Gist: The game is played by four players who start in the corners of a play board that is 20 x 20 squares large. As the game commences, blocks that are segmented into 2-block, 3-block, 4-block, or 5-block shapes are slapped down on the screen from the starting corner. A player has 21 block shapes to choose from with which to lay down on the playfield and are stored in their respective quadrants of the screen for each player. The only rule for positioning a block is that each new segment must be laid down diagonally and contiguous with the previous block.

By ways slow and steady, the players take alternating turns and make their way across the screen while putting down blocks. A player's progress may be blocked by the other players with their own block drops. Although your own blocks cannot be directly contiguous with each other, they can be planted contiguously against an opponent's blocks when creating diagonal matches. As the play board fills up, lack of space becomes an issue for dropping blocks. He/she who uses up the most blocks wins. In addition to the standard Blokus Mode which always features 4-players (COM or wireless participants), there's a Blokusduo mode which pits 2 players against each other and a Bumpy Trot board game mode.

Jan Code: 4536592000440

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.

NCS Game Notes
» In the title screen of the game, normal citizens lift, carry, sashay, and drag blocks across the screen.

» Game options after starting the game are: Blokus / Blokusduo / Bumpy Trot Mode / Rule / Option / Record. To view the rules and play mechanics, visit the Rule area to check out four primers on playing the game.

1) Blokus - Up to 4 human players may enjoy a standard game by way of wireless connectivity. If you're flying solo, the other three players will be made up of COM controlled block pushers. Before starting the game, enter your name and select a male or female avatar. The game features 30 opponents who will sit down at the table and play Blokus against you. Each character uses different tactics and wield variable skill sets. At the outset, only four characters are available to join the action but more characters are unlocked as conditions are met.

2) Blokusduo - Only 2 players compete for a wider array of block possibilities as only two colors roam the playfield. The field however is smaller at only 14x14 and the beginning positions start at the center instead of the corners.

3) Bumpy Trot Mode - A board game mode where the player moves a character on spaces. Each space leads to a Blokus Match and winning it will allow further progress in the board game.

» Blokus Club has a double meaning. You use blocks to create the patterns and matches on screen but your blocks also obstruct other players from performing their own block matching priorities. A prudent strategy is to use up the largest or most obtrusive blocks first and to invade other areas of the screen to stake your diagonal making possibilities.

» After every move, the virtual opponents will appear in a little window and say something to comment on the progress of the game. As their options on the playfield peter out, their voices will become less jubilant and more morose. If a block cannot be used and it is selected, a whiff sound will play indicating that it won't be usable.

» In the Now Loading screen, Blokus is being played by four unseen gamers.

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