Tetris

aka: Tetris: L'implacable casse-tête vidéo des blocs a empiler., Tetris: The relentless building block video puzzle.
Moby ID: 42121
Game Boy Specs
Buy on Game Boy
$19.99 used on eBay
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Description official descriptions

This version of Tetris is one of many conversions of the famous block-stacking game and was included with the Game Boy upon its release in several territories. The goal is to place pieces made up of four tiles in a ten-by-twenty well, organizing them into complete rows, which then disappear. As rows are cleared, the pace of the game increases, the background changes, and the game ends if the stack reaches the top of the well.

The game is very similar to Nintendo's own NES version of the game, featuring the same "Type A" endless and "Type B" set-clear modes. The game also features a 2-player versus mode that can be played with two Game Boys, two copies of Tetris, and a Game Boy link cable. Clearing lines in this mode will cause the other player's stack to rise, with the goal being to make the other player lose.

Spellings

  • テトリス - Japanese spelling

Groups +

Screenshots

Credits (Game Boy version)

6 People

Original concept, design and program by
Executive Producer and President of NCL (uncredited)
Executive Producer and President of NOA (uncredited)
Producer (uncredited)
Sound Composer (uncredited)
Game Designer (uncredited) [ゲームデザイナー]

Reviews

Critics

Average score: 93% (based on 24 ratings)

Players

Average score: 4.1 out of 5 (based on 173 ratings with 3 reviews)

It's fun that lasts.

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.

Game Boy · by optrirominiluikus (70) · 2006

So ... many ... falling ... blocks ...

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.

Game Boy · by Kartanym (12418) · 2006

A classic must-have for the gameboy.

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.

Game Boy · by Jim Fun (207) · 2001

Discussion

Subject By Date
My primary focus on building Tetris combo to beat game Westender Sep 14, 2023

Trivia

1001 Video Games

Tetris appears in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by General Editor Tony Mott.

Articles

After playing the Game Boy version of Tetris for a while, Liam Jordan submitted Zen and the Art of Tetris to GameSpot, an article about why "life is like a game of Tetris."

Doctor Spin

The theme to the Game Boy version of Tetris was turned into a EuroDance single, and released by Doctor Spin in the UK which reached #6 in 1992. Doctor Spin was a pseudonym of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Nigel Wright.

References in film

  • In The Simpsons, the Strong Arms of the Ma TV episode airing in 2003, the family goes to Rainier Wolfcastle's bankruptcy garage sale and Homer buys too much stuff. Bart says "There's no way all this junk is going to fit in that car". Homer replies "Now, don't worry. This is what all those hours of playing Tetris was for." The music theme from the Game Boy version begins to play and Homer pictures his family as different shaped pieces. He begins to pack the trunk with different items he bought and then twists his kids and Marge rotating them to fit them in seats among other items. He shuts the car door, dusts his hands off and says "Perfect!" Marge replies "But there's no room for you." and Homer says "Doh!".
  • In the 2008 film The Wackness a graduate can be briefly seen playing the game during the graduation ceremony at the start of the film.

Awards

  • Power Play
    • Issue 01/1991 - Best Game Boy Game in 1990
  • Retro Gamer
    • October 2004 (Issue #9) – Best Game Boy Game
    • October 2004 (Issue #9) – #14 Best Game Of All Time (Readers' Vote)

Analytics

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Identifiers +

  • MobyGames ID: 42121
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Are you familiar with this game? Help document and preserve this entry in video game history! If your contribution is approved, you will earn points and be credited as a contributor.

Contributors to this Entry

Game added by j.raido 【雷堂嬢太朗】.

Nintendo 3DS added by Michael Cassidy.

Additional contributors: Zack Green, Scaryfun, formercontrib, vedder, Patrick Bregger, Rik Hideto, FatherJack.

Game added September 20, 2009. Last modified January 22, 2024.