Blokus World Tour
Ages: Everyone

This game with a funny name, looking a lot like Tetris appeared on my desk, and I must admit I was not looking forward with much enthusiasm to opening it. It's a strategy game where the object is to cover as much of the board as possible with your polygons until there are no other spots open.

After I went through the rules, they're complicated by using 21 different pieces and restrictions that you can only place on the corners colored like your pieces - the afternoon was over. Typical of some of the best games - it looks simple but the strategy is akin to a game of chess. Different pieces have different offensive/defensive characteristics and pieces can be flipped and rotated. Beginning players can take advantage of a Hint system - I did and won.

I was intrigued enough to find out more about the game. The design is based upon the four color theorem which showed that in a map only four colors are required to insure that two neighboring countries do not have the same color. An interesting application of a principle used in cartography used since the 15th century.

You can play a quick game or go for winning 10 unique tournaments with 16 completive computer players to beat. Winners collect shiny gold Bloks which is as good as leaderboard. There is no option for online or multiplayer. You play against the computer AI characters. This game cries out for a port to the DS. Carrying it in you pocket - you will never be bored. Be on the lookout for Mumbo Jumbo's "Premium Casual Games". These are the games that have done so well on-line that they make it into boxed games, available on store shelves.

Fun Factor: Intriguing - for Tetris graduates
Player Friendly: Plenty of instructions and hints for beginners.

Reviewed by: Editor - 06/08