This year at TpGS’ Indie Game dedicated zone, not only is there an abundance of alluring new games to tease gamers, but also an increased number of physical games that incorporates virtual elements. Last year there was Anubis no Kami, and this year there is bilo block.
What makes bilo block stand out at the Indie House isn’t just the nostalgic Lego elements at the core of the concept. The blocks are also more than just building blocks with a virtual counter. No, what makes bilo block stand out is the endless possibility for future development. Each set features a base which can not only recognise individual pieces from the set, but also which direction the blocks are facing, as well as a built-in compass feature.
The concept of bilo block started when one of the creators wanted to make something to prevent his son from spending too much time on electronic devices. As the team started to develop the idea further, they found the endless possibilities that bilo blocks have. Initially, they faced different problems with 3D printing each piece and getting them to come out perfectly with every function in-tact. That means each block most not only connect with each other physically, but also electronically. The team then decided to invest in better tools and software to create the first steps of the concept.
Even though the blocks are still very new, there’s still more to them than meets the eye. with the app, players can not only see their physical creations be re-created in the app, they can also change the colors of the blocks. How? Well, each bilo block has the ability to light up and through the app players will be able to change the colors of all the blocks they are currently using, as well as change the colors of individual blocks that they have used!
Although the blocks are still very new, there’s still more to them than meets the eye. Players can not only unleash their creativity in a Free Build mode, but also challenge different 3D puzzles where the shadow of a shape is shown in the app and from the information given, payers will have to recreate the shape on their board.
The creators have big dreams for the bilo blocks, from creating more interactive elements through new software improvements to having more varieties of blocks including those capable of creating simple logic gates and motorized movements! If that’s something you’re interested in then definitely follow them on Facebook!