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A great innovative spin on Tetris

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 201 / 203
Date: March 30, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I picked up Tetris DS on release (march 22nd for me) and have played the game solid for over a week now. I usually don't review games on Amazon but with so much mis-information in the other reviews I figured I'd step up to the plate and help out any gamers that may be on the fense about this title.

Single player offers quite a rash of modes to play through. Here's a breakdown of what they are.

Standard - Multiple modes of the regular standard tetris puzzle game, however with new changes as sanctioned by the people that own the Tetris license (not nintendo). The main changes are multiple preview boxes for upcoming pieces, the ability to rotate a piece indefinitely while you figure out where to go, and a hold box where you can put a puzzle piece you currently have (and if you have a piece in the hold box this will store the current piece you have and replace it with the one from the box). There are multiple modes of play within standard mode. The infinite rotate doesn't hurt things at all since in the higher modes where you need it the pieces appear at the top of the stack automatically without dropping.

Catch - If you've played games like Katamari Damacy, this pretty much flows along the same lines. You have a ball of tetris pieces that you can turn, move up and down, and you use it to "catch" or run-in-to pieces that fall down. It's almost like a vertical scrolling shooting game. The goal is to create a 4x4 block which then explodes after 10 seconds. This is actually a really great mode of play and could have been a standalone game easily.

Mission - Standard tetris, except you are given a task to do (like clear 2 lines at once) and a limited time to do it. Fail and you get junk pieces in your playing field and move to the next mission. Overall this mode is highly challenging and will challenge even the most hardcore tetris veteran.

Puzzle - This mode starts off quite simple but gets devilish as the levels increase. You are given 200 puzzles, each one presents you with the task of clearing the screen with the available pieces. The trick is, you must atleast clear one line with each piece placed, and you have to tell the game (through touch screen) which piece to place and what direction it should aim. Some of the puzzles are mindbending... some I find simple. It's really a great training mode for playing the full tetris game as it makes you realize all the various shapes possible that need filled and how to do it with a few pieces. I love this mode because if I only have a few minutes i can usually work through a few puzzles.

Touch - There are actually two very robust modes within this one. One is called "Tower" and you get to move the blocks with the stylus (or finger, or whatever) to create lines that help move this massive tower of pre-setup pieces until the cage at the top reaches the bottom. There's no gravity on the specific pieces or parts of pieces... which ads some complexity to the game. Also you can't rotate pieces in the level 4 & 5 settings which makes you think more about creating smaller parts. The other main mode is called "Puzzle". There are 50 puzzles in this mode and you have the same restrictions as tower except you are given a smaller pre-setup of pieces and you have a Mission such as 'clear all the pieces but leave one L piece'. It's really another great mode and really great for when I've only got a few minutes.

Push - In my opinion this is the best of the best new modes. In it it's you versus the CPU. The field is similar to a football field with yardlines... and while you try to work to create your stack and get tetris's the cpu below you is doing the same thing. With completed lines, the stack moves. The goal is to force your opponent over the "end zone" area on their side of the field. While simple at first... quickly upping the AI to it's levels 3 through 5 settings will put you on your toes. Which you'll need if you take the game online.

Nicely with all these new modes, which all seem pretty wonderful (and i'm hopelessly addicted to the Push mode), Nintendo was nice enough to theme each mode off of one of their classic frachises. Here's the breakdown of modes and their themes. This is great if you have a history with Nintendo that dates back to the NES because the artwork is nearly all NES stuff.

Standard - Mostly Mario, but as the levels go up you will see stuff from most of Nintendo's key franchises... and a nice treat when you get to level 19 for Tetris fans.

Catch - Metroid

Mission - The Legend of Zelda

Puzzle - Yoshi's Cookie

Touch - Balloon Fight

Push - Donkey Kong

... Whew! I know this is a long review but this is a MASSIVE game package. And I haven't even touched on Nintendo Wifi Online nor the massive offerings in single pack multiplayer where you get upto 10 players off one pack.

