Is stacking art?
Art of Balance is physics based puzzle game as the name indicates for Wiiware. Objective is to stack blocks to build a structure in small pedestal/platform. Not too different from Jenga. Difference being that the pedestal where blocks are place is on a cup of water. If any of the blocks fall to water game ends. Once all the blocks have been added to the structure the construction must stay intact for three to five seconds. Blocks consist of Tetris type L-blocks as well as more round blocks and ball shape. Cool thing here is that there isn't always a one set of solution. Blocks can be stacked in any order and kept in shape with some Jedi trickery or general shouting/waving at the TV.
Game is divided in to 4 different worlds which each consists of 30 odd levels. Difficulty is ramping up on later worlds with amount of blocks that need to be added to structure. As well as glass blocks which can only have three blocks on top of them. Also later on there is self destructive glass blocks that will blow up in few seconds when a block is placed on top of it. Glass blocks can be broken as long as none come in touch with water. The 30 levels are divided into 3-4 more challenging levels as well. These consists of either a time limit, or structure height limit or a unstable surface.
Art of Balance has a simple co-op versus mode which consists of playing through games levels in a split screen level aiming for various number best of wins.
Graphically Art of Balance does fine job. The backgrounds are photographic walls with some flowers and random effects. All and all very aesthetically pleasing. The music is similar simplistic which doesn't even get too annoying. Would have been nice to be able to customize the background or music.
Only minor gripe with the game I had was the fact that the controls are not as accurate they could have been and 3D effect of the blocks feels to round and the edges can't be seen. Camera zooms in closer when holding a block in air for few seconds which aids a bit. Often the placement is more in ballpark instead of the spot where you wanted to place it.
Game is only 800 points which more than pays of the playing through the 120 levels. Unfortunately once game is completed
there is no reason to re-play this. For that amount this is still highly recommended buy. Especially if physic based games such as Super Stacker 2 is your cup of tea.