EA Announces Boom Blox Bash Party

Electronic Arts has confirmed plans for a sequel to the critically acclaimed Wii exclusive Boom Blox, which will again be created with input from movie director and producer Steven Spielberg. Though the publisher says the original release's sales met expectations, analysts were disappointed with the title's performance, and a sequel had been in some doubt. Rumors, however, emerged of a follow-up last November. The original game was created by EA Los Angeles, as a result of work initiated by the secretive, now-defunct Blueprint division. Originally intended as the first of three games created with input from Steven Spielberg, the status of the other unannounced titles is unclear. The new game will be developed by EA Casual Studios and is due for release in North America and Europe in spring 2009. The sequel is called Boom Blox Bash Party, and will focus on multiplayer features, as well as include 400 new levels. As before, the key mechanics of the game are inspired by party game favorite Jenga, as players manipulate and knock down bricks using a realistic physics engine. The game will also feature downloadable content, including the ability to create and share levels between users. It is also implied that users will be able to play and compete in levels online. "Boom Blox Bash Party is a wild social gaming experience," says Spielberg. "We know families and friends really enjoyed playing the original Boom Blox together, so we designed more explosive multiplayer experiences with Boom Blox Bash Party."