A Boy and His Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia (1989-)

• Developer: Imagineering

• Publisher: Absolute Entertainment | Jaleco | Nintendo

• Genre: Platform

• Designer: David Crane, Garry Kitchen

• Composer: Mark Van Hecke

A Boy and His Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia was developed by Imagineering and released for the NES in 1989. The game was published by Absolute Entertainment and brought a unique puzzle-platforming experience to the NES library. It was later re-released on other platforms such as the Game Boy, with the NES version remaining the most recognized. The title stands out due to its innovative gameplay mechanics and its blend of adventure and puzzle-solving elements, which helped it carve a niche among the diverse offerings of late-1980s NES games.

The game follows a young boy and his companion, a shape-shifting blob from the planet Blobolonia, who together set out to save the blob's homeland from an evil emperor. The inspiration behind the game likely draws from popular buddy adventures and shape-shifting concepts found in media at the time. What sets it apart is the blob’s ability to transform into various helpful objects when fed different jelly beans, a mechanic that requires players to experiment and think creatively to progress through levels. This gameplay feature combines platforming with puzzle elements, as players must figure out which transformations will help overcome specific obstacles or enemies.

The soundtrack in A Boy and His Blob features light, melodic tunes that create a gentle and engaging atmosphere fitting for the game's adventurous yet thoughtful tone. The music helps immerse players in the world of Blobolonia without overshadowing the gameplay. There is no known prequel to this game, but its unique concept and gameplay earned it a sequel many years later. The title was revived with a modern remake called A Boy and His Blob for the Wii in 2009, which received critical acclaim for its faithful yet refreshed take on the original.

Upon its initial release, A Boy and His Blob was promoted as a family-friendly game with an emphasis on creative problem-solving and cooperation between the boy and his blob companion. While it did not become a blockbuster hit, it gained a loyal fanbase appreciative of its originality and charm. The game's blend of puzzle and platforming elements was generally well-received, although some players found the trial-and-error nature of the jelly bean transformations to be challenging. Over time, it has become regarded as a classic example of innovative NES game design that paved the way for more experimental titles.

Images from MobyGames