BattleBlock Theater cover art

BattleBlock Theater

2013The BehemothLinux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Xbox 360

In BattleBlock Theater, players control a prisoner as they are forced to play through games devised by Hatty Hattington. Controls are simple, with the game largely consisting of running, jumping and punching. Levels are made up of various types of blocks, such as collapsing blocks, sticky walls, bouncy volcanic rocks and deadly spikes, and also feature hazards such as water and deadly creatures.

What it feels like

The game's comedy focus, whimsical Hatty Hattington villain, and theatrical absurdist setup create a playful, unburdened mood. The game invites experimentation with block mechanics and level design tools, embracing mischievous fun.

Lighthearted75%
Playful65%

What it's about

Set in a vague present-day theater setting with modern technology, though the world is largely abstract and stylized.

Contemporary35%

How it plays

Core gameplay revolves around running and jumping through levels with diverse block types, hazards, and traversal challenges. The game includes a built-in level editor that lets players create and share custom content, a significant feature mentioned prominently. Levels require understanding and manipulating block behaviors (bouncing, sticking, collapsing) to progress.

Platforming95%
Level Editor & UGC60%
Physics Puzzles60%
Freeform Building55%
Melee Combat55%

How it looks and sounds

Gameplay is presented in a side-on 2D perspective, fundamental to the platforming structure. The aesthetic uses a distinctive illustrated, cartoon-like visual style with character and world design.

Side View90%
Hand-Drawn 2D70%

How it's structured

Levels are discrete stages progressed through sequentially, structured as individual challenges to clear. Split-screen co-op for local play is a core feature, allowing multiple players on one device. Single-player campaign is a complete path through the game independent of co-op.

Linear Levels80%
Local Co-op75%
Single-Player75%
High Replayability65%
Online Co-op65%
Competitive PvP50%

Shares Platforming, Linear Levels, Hand-Drawn 2D, Local Co-op.

Both lean into Platforming, Linear Levels, Hand-Drawn 2D, Local Co-op.

Platforming95%Linear Levels85%Hand-Drawn 2D90%Local Co-op70%
Broforce62% match

Shares Side View, Platforming, Linear Levels, Local Co-op.

Both lean into Side View, Platforming, Linear Levels, Local Co-op.

Side View95%Platforming75%Linear Levels85%Local Co-op80%
Trine 260% match

Shares Platforming, Local Co-op, Linear Levels, Online Co-op.

Both lean into Platforming, Local Co-op, Linear Levels, Online Co-op.

Platforming80%Local Co-op85%Linear Levels75%Online Co-op80%

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A lesser-known kindred — Platforming, Local Co-op, Side View, Online Co-op. 89% positive across 4,629 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Platforming, Local Co-op, Side View, Online Co-op.

Platforming85%Local Co-op95%Side View75%Online Co-op95%

A lesser-known kindred — Platforming, Side View, Linear Levels, Lighthearted. 97% positive across 4,408 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Platforming, Side View, Single-Player, Linear Levels.

Platforming80%Side View70%Single-Player80%Linear Levels75%

A lesser-known kindred — Platforming, Local Co-op, Lighthearted, Playful. 88% positive across 4,355 Steam reviews.

Both lean into Platforming, Local Co-op, Lighthearted, Playful.

Platforming70%Local Co-op70%Lighthearted70%Playful75%
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