I'm going to just cover the ONLINE side of the game because i have to say as great as Tetris DS is offline and with friends in multiplayer it's fantastic ONLINE as well. There's three basic modes of play. Standard with 2 player and no items, Standard with 4 players and items (which are triggered with a button press when you get them), and the fantastic PUSH mode is the last (which is 2 players). Every mode is actually really great. And unlike the standard mode offline in singleplayer, the new feature of being able to infinitely rotate a piece will do you no good in competition because there it's who creates lines that wins. Push mode is actually the main mode I've been playing online. While the AI offline is really strong (expecially on Level 5), online you'll encounter many people with a vast array of strategies.

Thus far with Tetris DS online I've had no problem finding games at various times through the day. Usually i can get in a game Push in a matter of a minute or less... and with the ability to continue (if my opponent does as well) it can make for a really great tournament.

All in all, this is by far the best tetris experience of my life.. and in my opinion the best puzzle game on the DS (and i've played nearly all of them). The new modes don't just serve as new gimmicks on the Tetris franchise but actually serve as great tools to train yourself better for the main game. Having a rabid fanbase of online gamers to face off against as well is really nice when you've got 5 minutes and want to get a few quick games in without rounding up a pack of friends.

It's rare I rate any games on Amazon. But with so much wrong information in the other reviews (ex: The guy that puts down the online service which I have had no problems with) I hope atleast a few people are helped with this detailed report on Tetris DS. If you are still on the fense... maybe you don't like puzzle games? Really this is for the puzzle game people out there, no offense. But even new people to tetris will find this is a great entry into the series because of all the modes that really help you to learn the game. Plus every single mode has a tutorial on "how to play"... which makes digging into this title all the more easy.

Puzzling With The DS

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 40 / 47
Date: March 21, 2006
Author: Amazon User

There are just times where I can definitely say that puzzle games are the most addictive video games of all time. That has been definitely true for the Nintendo DS system as well. With successful game like the thrilling puzzle space game Meteos,and the recently challenging delight Pokemon Trozei, the puzzle games are in even more popularity for the handhelds. Well, within all of that hype, the classics also seem to never die, like Tetris. Arguably, the greatest video game puzzler of all time, it has never lost its momentum after nearly 20 years challenging our minds. Now that it is coming to the Nintendo DS, this one could deliver, can it?

Tetris for the Nintendo DS, continues the traditional puzzle success it has brought to so many back to the handhelds. The gameplay is just as simple to play, and fun to all ages. The game includes six different kinds of Tetris challenges from the classic traditional edition, to a new slide puzzle edition that challenges you to match your way through each mission that meets the eye. The graphics on the Nintendo DS are just beautiful, and the gameplay is still as addictive. Surprisingly, it is a little more complex to control with the Nintendo Stylus, but you can still play the game with your standard controls, which is a lot easier to play around with.

Even after all these years, Tetris DS for the Nintendo DS still delivers. The game is just as fun as it was back when it came out originally years ago. This is a definite, absolute delight for anyboy who still has the hunger for the classic puzzle challenge. I absolutely recommend this great game. It is so much fun.

Graphics: B+

Sound: B

Control: B 1/2+

Fun & Enjoyment: B

Overall: B 1/2+

Simply the best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 16 / 18
Date: September 29, 2006
Author: Amazon User

The most addictive puzzle game of all time doesn't miss a beat on the DS, and considering that Tetris was the game that launched the legacy of the GameBoy, it feels right at home here on Nintendo's new, innovative handheld. Tetris DS features all the classic elements you'd come to expect from the classic puzzle game with a few new extras and twists thrown in for good measure that will make Nintendo fanboy's mouths water. There are six modes of play in this incarnation of the game: there's the Standard mode which is just as the name implies, but the top screen features looks at classic NES titles like the Super Mario Bros. series, Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Excitebike, and a few other surprises to boot. Catch Mode features a Metroid twist on things as you catch blocks and avoid Metroids. Mission mode features a Zelda backdrop and is pretty fun, while Touch mode makes use of the touch screen to line up big blocks. This mode doesn't feature much challenge, so it's not as strong as it could have been, but I disgress. Puzzle mode is basically Yoshi's Cookie, and isn't all that special on it's own, but Push mode is where Tetris DS shines. You are at the top, and the computer is at the bottom, as both attempt to push their opponent into a fiery inferno by letting the blocks drop. Push mode works exceptionally well thanks to the use of the DS Wi-Fi capability, which makes it even more of a blast to play. All in all, Tetris DS is another quality first party title for the DS that you really can't go wrong with. The longevity of Tetris doesn't slow it down one bit, and it's easily one of the best games for the system.

