efficient way to win.

The game has got a clean, simplistic look about it, with 3D blocks skinned to look like 8-bit textures. Nothing fancy or particularly flashy, but perfectly functional. The music, likewise, is catchy and uncomplicated, and you’ll likely find yourself humming Pixel Blocked!’s thoughtfully composed tunes long after you’ve shut the game off.

It’s a clever and amusing little game overall and managed to provide a well paced challenge. With over 180 levels for a mere 80 Microsoft Points ($1), Pixel Blocked! is also a great value.

The Good
+ Multiple solutions for every puzzle
+ Easy to pick up and play
+ $1 for over 180 puzzles

The Bad
- Most par times seem impossibly fast

This Review-Byte is a test of a new review format we may be using in the future for select, smaller titles. Leave us some feedback in the comments section and let us know what you think!

Pixel Blocked! was released on July 27th, 2011 exclusively for Xbox 360.