BattleBlock Theater®

Developer: The Behemoth
Release: May 15th 2014
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
Casual
Indie
Humorous
Creative
Addictive
Difficult
Grindy
BattleBlock Theater® Poster

" Humorous action-adventure platformer with chaotic co-op fun but punishing difficulty "

BattleBlock Theater® Review

BattleBlock Theater® is a highly praised platformer known for its unique blend of humor, challenging gameplay, and charming art style. Players enjoy the witty narration and engaging story set in a theater run by mischievous cats, which offers a comedic yet chaotic experience. The game features hundreds of levels, puzzles, and collectibles, with strong emphasis on both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes. Many appreciate the character customization and catchy soundtrack that enhance replayability. However, the difficulty level is notably high, sometimes causing frustration, especially for solo players or those less skilled in platforming. The game’s quirky design and unpredictable level mechanics keep it fresh and entertaining even years after release. Overall, BattleBlock Theater® is celebrated for its creativity, humor, and solid gameplay, though it can be quite demanding and may benefit from improved accessibility options for a wider audience.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's hilarious narration and witty writing, which add a unique charm and humor. The creative level design and varied gameplay mechanics keep the experience engaging and unpredictable. The co-op multiplayer mode is highly favored for its chaotic and fun interactions. Additionally, the cute art style and catchy music complement the game’s overall aesthetic, contributing to its lasting appeal and nostalgia factor.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the high difficulty that can be frustrating and off-putting, especially for solo players or newcomers to platformers. Some players mention that certain puzzles and levels can feel overly challenging or annoying. Additionally, the abundance of in-game currency and rewards can feel unbalanced, and some achievements require significant grind or coordination. A few players also wished for better accessibility options to make the game more inclusive for all skill levels.

Pros

  • The narrator’s humor adds a unique and entertaining layer to gameplay.
  • Cooperative multiplayer mode provides chaotic and memorable fun.
  • Creative and varied level design keeps gameplay fresh and exciting.
  • Character customization offers personalization and visual appeal.
  • Catchy soundtrack enhances the overall gaming experience.
  • Hundreds of levels provide long-lasting playtime and challenges.
  • Engaging story with charming art style and memorable characters.

Cons

  • Difficulty can be punishing and may frustrate less skilled players.
  • Some puzzles and levels feel overly challenging or unfair.
  • Solo play is less enjoyable compared to co-op mode.
  • Achievements and collectibles sometimes require tedious grinding.
  • Limited accessibility options for players with varying abilities.
  • In-game economy can feel unbalanced with excessive currency drops.
  • Certain levels may cause players to question their intelligence.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Welcome to BattleBlock Theater! You’ve got no where to go but up...on stage. Play single player or co-op to free your friends and save Hatty Hattington! Jump, solve and battle your way through a mysterious theater inhabited by highly technological felines.

Release Date May 15th 2014
Publisher The Behemoth
Developer The Behemoth
Platforms

User Reviews

Overwhelmingly Positive (23,034)
98% Positive 2% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
85