Tetris D.S. is the Best Game for the Year So Far

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 12 / 13
Date: April 16, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I Just Got Tetris yesterday, but I am already able to rate the modes accurately. Let me start by saying that overall this game is the best for the ds right now. Overall it is definetly worth the money.

1. Standard Mode 8.5/10 Standard mode is basically original tetris with the color and old game spin. In marathon your goal is to clear 200 lines. The background changes with every level, and if you clear 200 lines it will unlock endless mode. Line clear is okay, but not as good as it could be.

2. Catch Mode 6.5/10 This is a different style of tetris with a metroid background. You start with one block then catch the falling pieces and hook them onto your block. When you have a 4 by 4 block, it explode. Gets pretty boring after a while.

3. Puzzle Mode 8.5/10 This is a pretty cool part of the game. The developers give you 200 puzzles to solve. The goal is to fit the 2 or 3 pieces they give you into the puzzle to completely clear all the blocks. This has a Yoshi's Cookie theme

4. Touch Mode 8/10 The touch mode has 200 puzzle type missions to complete that you use your stylus to complete. These are a lot tougher than the puzzle mode puzzles. The other part of touch mode is where the game gives you two full screens of block and you have to clear lines while rotating pieces.

5.Mission Mode 7.5/10 This is one of the really tough parts of the game. I do two missions and i have already failed. The missions are a good challenge though. You have to do them in an alotted amount of time.

6. Push Mode 9/10 By far the best style of tetris i have ever seen. The game gives you a cpu opponent and you share a common line. The goal is to clear lines and "push" them onto your opponents side until their screen fills up.

7. Wifi 9/10 Wifi play is very fun. The game gives you three options to play with. Push with an opponent, Two people standard Tetris, and 4 person Standard Tetris with Mario style items. The overall play is smooth and fun.

Like I said if you have the money definetly pick up Tetris DS Today.

Tetris but with extras

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 11
Date: August 18, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I have been a fan of Tetris since I first played it on a floppy disc. I have always been a fan of mindless puzzle games. But the DS version is even better because it has so many different modes in it. I have had it for a month and am not bored with it yet nor have I beaten all in the single player puzzle mode yet. I also really enjoy starting out at a low level and slowly building on that in the standard mode. It makes for a challenge because they keep getting harder. Anyway, I would recommend this game. It's a classic.

Hey, it's Tetris!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 10 / 14
Date: March 21, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Tetris is a fun addictive puzzle game which pretty much defined the genre. It's simple to play, fast, and addictive. It has a home on almost every console you can think of, and now it has a home on the Nintendo DS. How does Tetris DS stack up to the fun, addictive Tetris games of the past? Pretty well, actually, but that doesn't mean it's without fault.

Tetris has come a long way in the past twenty years. Tetris DS seems to be out to be "different" from the Tetris games of the past, and it succeeds by presenting you with various game modes. Some are fun, some are torture, but they are, for the most part, what makes Tetris DS a good investment.

Single player mode is divided up into six different gameplay modes. There's marathon mode, which will challenge you to clear 200 lines, a line clear mode which pretty much lets you tinker around with the drop speed and how many lines you start with.

Playing against the computer isn't so bad. There are some different modes with them as well. The standard versus mode of course, but also a push mode which puts an interesting spin on Tetris by having you and your computer opponent on the same baseline.

Then there's touch style mode. Here you'll use the stylus to rotate and set down all the different shapes. While playing touch mode there's a puzzle mode to go at. Puzzle mode is actually fun. Giving you an endless amount of puzzles to clear. You're given a limited number of pieces to clear out all the blocks. It's a good challenge and will keep you on your toes. You can also play a puzzle mode without the stylus, a non-touch puzzle mode. It's virtually the same thing.

