A Boy and His Blob Trouble on Blobolonia

You solve problems by feeding your blob different jellybeans that change what it can do. The best puzzles feel like experimentation—try something, learn what it becomes, and use it creatively. It’s memorable because it turns “items” into living tools.

A mysterious blob from another planet needs help—and only a boy with a bag of jellybeans can save the day.

A Boy and His Blob: Trouble on Blobolonia is a unique puzzle-adventure where creativity matters more than reflexes. Instead of weapons or power-ups, players use flavored jellybeans to transform a friendly blob into ladders, trampolines, umbrellas, and more—each one solving a different problem.

Quiet, thoughtful, and unlike almost anything else on the NES, A Boy and His Blob invites players to experiment, imagine, and discover solutions in their own way.

At its core, A Boy and His Blob is a puzzle-driven platformer built around experimentation rather than combat.

Core Mechanics
The boy cannot attack enemies directly

Jellybeans trigger Blob transformations

Each flavor produces a specific ability

Trial and error is expected—and encouraged

Examples of blob transformations include:

Ladder – Reach high areas

Trampoline – Jump extreme distances

Umbrella – Slow descent from great heights

Hole – Create underground paths

Cannonball – Break obstacles

The game rarely explains what each jellybean does. Players must learn through experimentation, sometimes at great cost.

World Structure
The game’s environments are open and often dangerous:

Underground caverns

Vertical shafts

Wide open gaps

Hidden paths and secret routes

Many areas allow multiple solutions, rewarding players who think creatively rather than follow a single intended path.

Risk & Consequence
Failure can be harsh. Running out of jellybeans or falling into traps can end a run abruptly, reinforcing careful planning and restraint.

Blobolonia is under threat from an evil emperor, and Blob—an innocent, shape-shifting creature—has escaped to Earth seeking help.

A young boy agrees to help Blob return home and save his planet. There are no long cutscenes or dialogue-heavy moments. Instead, the story unfolds through atmosphere and implication.

The bond between the boy and Blob is central. Blob trusts completely. The boy must learn how to help without harming. The result is a rare sense of companionship in an era when most games focused on combat.

Released in 1989, A Boy and His Blob was developed by Absolute Entertainment and designed by David Crane, one of the original creators behind Pitfall!.

Rather than focusing on action, Crane wanted to explore problem-solving through interaction, trusting players to discover mechanics organically instead of being taught.

David Crane – Game Designer
A pioneer of early game design who emphasized creativity and player discovery.

Absolute Entertainment – Developer
Known for experimental titles that pushed beyond standard genres.

Nintendo – Publisher
Brought the game to the NES audience worldwide.