Tetris DS Review
Tetris DS is a mix of old school fun with a few new additions to spice up a game that is marvelled for its unlimited lasting appeal. Traditionally the concept of stacking blocks on top of one another would hardly seem appealing to todays gamers who thirst for blood loss and war games. However with Nintendos famous track record of being able to publish some of the most innovative and exciting games in todays market this simple concept puts Halo and Grand Theft Auto to shame.
Could this be true? A game reviewer actually saying something positive about a game that was played by our parents almost two decades ago. How could a game that old possibly stand up to the standards and expectations of current generation games? The fact it because of its simplicity and ease to just pick up and play whether for short periods or those long gruelling sessions Tetris DS becomes one of those games that you must own.
This game comes packed with many modes of play that though unique in there own rights does not stray to far away from the traditional formula that has made Tetris so popular over the years. With any Tetris game a Standard mode of play is expected and Nintendo deliver in more ways than one. In Standard play you have several options to undertake, first there is the most familiar mode Marathon which allows you to play to try to better yourself, with every level making the blocks fall quicker and you hands hurt with cramps. Then theres Line Clear and VS CPU each that allow you to set what level of speed you start on. This is a mode we are all familiar with whether it be from the NES and Gameboy days. One thing that may disappoint old fans of the series is that Nintendo have implemented an infinite spin of the Tetris blocks which makes getting to those higher levels just that little bit easier. No reason to fret though, against friends or online wasting your time spinning a Tetris Block until its in the right spot will only penalise you as the name of the game during those times is speed.
It is the additional 5 modes however that truly make this a fresh and fulfilling experience. The most notable of the five modes, which include Catch, Mission, Puzzle and Push is the Touch Mode. Here Nintendo have gone out to make use of the dual screens and stylus by making you move or flip the Tetris blocks that are stacked on one another so that they create lines until eventually you have reached the top of the tower and released some balloons from a crate. Touch Mode requires careful planning and a steady hand as well as a keen eye and it is pleasing to see at least one mode that exploits the innovation of the touch screen.
In Catch Mode you have to, well basically catch falling Tetris Blocks to form a 4 by 4 square so that it then explodes all the while dodging falling Metroids and not letting a piece fall by. Again this mode requires a steady hand and careful planning but can be a lot of fun as well when everything is working your way. Push Mode which is also available on Wifi puts you against an opponent as you try to push them over their line by forming multiple lines that knock them down a notch or two. These games can go either way and can be pretty intense when the music speeds up and the screen starts flashing red. Puzzle Mode puts you through your paces through over 200 games where you have to select the correct Tetris blocks to clear all the other blocks on the screen. A nice Yoshi background with donuts and cookies will probably make you hungry after blazing your way through a few of these. Finally there is Mission Mode, my least favourite of the 6 modes however I will admit that I have strongly neglected to play this mode to its fullest. You are feed missions through a scroll on the top screen while losing health if you dont complete the missions quickly enough. You have two ways to play this mode, via Marathon or Time Trial. All in all the Single Player experience with its NES like graphics and classic tracks is a solid and enriching experience.
Now we get to the stuff all Nintendo fans want to hear about. The Nintendo Wifi Connection aspect of this title and let me just say that though it does not improve on the disappointment that was Mario Kart DS it does promise quick games and even quicker matchings with people from across the globe. As well as your traditional Friends Roster that will require both parties to exchange codes you have basic Worldwide play which is sadly limited but still a marvellous little extra to an already stellar title. In Worldwide you have three modes of play to choose from, Standard 2 Player with no items, Standard 4 Player with items and Push 2 Players. Most of my time has been spent duelling in out in Standard 2 Player as it takes less than thirty seconds to get hooked up and rolling against someone else. The games are so fast they will be over before you can say Flaming Batman and if you choose to you can continue to play against that opponent or return back to the menu to be pitted against someone else from around the globe. Standard 4 Player may take some time to get into but once you are finally ready to take on 3 opponents the games are fast and exciting and made even that more better with the additional items that though at times at annoyance add an extra layer of complexity onto a already to simple game. The items are reminiscent to the items found in the Mario Kart games from a banana that changes an opponents Tetris layout to a Red Shell that will remove the bottom two layers on Tetris blocks on your screen.
Despite its lack of features and customisability online Tetris DS gives you one of the most fulfilling online experiences that Nintendo has delivered thus far. Add all the modes and up to 10 players and Nintendo could have an awesome Virtual Console title for the Nintendo Revolution *nudge nudge*. It doesnt end just at Wifi play and in the grand tradition of giving us more than we can chew Nintendo have allowed up to 10 local players to hook up and go at it with both Multi and Single Card play. Though you might be hard pressed to find ten local mates that own a Nintendo DS it is still a nice addition.
Usually there is a huge write up on the graphics and sound departments as sadly that is what the majority of todays gamers jump at and cry about when theyre not as awesome as they expected them to be. Fortunately for Tetris DS you would never expect perfect 3-D models and lushes environments that span a thousand miles and sound effects that could tear your roof down and make you have nightmares in your sleep. Instead we are given exactly what we would expect as well as classic tracks that are remixed to fit with there new surroundings. Im not a big fan of reporting on the graphics when it comes to writing reviews and even though Tetris DS doesnt come to within an inch of pushing the Nintendo DS to its graphically capable max I am pleased with its presentation and am very glad to see that a game doesnt have to have to most realistic looking environment be to a rewarding and fulfilling game.
Tetris DS is, put simply, a must own title for the Nintendo DS. The price may seem a little steep for a game you can play on your NES for no more than $2 off Ebay but with its additional modes and online play any price would warrant such a purchase. Though Nintendo still has a fair way to go with its online set up they are heading in the right track and Tetris DS is just another example of there brilliance to create a game you will keep coming back to over and over again.
