Publisher: Drinkbox Studios
Cert: 7+
Platform: PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
Genre: 2d Platform

Like the majority of the Vita's opening lineup, this game is part of a franchise that already has a PS3 version ('About a Blob' on the PSN). Unlike pretty much all of the other ports, prequels or sequels on the Vita, Mutant Blobs Attacks actually delivers a superior game to the console version.

For those who have played the original, there are few surprises here. You play as a little blob that escapes its laboratory imprisonment. As you can increase in size when you absorb smaller objects, it is probably not surprising they wanted you locked away, as you go from dissolving pins in the first section to being large enough to devour humans by the second area. This may all sound rather gruesome but the lack of gore and its comical graphics and wonderful game score somehow glosses over the horror of your creature's rampage.

While there are some new unique features here (such as touch screen controls to move certain panels), the levels follow the same formula of the previous game. In practically every level your exit is blocked by something too large to absorb and you must explore in order to find smaller objects to help you grow larger. Obstacles such as tight pipes that you must stretch through, laser defence grids and dangerous spikes will not make your progress any easier. As you continue you do get more powers (flight for certain sections, magnetic attraction / repulsion) but the main goal generally remain the same

So if not too much has changed, why is this the definitive version of the series? First, the game frankly suits the handheld better with its wonderfully designed but seemingly simplistic 2D level designs and cartoonish backgrounds. The developers have also had time to put a lot more polish to this version with more responsive controls, a more satisfying fast feel to movement and other little touches such as the slight dust coating that surrounds the edge of the game-screen giving the impression that you are watching the escape of this mutant blob from security camera footage on a rarely used monitor.

Gameplay will not challenge very experienced gamers but each section will have one or two areas where a lack of precision timing / landing will result in infuriating deaths. The game will also seem too short for skilled players but not so much so as to ruin the experience. Some attempts have been made to increase the replay value particularly with finding the hidden objects / 'blobs' in each level and competitive ranking of scores on the Playstation network. Overall, though, this really is a game to play through once.

Nothing here is going to set the world a light in terms of innovation but what was already a strong 2d platformer series has now been polished to near perfection.

Rent or Buy: Download Only

Graphics: 5/5
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Replay: 3/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Reviewed by: JP Gallagher