Tetris Evolution

About Tetris

The original creator of this amazing game is Alexey Pazhitnov, a Russian who came up with the idea for Tetris in 1985 while attending the Moscow Academy of Science’s Computer Center.

The concept is simple. Blocks in the shape of an I, T, L, S, Z and a cube are used to create solid lines. The block pieces can be rotated in different directions to help place them in desired locations. Once a line is completed, they vanish and points are scored. Build multiple lines with these blocks for higher points. A “Tetris” results when 4 lines are completed.

Many versions of this game have been created for the PC and video game consoles. The Game Boy variation is most notable since it was released as a package deal with the handheld console. Other Tetris games created met with varying levels of success including:

• Tetris Worlds (PS2, Game Boy, PC)
• Tetris Plus (PS1)
• Tetris DX (Game Boy)
• Tetris Elements (PC)
• Tetris 2 (NES, SNES)
• Tetris Mobile
• Tetris DS (Nintendo DS)
• Tetris Attack (SNES)
• The New Tetris (N64)
• The Next Tetris (PS1)

The popularity of this game lead to an intense legal battle that lasted over 10 years. Atari, Nintendo, a British software company called Andromeda, and the Russian Government all fought for rights with mixed results. Sadly, after all of this, the Tetris creator (Pazhitnov) did not get any royalties for the game until 1995.

Tetris Evolution

In this new Xbox 360 version, Tetris has been given 8 modes of play and some nice visual effects. If you are familiar with the game, playing it is not difficult. Your block pieces (tetrominos) can be manipulated in multiple directions, with the option to move them at a normal pace or “hard drop” them onto a line at a faster pace. However, the Xbox 360 controller makes this a bit difficult. You need to use the D pad for these moves, but you need to use the A and B buttons to rotate the pieces. For those who have played any other version of Tetris, this can be a bit frustrating since you need to use some strategy when placing blocks on the game. However, if you do get used to the controls the game can be fun to play.

Modes of Play

For fans of the game, the best part of Tetris Evolution is the customization of gameplay. Aside from the classic Marathon play, the other 7 modes in combination with the options available can challenge and entertain the most discriminating player. Here are the modes you can choose from:

• Ultra – This is a timed version where you can play 1, 3 and 5 minute matches.
• 'Cascade – When you clear lines, pieces can drop and fill in other gaps that may result in additional lines.
• Race- Complete 10, 25 or 40 lines as quickly as you can.
• Score- It’s all about the points. Score 5,000, 10,000 or 25,000 points in the fastest time possible.
• Hotline- Specific lines are displayed at different levels of the grid. Your goal is to clear them for maximum points.
• Go Low- To score the maximum amount of points, clear lines at the lowest level possible.
• Erase- Blocks are randomly placed throughout the grid. To win, clear these pieces by forming lines to clear them.

Player Options

Whereas the game succeeds in keeping play interesting, it does lack in its game display size. Whether you play multiple mode, online or solo, the Tetris grid is relatively small for the screen. The rest of the space is taken up by backgrounds (that you can choose), and there is no option to stretch out the screen to make it any larger. Although these visuals are interesting to look at, they may be a bit distracting when you play the game. Of course, this may not be a deal breaker for hardcore Tetris fans. If you have a larger TV, it is not too bad, but you may need to sit a bit closer to be accurate with your tetrimino placement.

Here are some of the most notable options:

• Your starting level is adjustable
• Set goals for yourself with a specific number of lines
• Limit the amount of time you can turn your tetrimino pieces
• Send tetrimino pieces to your opponent when you clear specific sets of lines
• Choose different music tracks and adjust the special effects in the game
• Select video, slideshow and picture backgrounds

A Tetrifying Conclusion

Is Tetris Evolution worth playing? If you can get past the challenge of using the Xbox 360 controls, it is a fun game to play. The game has multiple modes and options that can please the most discriminating Tetris player.