Blockids
Blockids is a PlayStation puzzle game released in 1996 developed by Athena Co., Ltd.. It centers on puzzle, maze, or device solving, rule recognition, and spatial or logical judgment, with controls and information arranged around the directional pad, shoulder and face buttons, plus DualShock twin analog sticks and vibration where supported.
- AI score · out of 10
- 5.9 / 10
About this game
Blockids is a PlayStation puzzle game centered on puzzle, maze, or device solving, rule recognition, and spatial or logical judgment. Compact stages add conditions and tighter constraints over time, with progress divided into stages, tasks, matches, or growth milestones that make immediate goals understandable. Its value depends on whether these rules continue to create judgment and room for mastery rather than on length, sales, or series recognition. Short campaigns are judged by repeat-challenge value, while longer ones are judged by variety, pacing, and recovery after failure. Graphics, audio, and input feedback need to support decisions directly, while early 3D graphics, pre-rendered backgrounds, CD audio, and full-motion video need to preserve targets and interface readability on a television. The genre-specific limitation is that limited explanations, input recognition, repetition, or abrupt difficulty can stall progress. Platform conditions also include disc loading, Memory Card saves, regional video standards, digital or analog control support, vibration, and dedicated peripherals affect original-hardware use. This description covers only this platform release and does not import features or conveniences from remasters, emulators, or other console editions.
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PlayStation
AI review
AI reviews are subjective assessments, not player ratings. See each review for its evidence and limitations.Published date:
A distinctive jumping-ball variation held back by return accuracy and visibility.
Blockids does more than put Breakout into three dimensions: the ball can jump over stacked blocks, adding another choice of direction and landing position, while bosses turn routine rebounds into small confrontations. Adventure and Challenge provide plenty of practice, and unlimited continues keep failure from ending exploration abruptly. The novelty also introduces uncertainty. An airborne ball cannot be returned by the flat paddle, a jump can redirect it toward the bottom, and colored power-ups are difficult to interpret quickly. Top-down viewing makes stacks clearer, but other angles hide the ball; automatic paddle-speed changes further complicate emergency saves and precise positioning. Cheerful music keeps the mood light, though repeated abilities and modest musical identity limit lasting freshness. It suits experimental brick-breaking fans. Card saves and viewpoint options help, without eliminating return friction; experiential observations concern the original PS US edition.
Strengths
- Jumping and stacked blocks add route choices.
- Bosses, two extended modes and unlimited continues support practice.
Weaknesses
- Airborne returns, paddle speed and occlusion reduce reliability; power-ups are hard to anticipate.
Who it is for: For brick-breaking fans willing to learn unusual rebound rules.
Play notes: Experiential quality observations concern original PS US software; Japanese documentation establishes corresponding controls and card functions.
View scoring basis
| Dimension | Review state | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension Stages and bosses provide ample practice, although reused character abilities mean variety does not fully match the quantity. | Reviewed | 6.9 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Jumping adds choices, but airborne returns and ambiguous power-ups make sustained planning unreliable. | Reviewed | 5.6 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension Three-dimensional blocks have a distinct identity, but occlusion and unmemorable music weaken lasting appeal. | Reviewed | 5.8 / 10 | Not provided |
| Dimension View options and memory-card saves help practice, while paddle-speed adaptation and occlusion still hinder accurate returns. | Reviewed | 5.4 / 10 | Not provided |
Review sources
Not provided
Core information
- Developer
- Athena
- Publisher
- AthenaMonkeyPaw GamesNatsume
- Release date
- 1996
- Platforms
- PlayStation
- Content kind
- Game
- Release state
- Released
- Region
- Worldwide
- Official website
- Not provided
- Offline minimum players
- Not provided
- Offline maximum players
- Not provided
- Online minimum players
- Not provided
- Online maximum players
- Not provided
- Categories
- Puzzle · Primary genre
- Tags
- Fixed CameraSolo-friendlyPuzzle SolvingSlow BurnShort SessionsPick-up and Play3D GraphicsLow Entry BarrierMain Story Under 10 HoursReplayable
- Supported game languages
- Not provided
- Requires base game
- Not provided
- Standalone
- Not provided
- Age ratings
- Not provided
- Play modes
- Single player
- Perspectives
- Top-down
Release editions
- PlayStationWorldwide1996
Game gallery
Sources
Not provided