Mission mode is the mode I had a few problems with. It starts off all fine and dandy until you're presented with the game actually showing you just what to do. They'll give you certain tasks, such as telling you to clear out three lines with a certain piece. It sounds fun, but it quickly become frustrating. Some of these missions are seemingly impossible, especially with how they set things up for you.

The other mode that wasn't so much fun was the catch mode. In catch mode you're a four block core. Your goal is simple, to "catch" the descending blocks to form a four by four square. It's pretty boring and just isn't much fun.

However, where Tetris DS excels more than anything is the multiplayer aspect. In Tetris DS it's not only fun, but also the best form of multiplayer I've ever seen in a puzzle game. Best of all, only one person needs to have the game, the rest of your friends can join any time they want. Up to ten (you heard me) people can play multiplayer at a time. You can customize and set up your own rules as well. You could have two teams of five or five teams of two. There are also plenty of items to be had, such as being able to get nothing but the ever so helpful straight blocks. It's just a lot of fun and it's really addictive.

Unfortunately, I can't say as much for going online. Online seems pretty limited. It's nice to see Tetris actually is online, I just wish it had been executed much better. For one, there's hardly any customization. You can battle with up to four people. If you can't find a fourth person you're stuck only battling one other person (this means three people can't play at a time). It's kind of a disappointment considering how much fun you'll have with the standard multiplayer. So while Tetris is online... it isn't a fantastic experience.

Where Tetris seems to take a turn is also in the sense of what you can do with your pieces. There's a shadow that shows you where your piece will fall to. Don't want to wait? There's a hard drop which instantly allows you to drop a piece into the desired spot. There's also a place to "hold" pieces, which is more useful in Tetris than you could imagine. If you're given a piece that just doesn't work for you, you can substitute it in for one of the pieces you're currently "holding." Unfortunately, this is pretty much all that's tweaked as far as gameplay goes. In essence, it's still the same Tetris you played twenty years ago.

Speaking of twenty years ago, this Tetris definitely keeps nostalgia in mind. In many of the modes and levels you'll see familiar 8-bit NES style looks. You might catch a glimpse of classic games such as Mario, Zelda and Metroid. The music is also nostalgic. If your level is decorated with Metroid, you'll have Metroid style music. It's overall a good experience if you like nostalgia.

The only thing that keeps Tetris DS down is the simple fact that it's another Tetris game. Yes, the different modes are fun, but what it really boils down to is that it's the same game you've played for twenty years. You'll want to buy it because it's Tetris, but you'll also want to leave it on the shelf because it's Tetris. If you're still content with your copy on the Gameboy (or perhaps you've got a copy of Tetris and Dr. Mario for Super Nintendo), then you'll have to ask yourself if the extra game modes are worth it. The answer is simply, yes they are. It's not that big of a step above say... Tetris Worlds, but Tetris has undergone changes that make it unique, and still a fun addictive puzzle game.

The Good
+Plenty of different Game modes to play
+Multiplayer is an all out blast
+Tetris finally goes online

The Bad
-Online play is overall disappointing
-If you just don't care for the extra modes and classic style Tetris does it for you, then this game will most likely turn you away because well... it's Tetris, and you have to admit that despite how far Tetris has come, it hasn't changed much.

Great game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: June 25, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Guys, you can turn off the drop shadow... just go to the options menu.

And for those of you complaining about the supposed 'glitch' that allows you to infinitely rotate a piece at a bottom of a drop... this is NOT A GLITCH.
Use it as you may but the it's intended use is to FINALLY give you the ability to work with the topmost rows.
In old versions, you could pretty much write those topmost rows off as being unuseable b/c you didn't have time to maneuver the pieces AT ALL.
Not anymore, this 'non-glitch' allows you the fairness of actually being able to use them.
With that, this game's record's should NOT be compared to old version records. Wouldn't be fair (kind of like MLB baseball. Today's record's shouldn't break yesterday's record's b/c of the differences/enhancements.).

If you cheat and use the feature for any other purpose... hey, more power to you!!! It's your conscious, not mine!!!
I suggest being honest and only using it at the top but it doesn't matter, the game's to give you fun anyway.

Same 'ol Tetris w/ a twist.

