While Blast Works: Build, Trade and Destroy for the Nintendo Wii looks like just another shoot-em-up affair, it's anything but, thanks to a robust level editor and downloadable content that extends its replay value.
If you're not creatively inclined, Blast Works' arcade mode presents fifteen levels of enemies that lacks one thing that most gamers are used to -- there are no super-bombs or power-ups to pick up. Instead, as you shoot each foe, they'll flip up for several seconds before disappearing. Before they pop off the screen, you can swoop in and pick these enemies up, attaching them to your ship. They serve a dual purpose, firing bullets in multiple directions while also acting as shielding or press a button on the Nunchuk to store them temporarily. This is a smart tactic, as you can bring them back during boss encounters.
Presentation-wise, Blast Works doesn't amount to much. The graphics resemble cardboard cutouts, from the multi-scrolling backgrounds to the basic enemy animations. As for the music, it's decent background fare which keeps you in the fight but isn't memorable. The sound effects are barely there, with little explosions that pop with very little impact.
Blast Works succeeds with a number of extras. First, you can fight alongside three friends in shoot-em-up action, in case you don't feel like taking this battle on your own. It's chaotic, especially if each player has layered enemy formations surrounding your ships.
Second and most importantly, you can build your own shooter from the ground up. Blast Works features a multi-functional level editor where you can create your own backgrounds, enemies, bullets, flying patterns and so much more. You start with only a few tools available, but the deeper you go into the in-game modes, the more the interface expands. It takes time to master (a few hours, at least), but it's time well spent, especially when you have your dream shooter built and ready to go. You can even go vertical if you want, paying homage to such classics as Space Invaders and Radiant Silvergun.
Finally, if you're not up to creating your own bullet-ridden utopia or seek a little guidance, you can hit BlastWorksDepot.com with your Wii to download user-created content, including levels and ships. For instance, we found a Duke Nukem look-alike, a ninja on a surfboard and a facsimile of Green Valley Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog. (You can upload as well, if you feel like sharing.) This content extends Blast Works replay value.
If you don't really care for shooters, you may not find yourself getting into this game. However, if it's always been your dream to create a shooter with odd backgrounds and flying hamburgers that shoot ketchup at you, Blast Works is your game.
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