New Steam Game is Like a Puzzle Game Version of Doom

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A new puzzle game called Blocks for Babies is coming to Steam. It’s a Tetrislike game with a unique twist: you stack blocks using guns, played from a first-person view similar to the classic game DOOM*. The indie developers at BunkSoft Interactive describe it as an arcade-style block-stacking game with a shotgun, designed to bring back “precious childhood memories.”

Recently, many independent game developers have been openly advertising their games by comparing them to well-known titles. Platforms like Twitter, with hashtags like #pitchyagame, are even encouraging developers to pitch their games in this way. One example is Blocks for Babies, which the developers specifically describe as a combination of DOOM and Tetris.

Blocks for Babies’ Hybrid Gameplay Explained

Blocks for Babies begins as a typical falling-block puzzle game, but with a surprising twist: the player eventually gets a shotgun to blast away the falling blocks, which are shaped like classic Tetris pieces. This change in gameplay is reflected in the game’s visuals, which switch between 2D and 3D. Initially, in Tetris mode, players arrange colorful blocks in 2D to clear lines. After a short time, the game throws you into the board itself, transforming into a fast-paced, retro 3D shooter reminiscent of DOOM, complete with pixelated graphics.

Blocks for Babies: Features at a Glance

  • DEMOLISH the blocks in a Tetris-style puzzle mode
  • SHOOT the lingering blocks with firearms
  • UNLOCK new skills along the way
  • DEFEAT more challenging enemies on bigger boards

Blocks for Babies starts as a standard falling-block puzzle before handing the player a shotgun…

Clean Up Tetrominoes to Earn Power-Ups, Shoot Corrupted Blocks to Unclog the Board

Blocks for Babies includes features common in roguelike games. After completing each puzzle, players get to select a power-up to help them, and the game uses random elements to ensure no two rounds are exactly the same.

Okay, so I’ve been playing, and it’s pretty cool! You can’t just blow up those broken blocks in puzzle mode—they actually turn into enemies! These things attack you with either ranged attacks or by rushing in close, so you’ve got to be ready. Luckily, you have guns, and you can even find more like pistols. But watch your ammo! You really need to make each shot count. The good news is, you can also punch the bad blocks to take them out, so even if you run out of bullets, you can still keep playing!

The DOOM-Style Gunplay in Blocks for Babies Changes Everything

Image via BunkSoft Interactive LLC

It’s common for game developers to borrow successful ideas from other games and combine them. Usually, this involves mixing elements from games within the same genre. We often see this with games inspired by Stardew Valley, which blend its relaxing gameplay with role-playing or other life-simulation features – a combination that makes sense. However, Blocks for Babies tries something different by combining a calming puzzle game with the action of a fast-paced first-person shooter. This unique mix has both potential benefits and challenges.

Adding shooting to games like Tetris makes things more exciting and dynamic. However, some players might find the new way the game progresses a little tricky. Players will quickly discover that switching to first-person view lets them recover from mistakes made while solving puzzles. This means that careful planning and strategy become less important, as you can often fix problems during the action-packed shooting segments.

Image via BunkSoft Interactive LLC

You Can Play the Free Demo on Steam Now

If you’re interested in the unique combination of puzzle and shooting gameplay in Blocks for Babies, a free demo is now available on Steam. The developers at BunkSoft Interactive are aiming for a 2026 release, but haven’t set a specific date yet. The demo is a great way to try it out and see if you want to add it to your Steam wishlist.

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2026-01-31 06:04