Also, for some reason I'm having an easier time with 'mission' mode than 'push' mode... what's the deal, you guys say that 'mission' mode is the hardest. I'm having a harder time with 'push!!!!' Goes to show everyone's different!

More variety of Tetris!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: February 21, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I am a fan of Tetris on my old Nintendo System and always loved puzzles. Fast forward 20 years and there is Tetris for the DS! I was skeptical because I thought it was an exact replica of the old classic Tetris game. I read it had variety of games in there so I decided to get it.

It does bring back memories! There are six different Tetris games! One of my favorites is the one where they tell you which piece to use to make a line or two. And it gets harder as you go. Another game has you move Tetris pieces piled up high on each other and you use your stylus to move the pieces around to make lines. And few more games.

It is a good buy if you are a Tetris/puzzle fan!

The best Tetris yet

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: July 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I love Tetris--I have ever since the days of playing it on my original (bulky) Gameboy with the spinach colored screen and of the level 19 'secret' on the original NES console. Over the years I've eagerly tested every new version of the game that comes out but have yet to find one that really captured the essence of the original for me. Until now.

Audience: Not only does Tetris DS provide a faithful version of classic Tetris for anyone wanting to relive the classic, there are also several new modes for the puzzle game enthusiast who may not be all that attached to Tetris but who loves a good puzzle game.

Graphics: Well, it's a puzzle game, so of course graphics aren't a major thing. All that matters is that the game looks good, which is does. Tetris DS also includes classic NES characters and scenes from classic games, though, for added nostalgia (characters like Mario, Samus, Link, and Donkey Kong!), and those graphics are excellent while not being much of a distraction from the actual game.

Gameplay: This is where this game surprised me. I've always loved classic Tetris but have never been crazy about the 'spinoff' variations of it. Well, Tetris DS provides several alternative forms of gameplay that are incredible. There are six modes in all, and each of them provides a great variation on the game. My favorites are push--a vs mode where you complete lines in an effort to push your opponent over a hazard line (which gives you the victory)--and tower mode, in which you've got a huge tower of pieces to manipulate and try to dismantle by completing lines. Classic Tetris mode also allows you to acquire items for use against your opponent and the ability to store a piece for later.

Control: Control is simple and straightforward. You have the option of using the stylus (in touch mode) or of using the DS's controls.

Challenge: Like most puzzle games, Tetris DS offers the ability to adjust the difficulty to fit each person's needs. Some of the high level AI (in push mode, especially) is really tough.

Multiplayer: multiplayer options are amazing. Up to 10 people can play using just one cartridge, and you can also link up with players around the globe for one of several multiplayer game options.

This game is well worth getting. Not only do you get a great version of the original Tetris, but you're also getting several other modes of play that provide hours upon hours of gaming entertainment. I have played a lot of Tetris games in my day, and this is the best I've seen since the original.

THE online game for DS

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: May 22, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I haven't touched Tetris ever since the arcade version back many years ago. I was young, and while I had fun with it, I eventually got distracted by other amusements. Tetris DS would be the first tetris game that I actually bought - and I have been playing it for weeks now. There are many improvements over the original tetris - you can view up to six blocks ahead, where the original only had one. Another major change is the "hold" feature, where you can hold the blocks temporarily. Hard drops and extended spin features are very helpful in developing a more intricate moves. All these features contribute to a very aggressive play, which I thoroughly enjoy. The AI for the opponents are very good, which allows you to thoroughly brush up your skills before going online. I have improved my skills dramatically because of this feature.

Now, why would you want yet another tetris? For me, the online feature is the best functionality that this game offers. You are assigned some ranking points, which goes up or down based on your performance during your online play. This helps greatly in matching you up with an opponent that is more to your skill level. If you can't beat the AI around level 3 to 4, expect yourself to lose a lot of points before you see an opponent that you can play eye to eye. It is extremely exciting when you play the same opponent 3 to 10 times per session - you can almost see your opponents facial expression as you watch them gloat or panick during gameplay - it is that intense, with no lag and many range of strategies that you can apply during the matches. For those who already plays online, please play more than once - it really allows you to appreciate how opponents adapt to your techniques.

Anyway, the online capability in a portable form make this game a definite buy for everyone with DS.

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