Spielberg, EA Unveil Boom Blox

Electronic Arts has unveiled its first game developed in partnership with Steven Spielberg, a puzzle game for the Wii called Boom Blox.

The block-based challenges of Boom Blox will take advantage of the Wii's motion-sensing controller, putting players through numerous "brain-twisting" challenges in single, co-op or competitive modes. Boasting more than 300 levels, the game will feature Tiki, Medieval, Frontier and Haunted environments, populated by over 30 creatures including block-laying chickens and baseball-throwing monkeys. An included editor will also let players create their own game levels using any items, characters and blocks that have been previously unlocked, which can then be shared via WiiConnect24.

"I am a gamer myself and I really wanted to create a videogame that I could play with my kids," Spielberg said. "Boom Blox features an enormous amount of fun challenges and cool scenarios for your kids to solve or for you to master together."

"My inspiration for this game came while I was playing the Wii for the first time," he continued. "From the initial concept to what the game is today, it's always been built around the innovations the Wii brings to playing games. Boom Blox plays on the enjoyment of building and knocking down blocks, something that can appeal innately to kids and adults of all ages."

Boom Blox, the first in a three-game deal between the two entertainment giants, is set to ship in May 2008 for the Wii, with a mobile version following later in the year.