Reviewed: November 29, 2001
Reviewed by: JoLene Lark
Publisher
THQ
Developer
Blue Planet Software
Released: November 1, 2001
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 4
ESRB: Everyone
8
8
7
7
7.8
System Requirements
Recommended System
Tetris is considered on of the world’s most popular electronic games by many millions of people. The concept of taking dissected pieces and constructing rows of solid pieces is one enjoyed by the people who own the more than 50 million licensed copies of Tetris that have been sold all over the world the past 10+ years. Tetris type games have been made for almost all gaming platforms from the 8 bit through 64 bit consoles, hand held game, arcade machines, Mac, PC, etc. There have been few games that have gone through such an evolution process at Tetris all the while capturing the attention of new puzzle enthusiasts young and old.
Tetris was originally created in 1985 by Alexey Pajitnov as a test for computer equipment at his job. It was programmed as seven different shaped pieces that formed foursquare blocks. These blocks are called Tetrimonos and they must be rotated as they fall and positioned across the bottom leaving no open spaces. If the rows are not completely filled they will not clear from the screen and the Tetriminos will continue to go higher. The game ends if the rows of Tetriminos reach the top of the playing area.
When I was presented the opportunity to review the new Tetris game, Tetris Worlds, I figured it would take a while to get used to playing Tetris again, as a few years had passed since playing any of the other Tetris variations available. However Tetris Worlds presents itself in a very user-friendly package that has been rated playable for players of all ages. I believe that both adults and children will enjoy this game, especially if they have been exposed to Tetris before or even if they are just being introduced to this game.
Tetris worlds was created for the PC, Game Boy Advance (GBA), Play Station 2, Game Cube and mobile devices by THQ and Blue Planet Software. It can be purchased Fall 2001 for GBA, Play Station 2, and PC. The Game Cube version will be available Winter 2002. All versions except GBA offer support of 1-4 players as the GBA only supports 1-2 players. Tetris Worlds can be purchased for $19.95 for PC’s, $39.95 for GBA and $29.95 for PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox. I believe these prices are very fair for the quality of the Tetris game Tetris Worlds provides.
Tetris Worlds is not just a traditional game of Tetris. THQ has given us a story that places us in a universe where Tetris games are played in different ways on differing planets. Each planet/world has their own unique rules on playing Tetris.
The two main items for Tetris Worlds are called tetrions and the Minos. The tetrions are the gateways to planets orbiting distant stars. These tetrions can only be opend by playing the different worlds. The Minos can be considered our role in this game, as they are responsible for unlocking the secrets of the tetrions that will turn the tetrions into a device that will enable the survival of the Minos race. The Minos (our role) are on a mission to evacuate their home planet. It is up to the Minos players to open the gates (tetrions) so that their civilization can be saved. It is this mission that comprises the story mode of Tetris Worlds. The arcade mode of Tetris Worlds is seen as a training tool so the Minos can be successful playing the story mode.
There are six Tetris worlds and each of these worlds consists of a differing Tetris game. The first world consists of the Traditional Tetris game. The objective for this world is to manipulate the falling pieces to form horizontal rows of blocks. Clearing simultaneous lines earns the Minos (player) extra points.
The next world consists of Fusion Tetris. The objective of Fusion Tetris is to connect falling blocks called “Atom Blocks” to the “Fusion Block” that is red in color and is hidden beneath the garbage blocks that are automatically placed on the screen when the game begins.
The third world contains Cascade Tetris and its objectives are the same as regular Tetris; however clearing a line causes the individual parts of left over tetriminos to fall into the open cells below the cleared line. Thus if the falling parts fill the line below this creates a cascading action and more points are added to your score.
The fourth world is called Hot-Line Tetris and it’s objective is to clear lines in specially marked rows of cells. There are six of these rows in the screen matrix. This version of Tetris was the most difficult one in Tetris Worlds for me to complete. The fifth world is square literally in that it is called Square Tetris. Once again the objective is the same as traditional Tetris but differs in that the Minos (player) obtains bonus points for creating 4X4 squares out of falling tetriminos. The last world is called Sticky Tetris and this world seemed to be the second most difficult of the six worlds for me because you have to dig through the garbage blocks and clear the bottom row.
Tetris Worlds is a game that thirsts for a middle to top of the line graphics card and processor so it can support its superior graphics. DirectX 8 is a required upgrade on your Pc in order to play this game. The game’s installer will notify you if you have to upgrade your current version of DirectX.
Each world consists of backgrounds that seemed to be constantly changing. Also your player (Minos) moves around the bottom of the screen during the game but more when your time is running low. Also of interest is that your Minos appearance is totally changeable. Besides its skin color one can add hair, mustaches, differing eye colors and change it’s name.
This game included upbeat music that seems to urge you on so that you can clear the rows as quickly as possible. The tempo of the music seemed to change every so often so that the music would not become too upbeat. You have the option to choose one song or a mix of songs while you are playing the different worlds. I chose the latter and was pleased with the mix of music it gave. The only drawback on the music is that the only way you could turn it off was to lower it’s volume in the settings menu, there was no other option visible in the music selection area to specify no music.
I have tested this game for many hours and the only factor that stops my enjoyment was the repetition that the music brings, as there is a limited amount of songs available. However one can always play their personal music while playing this game after lowering the volume in the game. Since there are six variations available so that one should have many enjoyable hours escaping into Tetris Worlds. Tetris Worlds in my opinion is the type of game that can be picked off the shelf months later and still be enjoyed as it follows the path of traditional puzzle games.
Tetris Worlds is a well-rounded collection of Tetris games. One cannot help feel a sense of nostalgia playing Traditional Tetris and enjoyment learning the two new variations found in Tetris Worlds.
If you have ever enjoyed Tetris before you should enjoy Tetris Worlds once you get over the fact that you are playing a role of a Minos and are trying to aid the survival of their race. Enjoy the graphics and easy learning instructions this game has to offer.