Genesis

Blockout

Of the game's three variants, the first, using a set of eight simple shapes, is fairly easy. The second, adding a few tricky cubic protuberances, is somewhat harder. The third, employing no fewer than 41 monstrous blocks, is a geometric nightmare. In other words, Blockout is a blast. It's colorful and challenging, and it enhances your mental agility. If only it had been available back in 1976...

I didn't think this would be a patch on Columns, but call me a duff old codger if it isn't a lot better! Although it isn't as soothing as Columns (in fact it's downright infuriating), but the excellent 3D perspective gives it a new dimension (groan) in play. The two-player mode tends to be a little less playable because of the lack of space on-screen, but it means that you can challenge a friend instead of just banging away at the computer. Don't be put off by the bland screenshots, this is a fantastic game which every Megadrive owner should seriously consider buying.

Grafik und Sound spielen bei diesem Programm keine größere Rolle und dümpeln dementsprechend in der unteren Tabellenhälfte vor sich hin. Grübelfans, die an "Columns" Spaß hatten, sollten sich für Blockout interessieren - obwohl es ansatzweise zusammengeschustert wirkt.

This is prime proof that 3D doesn't always help a game become better, and in this case it kills it completely. There are bad games that can be rewarding through the frustrating gameplay and actually pay off and become worth it. Blockout is a means to an end; it starts out frustrating in the beginning and the only reward the frustration gets you is more frustration on top of existing frustration. You never accomplish anything here. You play it several times and lose anyway, never getting a reward for your hard work. It's not fun trying to beat your high scores, and you'll never get someone to play it with you either. I'm surprised that EA published this game but it didn't seem to care about the quality if it wasn't a sports game. Don't spend your time here because so far it's he worst puzzle game I've played on the Genesis and probably the worst Tetris clone I've seen.