bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Tetris DS (DS)

Rating: 6

Time with product: 3

Strengths: It's Tetris! It's still a fun game.

Weaknesses: It's Tetris! There's not a whole lot MUST HAVE new stuff here.

Summary: Sorry for the lack of originality in the Pros and Cons, but it's true! This is Tetris. Tweaked nicely for the Nintendo DS; with an eye to some nostalgia with familiar Nintendo characters. But at its core, it's Tetris. The same game you've been playing now for coming up on 20 years. That said, it is still one of the most addictive puzzlers ever; even people who traditionally don't like puzzle games tend to at least enjoy Tetris. The new modes are sort of hit and miss, and online is a nice addition. Basically, if you don't have another version of Tetris, or want to see the new rule changes (each 'official' version of Tetris must be officially licensed, and what constitutes official rules has changed over the years), this is as good a way as any. If you've played Tetris to death already, you may want to steer clear; yes, there's new stuff here but I don't know if it's enough to warrant an all-new purchase. If you've never played Tetris-- 5 stars. It's a great puzzle game. If you're a fan of Tetris and Nintendo, have some nostalgia for it all, or just want to check out a fun game-- 4 stars. Otherwise-- 3 stars. It's a good version of Tetris with fun modes. 3 stars isn't a slam; it's a perfectly good game, there's just nothing in my head that makes it an ABSOLUTE MUST PLAY in this specific format (for the DS). If you've played Tetris to death, there's not enough new here in my opinion to warrant a purchase at full price. (but if you see a great price through Pricegrabber it might be worth checking out!)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: -Everyone loves Tetris!-Online Play!-Fun Classic Nintendo theme!-Items add some new fun

Weaknesses: -Purists may be disapointed by game play tweaks. (Endless rotate, ect.)

Summary: At its core this game is Tetris. If you like Tetris and you want to play it on your DS, this is for you! This game has a very fun Nintendo theme to it. It also has several new modes. (But to tell the truth, I usually just play classic tetris) There's one I enjoy that gives you tasks to complete and you try to do as many as you can before a game over. I've also played a two player mode where you and another player drop blocks from oppsite sides of the board. And there's more as well, all fun bonuses! The real gem is playing online! You will never want for an opponent again!

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: lots of different modes of play

Weaknesses: not as engaging as the Tetris of the late 1980s

Summary: Tetris for DS is pretty good game. It has lots of different ways to play. For single player, there is standard, catch, mission, puzzle, touch and push. Within some of the modes, there are additional choices. For example, Standard has the following choices: Marathon, Line Clear and vs CPU. Marathon is the closest to the original Tetris of old. But instead of playing endlessly, the goal is to clear 200 lines. After each 10 lines cleared, then level increases and the speed of the blocks dropping increases. I feel that the difficulty ramps up too quickly. The game is less enjoyable and more stressful earlier. I have only made it up to about level 8 out of 20. The game show you the next 6 pieces. It also shows you a ghost image of where the block will drop - but this can be turned off in the options. The bottom screen is where you play and the top screen shows scenes from previous Nintendo games. You also have the option to hold a block as it is dropping and then play it later.The music is from classic Nintendo games and can get very annoying.Overall I would give Tetris an average score for a $30 game. The different play modes may appeal to some and certainly provide more variety than just "normal" Tetris

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: + Nintendo themes/backgrounds/music+ Online play+ Extremely addictive

Weaknesses: - Tetris still hasn't changed much over all these years

Summary: This review is for Tetris DS for the Nintendo DS. And let me start off by saying that if you aren't a Tetris fan, this game won't change your opinion on that. It's still Tetris, the basic game hasn't changed much.But for people like me, the real Tetris fans... that's not a problem. This game is classic, and this particular version (the first for the Nintendo DS), is pretty darn good. The Nintendo feel of the game really adds to the overall experience. Music, backgrounds, etc. from Nintendo's past really kick in that nostalgic feeling.Online play is also a first for a major Tetris title released on a handheld. It's simple, and simply a BLAST to play with some friends. I highly recommend the multiplayer portion of this game.Overall, I'm going to have to give Tetris DS 5/5 stars. For the Tetris fans out there, there's almost nothing better (save for Tetris DX). For everyone else... well, you might just find out how easy it is to get addicted.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: Fun, deep puzzle game for the DS, perfect portable game

Weaknesses: N/A

Summary: Tetris has had a long history on Nintendo handhelds so it was no surprise that it made an appearance on Nintendo's hot DS system. This is by far the best implementation of portable Tetris yet, featuring many gameplay modes. To top it all off, there is multiplayer action through both single-cart download and the Nintendo WiFi connection (thus through the Internet - always an impressive feat for the little handheld). This isn't just plain old Tetris either - there are several different game boards featuring Nintendo themes and music that add much to the atmosphere of the game. Basically, if you like Tetris this is an excellent choice. If you don't know what Tetris is, then get out more (and pick up the game to check it out!).