Microsoft recently sent us a playable preview of Blinx 2 that gives us a good look at the various modes in this sequel. The original Blinx got mixed reviews at best, and it seems as though Artoon has listened to the criticisms. Blinx 2 takes the time controlling aspects of the first game and expands on them, making for a much more well-rounded experience.
Strangely enough, Blinx himself was nowhere to be found in this demo. You take control of a random member of the Time Sweepers. As an extra bonus, you can custom build your kitty before playing. There are a wide variety of adjustments you can make to the character, including clothing, body shape, and limb length and thickness. You can even adjust the furry tuft at the end of your characters tail. I was able to create some pretty funky-looking (read: ugly) characters, which always makes a game more fun to play.
Time Is on My Side
Once my character was complete, the demo began. The heart of the game still involves using time crystals to manipulate time and solve platforming puzzles. For example, a bridge that you need to cross is out. To remedy this situation, simply collect enough Rewind time crystals to reverse time, which rebuilds the bridge and the bomb that was used to destroy it in the first place. Before the time crystal's power fades, suck up the bomb with your handy vacuum, and the bridge is saved.
Time stopped water is fun to walk around on! Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle!
Another clever puzzle involves some underwater switches that are activated when exposed to air. By pausing time, the water stops flowing, giving it the consistency of Jell-O (or your favorite gelatin dessert). By running around on the still water, you clear it off of the switches. Sure, cats normally hate water, but since it's not flowing, you needn't worry about wearing some sort of feline galoshes.
The demo ends with a boss fight against a giant rock monster. The battle was fairly simple, but it smacks of old school boss fight goodness. To defeat him, you must suck up bombs with your vacuum device, which you can then launch back at the creature. One bomb knocks him down, cracking his chest open to reveal his glowing green weak spot. Launch another bomb to his chest, and he takes damage. Repeat the process until he dies. Of course, you must dodge a barrage of bombs launched your way as well as his massive jumps (you don't want a giant, rock monster landing on you, believe you me) while you try to take him out.
