Tetris DX Game by Nintendo Reviewed by Blue Magus blumagus@hotmail.com Size: 8 Megabits Save: three save files Released: 1998 Works with: all Gameboy systems **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Hmm. Traditional Tetris in color or something more? Is it even Tetris, or another wacky variant? I'm about to find out... **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: We've all played a thousand different Tetris clones and variants. We all remember the original Gameboy version, released years ago. Tetris DX features thankfully traditional Tetris gameplay. There are several different ways to play: Marathon (the progressive Tetris we all know and love), several time-attack modes (how many points can you get in a given time, etc.), versus mode (against the computer or another player). What's interesting about versus mode is that the computer will build an AI based on your playing style that you can play against, which is fairly interesting. I expect that Marathon mode will be the most-played, but the other modes are pretty enjoyable and a nice addition to the game. Liked: It's Tetris, pure and simple (and more). Hated: Nothing radically new. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: Well, to begin with, it's in COLOR. Naturally. Tetris has really never been much of a graphical game - there are only so many ways you can decorate falling blocks. Nintendo has thrown in some nice bells and whistles, though. A checkerboard background scrolls by, the background color changes every five levels, getting a Tetris (clearing four lines simultaneously) causes the background to flash and accelerate, etc. The little victory scenes are well-animated and entertaining. No Russian dancers, though. Liked: Looks as good as Tetris can on a Gameboy. Hated: Nothing really. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Brace yourselves: the Russian theme is gone. You must learn to accept that. It's finished. The new music is decent, but not very catchy. That good ole Russian theme set the mood nicely, and helped you get into the game. But it's gone now. We shall miss it. Liked: New music is decent. Hated: Where's our Russian grooves? **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: Not much to say here. Press right, the tetrad moves right. Press left, it moves left. Hold down, it falls. You get the picture. We've all played it before. Liked: No new complications, VERY responsive. Hated: Nothing really. **************************************************************************** Improve: Revive the Russian music!! RIYL: Any one of the millions of other Tetris clones/variants/remakes out there. **************************************************************************** Final Words: The DX (deluxe) in the title is justified. Tetris DX is more than just Gameboy Tetris in color. It features many nice touches, including the "interrupt save" feature for gamers on the go. We'll all miss the Russian elements, though. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: ***** Sound/Music: *** Play Control/Game Design: ***** Personal Opinion: **** Total: 22 Final Score: 88% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes. Move the Blocks Up In Tetris DX, there's a bug. When any piece but a straight bar or a block is falling, hold LEFT (even after it's against the wall keep holding left) and keep pressing A really fast and the piece will actually start moving back up! You can do the same thing on the right side wall, but you have to hold RIGHT and keep pressing B instead. It's strange but it works.