de Blob 2 (Wii, XBOX360, PS3, DS AND 3DS)

This is the follow-up title to 2008's popular hit, de Blob.

Release Date: Feb 22, 2011

de Blob 2, previously known as de Blob: The Underground, is a sequel to the Wii exclusive 2008 platformer, de Blob. The game will be released on February 22, 2011 for both Wii andDS platforms.^[2] The game will also be released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms in addition to the Wii and DS.^[3] Additionally, it has been confirmed for the Nintendo 3DS

The play of the game is, in many ways, similar to the original de Blob. The player still controls the Blob character, who can mix colours in order to paint objects and bring life to the cityscape, which in turn opens up previously locked areas. Blob is given missions by his friends in the Colour Underground, such as completing timed races, defeating enemies, liberating captured Raydians and seizing important landmarks.

New additions include a wide array of abilities. Blob can now perform a powerful dash attack, which breaks through obstacles and kills some foes, at the expense of paint points. Furthermore, as the player progresses through the game, they obtain 'inspiration points', which are used at the Idea Emporium to purchase upgrades for Blob, such as increased paint capacity and defensive shields.^[6] 

Power-ups will feature within the levels as well. For example, the magnetic Wrecking Ball allows Blob to roll up metal surfaces and the Hazmat Suit protects Blob from spikes & flames, while the Graviton Bomb temporarily transforms Blob into a devastating black hole, the Re-Gen constantly replenishes Blob's paint points and the Rainbow lets Blob use any colour at any time.^[7]

The game also has a heavier emphasis on platforming. Much like the first game, Blob has to take over landmark buildings in the city, but this time, rather than simply needing a certain amount of paint points to capture it, Blob enters the buildings. Inside, the gameplay switches from its usual 3D point of a view to a 2D perspective. Blob must complete a platforming challenge filled with many hazards, like the brand new Gravity Wall mechanics, before the building is taken. There are over 100 of these platforming stages throughout the course of the game.^[8]

Another new inclusion is a two-player mode akin to the co-op functionality of Super Mario Galaxy. The second player takes control of a member of the Colour Underground named Pinky, who is able to assist Blob and help him surmount more difficult challenges. Bosses will also play a larger role in this game; the player will have to use the painting mechanics in thoughtful ways to take them down.^[9]

de Blob 2 on the DS is being developed by Halfbrick, and unlike the console version, the game is played entirely as a 2D platformer. It is divided into individual levels that require Blob to make use of wall jumping and a slingshot technique to traverse the environments. Comparisons have been drawn with games in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.^[10]