Blek (Wii U) Review

Blek starts abruptly: Launch game. Play game. There are no menus or option screens to speak of; this is taking minimal to the next level. Of course, to concentrate on what the game doesn't have opposed to what it brings to the puzzle game scene would be an injustice, as Blek is built on a completely unique foundation. Throughout the 60 levels included, each level asks of its player to remove all the static colour balls by drawing a line on the touchpad. Once the stylus leaves the screen, the line will come to life and repeatedly move in the same direction, at the same pace that it was originally created. Should the line touch any of the black dots or exit either the top or bottom screen, it is game over.

As expected, the first ten or so levels serve as a tutorial of sorts, and do a good job of allowing gamers to get to grips with Blek's unique mechanic. As frustrating as it can be to repeat a difficult stage multiple times, it's every bit as satisfying to see the final result pay off once the best approach has been realised. It's possible to fluke some levels but, for the most part, Blek requires focus and, most importantly, patience.

Other obstacles will come into play later on in the game and once they all merge together, it is hard to imagine beating them at all, although by then each rule and challenge that Blek has thrown at players should be clearly understood.