Finally, Tetris Is Back In Capable Hands

Just excatally how many versions of Tetris do you need? You would think that the classic Game Boy version from Nintendo would have been enough. But no, companies like THQ and EA had to get ahold of the property as well, and spoil the game for future generations. I thought after playing Teris Worlds on the Xbox, the franchise would be dead. But Nintendo decided to bring the game back on the Nintendo DS as, SUPRISE, Tetris DS.

Tetris DS may well be the best version, portable or console, version of Tetris yet thanks to keeping the classic game rather untouched, and adding new gameplay modes to offer more variety. Add the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online, and you have a game that should be kept around your DS wherever you go.

If you've never played Tetris, it means A) You are under 10, B) You've never played videogames or C) You hate puzzle games. For the uninformed, Tetris is a puzzle game where you clear lines for points. Pretty easy concept. The longer you play, the faster the blocks drop, until you fill the screen and lose. The original game of Tetris is included on the game card, as well as other new gameplay modes, such as a puzzle mode, a touch mode, the push mode, and a game where you need to catch the blocks and from squares. Certain modes are stronger than others (you're likely to play the Marathon mode more than say, the Touch mode), but each game is unique to differentiate gameplay.

A bigger draw to Tetris DS is the online play. While we have seen online play in the Xbox version of Tetris Worlds, we have yet to see online play in a GOOD Tetris game until now. Through the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, you can play against other Tetris DS players around the world. Matches against players are random, unless you have a friend code, so if you're looking for something similar to an Xbox LIVE setup, forget it. It's just a game of Tetris against someone, somewhere in the world. But at least there's almost always someone to play against online in Tetris DS, unlike other WFC supported games. It's easy to get into, and pretty addictive once you get rolling.

Visually, Tetris DS is simple. The entire game has themes based upon classic Nintendo games, like Super Mario Bros., Metroid, and The Legend Of Zelda. It works well, but if you're expecting any of the classic Tetris themes, well, then get the old Game Boy cart. The audio is also based around classic Nintendo themes, using melodies from NES games remixed to actually work as backround music for a puzzle game.

Final Thought
The DS is already home to a handful of puzzle games, and Tetris DS rises to the top of the pile thanks to accessable gameplay and much-needed online support. While I wish every mode was playable online, as well as more matching options, the game is solid online or off. It's a great puzzle game that finally gets the franchise back on track.

Written by Shaun McCracken