Blocks by Google

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Blocks by Google
Blocks by google1.jpg
Information
VR/AR VR
Developer Google
Publisher Google
Platform SteamVR, Oculus Rift (Platform)
Device HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
Operating System Windows
Type Software
Genre Free to Play, Design & Illustration, Design and Illustration, Free to Play, VR
Input Device Tracked Motion Controllers
Play Area Seated, Standing, Room-Scale
Game Mode Single Player
Language English
Rating Everyone
Review Very Positive
Release Date Jul 6, 2017
Price Free
App Store Steam
Website https://vr.google.com/objects
Infobox Updated 08/21/2017

Introduction

Blocks by Google is a VR App. Blocks by Google is one of the latest titles from the people behind the world’s most popular search engine and is currently a F2P title for anyone to pick up and try out using their VR controllers to enjoy. Released back on the 6th July, 2017 – the tool provides the user with a number of simple to use tools to create whatever they please in a VR space.

Modeling Tool

To be a little more specific, the game allows the user to create 3D objects in a virtual space through the use of 6 different tools, each of which do something a little bit different to perfect the user’s model. Just to make sure the model is as perfect as possible; you can turn, tilt, rotate, and even transform the size of the model in question, allowing for more finite details. By alternating the size of the object, you can make it incredibly large so you can add a few little details here and there to make it stand out more when it goes back to its original size, without the user being forced to strain their eyes when trying to figure out how to introduce that brand new detail.

Visuals for the Models

Aesthetically this VR tool has taken a slightly different approach from other tools in this sort of space and that’s because it has taken a more polygon-looking aesthetic to everything. Everything you build will look like it’s made out of bright and interesting low-res polygons and while it’s a style I can personally get behind, it’s obvious to see where it could be lacking.

For instance, with polygons there is only so much you can do to a shape to contort it and resize it to how you’d like it, so in regards to other tools out there it doesn’t exactly have the same complexity. But what it does lack for complexity, it more than makes up for accessibility, as it really is the sort of thing you could get anyone into to trying and enjoying, without the need to have a serious creative mind on your shoulders.

Ease of Use

There really isn’t too much difficulty into getting started when you hope onto Blocks for the very first time, as everything you need is at the touch of a button. Everything you need to gain access to is on the controllers that are currently strapped to your hands at the time and with a beautifully simple UI pop-up that has the user simply point and click for what they need, within five minutes you’ll have gotten to grasp with everything you need. Google have designed Blocks to be as beginner friendly as possible and they’ve certainly managed it with this, as it makes it easily viable for anyone who wishes to try out some modelling in VR.

The End Result

With Blocks, Google have set out to create a 3D modelling tool that’s viable for all ages and has designed it for anyone and everyone to use right from the very get-go. Due to the sacrifice of making it easy-to-use, the level of complexity is reduced somewhat, but Blocks isn’t expected to be used for budding game developers or serious animation studios. It’s the sort of tool/program you want to try if you’ve never tried modelling a 3D shape before and makes it incredibly easy for any and all uses in an open VR space.

Block is quite honestly the perfect excuse for someone to get into 3D modelling, as it gives the user just about everything they need to make a real start on their idea, without having to worry about complicated tools or terms that might throw people off from giving it a chance.

Description

Blocks lets you easily create 3D objects in virtual reality, no matter your modelling experience. Using six simple tools, you can bring your applications to life, create a volumetric masterpiece, or simply let your imagination run wild.


Get inspired by others’ creations or publish your own to inspire the world around you. No matter your modeling experience, you’ll create beautiful 3D objects in no time.

Features

System Requirements

Windows

Minimum

  • OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10
  • Processor: CPU: Intel i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better
  • Storage: 1 GB available space

Recommended

  • OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1 or later, Windows 10
  • Processor: CPU: Intel i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better
  • Storage: 1 GB available space

Setup Instructions

Images and Videos