Tetris

The Good
I've played a lot of puzzle games over the years, and I mean a lot. So many, in fact, that I can instantly tell when a developer has simply said 'look, why don't we just copy Tetris instead' ... and more often then not, they do.

Over 50% of console puzzle games can be classified 'like Tetris with more stuff'. In most cases, sequels can be bigger, badder and bolder in style then its original. But I can safely say aloud that Tetris, here in it's black and gray form on the Game Boy, is still the best of the series. Hands down. Without a doubt. No question...

... ok, maybe I'm going overboard, but I'm not completely wrong. When you have one of the first games, if not THE first game, to be released on the chunky handheld, and still be this addictive has got say something about how good it really was.

But it was so simple in design, and perhaps that was its key. Underneath the block falling puzzle there was two other modes of play. The secondary version had you clearing an already partially filled container of blocks, and the third was the two player mode which used the multiplayer cable of the GB more effectively then most games on the system in its time (except for, perhaps, the Pokemon franchise, among a few select others.)

The Bad
It's easy to say 'but look out how basic the graphics are' or 'how annoying is that blasted music!!' ... but I won't, and I probably never will. The music may be annoying to some, but I've come to think of it as the true meaning of 80's gaming, much like the Pac-Man gobbling sound or the bouncing ball effect in Pong. It becomes second nature to start singing the main theme ... hell I am now!

And the graphics? Well can you think about it, there was more detail in Tetris then there was in most of the early releases. Even the rocket taking off had more effects then some of Super Mario Land!

The Bottom Line
It's Tetris. Do I really have to say anymore?

Oh alright, I will. It was the first game I played constantly. The first that had me addicted to video games. The first that made me wonder 'you know, I'd love to be in the gaming industry one day'. And above all else, the first game that I was better at then most of my friends ... which counts for a lot when you're as competitive as I am.

I love Tetris. One day, I'll buy a shirt to prove it. But for now, this review will have to do. Any true collector of video games must have this somewhere.

The Good
Q:How many games provide arcade style gameplay, and at the same time mind twisting strategy? A: None... apart from tetris.

This game has everything to entertain all gamers from an arcade gamer to a strategy gamer. The sound is O.K., the music is really quite good, it's unique, and well mixed. The gameplay is arcade style, that in my opinion is very good. The graphics aren't so good, but excellent considering a 1986 classic gameboy game.

The Bad
A bit too challenging, can become boring at times.

The Bottom Line
Wonderful game. If you have a classic or color gameboy this is a certain must-have.

The Good
it is Tetris, so there's really not much to say. Hours and hours can easily be spent, and have been spent with this game. I got it in 1989 and still have that same cartridge sitting on my shelf. It's fun that lasts.

The Bad
Three things: the high score list isn't saved, so there is actually no proof that I have scored over 300.000 points in this game. The game becomes outright impossible on higher (25+) levels because of the stiffness of the controls. It's hard to explain, but no matter how fast your reactions are, you can't beat the speed, like on some arcade versions. And finally, the game only has three music tracks, which is good or bad depending on whether you are one of those who can play games with other music playing or if you HAVE to have the game's music playing. I haven't been playing this game with music turned on for 15 years so to me it's not really a problem, but...

The Bottom Line
It's Tetris. There are better versions out there, but if you happen to find an old Game Boy with this game, by all means pick it up. It's fun that lasts.