Tetris DS

"A beautiful combo of everything that makes gaming great."

After 15+ years of Tetris, you'd think it would be impossible to put a new spin on it. Once Nintendo announced that they would be doing just that, there was a lot of rightful skepticism from the gaming community. How could anyone do something new with this well-worn classic? A few months went by and the initial worry died down; then Nintendo announced all of the features they'd be cramming into Tetris DS. Unlike the cancelled THQ game of the same name, Nintendo was going to break new ground with this game. Wi-Fi play would come standard, and there would be Nintendo-themed play areas.

These, along with my desire for a Tetris game on the DS, were the major selling points for me, and their execution ends up making this the best version of Tetris available. This also continues Nintendo's trend of delivering more fan service than any other company. What started with the Smash Brothers series continues on here, as much of Tetris DS ends up as a love letter to longtime fans of the Big N.

While I was very excited upon hearing about the Nintendo themes, I was worried that they would seem out of place within the game. Seeing them in screens put much of that fear aside, and then playing it destroyed in completely. When you first hear the classic Super Mario Brothers theme playing at the onset of the game, you're transported back to the time when you first jumped on top of a Goomba and then went on to conquer Bowser. What's better is that you'll get to see many of these events unfolding on the top screen - capturing that excitement perfectly, and giving this game a surreal feeling that no other version can match.

Playing Tetris DS also made me wonder what things would be like with another company taking such an ambitious route with the legendary franchise. Sega sprung to mind instantly - and their many licenses and classic characters would fit this concept perfectly. I can't help but envision a Sega-led rendition complete with the original Sonic the Hedgehog's fast music adding to the tension, Nights' beautiful world lending a fresh coat of pastel color to the action, Space Harrier's fast play showing on the top screen inspiring quick play on the bottom, Outrun's fast speed and “Magical Sound Shower” would also fit in well alongside a Daytona USA setting showcasing its racing action and memorable music. Since this rendition has some lesser games and names represented (like Balloon Fight), it'd only be fair for that to hold true for Sega's franchises. Virtual On, Toejam & Earl, and Rent-A-Hero would fit that bill while also fitting the concept.. After that brainstorming session, I'm going to go on a crying jag since I know it'll never come to fruition.

Enough daydreaming, it's time to get back to serious business (like GAME REVIEWING!). If you've ever loved Tetris, this is your dream game. It's got a lot of new game modes, plus a theme based on the original Game Boy version of Tetris (and yes, the classic Russian music is intact)! Some of these new modes (like puzzle and touch) are always fun and provide quick diversions, but they're also too hollow to really extend the life of the game much. The push and mission modes do though. Push is essentially a Tetris tug of war, while the mission mode makes you use existing Tetris strategies while also accomplishing seemingly simple goals. Both of these are addictive, and push really shines online. Catch mode is probably my favorite new mode. It combines explosions with a spinning Tetromino block-building twist. Anything that lets me play Tetris and blow things up gets a rave review from me. It's a shame it isn't playable online. It'd be even more fun there.

In spite of that, I would put four player standard marathon play above it on my online rankings. It's the most rewarding mode to play online since you have to beat three other people (assuming someone doesn't drop) to win. Regular marathon play also works out well online, and is perfect for when you just want a quick play session to fulfill your Tetris lust. Controlling both on and offline is smoother than any other version I've played (and that covers a lot of official and unofficial ground) - everything can be done when it should be done, and that includes the ol' spinning trick, which never bothered me but is something to be mindful of if you really hate it.

With online play, loving homages to classics of the past, and the best music of any Tetris game yet. It's a treat for dedicated Nintendo and Tetris fans alike. It's also a game that I'm proud to own, as I know I'll get years worth of enjoyment out of it for a mere $30. If you can't use the Wi-Fi online play, there's still a lot to enjoy in basic single and multi-player modes. If you've got Wi-Fi capabilities, prepare for an L shaped slice of heaven after you part ways with some cash.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/18/06