There are two versions of "BattleBlock Theater." The first is a platformer in the purest sense. You're dropped into individual stages, asked to traverse and explore to find the keys to the exit (gems, in this case), utilizing checkpoints and a chosen weapon to make things easier. Everything is wrapped up in the endlessly unique and zany presentation developer The Behemoth is known for - Dan Paladin's hand-drawn universe has never been more compelling - but once the initial excitement wears off it all starts feeling a bit slow, a bit derivative.
This is "BattleBlock Theater" when you're playing by yourself. This is not the "BattleBlock Theater" that's meant to be played.
As for right now, launch week, "BattleBlock Theater" is an amazing time, so long as you're playing it with a friend. Even jumping online with a stranger isn't so bad, as the left trigger activates a "help" cry and using other actions to communicate becomes a fun little meta-game on its own. The atmosphere of it all, from the off-his-rocker narrator to the endlessly charming and fantastic visuals and music, alleviates any potential moment for frustration. In a game where throwing your buddy to certain death, just for the fun of it, that's an achievement worth noting.
"Battleblock Theater" is available for Microsoft's Xbox 360 for 1200 points.
