The name of the game is Tetris Attack. From that you might guess that the game features Yoshi and has almost nothing in common with Tetris itself. Didn't guess that? Then you have some reading to do!
Aesthetics:
Tetris Attack offers simple graphics in game with square tiles appearing from the bottom of the screen, distinguishable by one of several designs (heart, diamond, triangle, circle, etc).
What brings the graphics up a notch are the characters representing either the player or, if there is one, the opponent. These characters are recognizable as much of Super Mario World's cast, with the emphasis on Yoshi.
Control:
The game is very simple to play and the control follows as such.
Players use the D-Pad to move a horizontal rectangle which highlights two squares at a time. Pressing A causes the two squares to switch places.
That's it. That's controlling Tetris Attack.
Gameplay:
The game takes place in several modes, but the premise is the same in each.
Flip the squares until three or more match in a single row or column. Those squares disappear, gravity pulls down the rest, and the game continues.
Pulling off combos and chains will freeze the squares creeping up at the bottom of the screen, and attack any opponents at the same time.
Obvious modes include marathon and time attack, but a Vs. Computer mode adds a twist to the game.
In Vs. Com, players must clear combos and chains to attack a computer opponent whose board cannot be seen. At the same time, the computer attacks the player and the first one to fill up the screen loses.
Beat the computer to advance the storyline one cute Yoshi cutscene at a time.
There's also a challenging mode where players must clear specific, complex patterns with a very limited number of moves.
Multiplayer:
Tetris Attack supports a two-player mode, which plays in the same vein as Vs. Com.
Do good to attack the other player, and lose when the screen fills up.
Sound:
The sound in Tetris Attack is definitely a plus. The more squares cleared with one move, the more impressive the sound when those squares clear. It seems minor, but it acts almost like a reward as the game progresses.
The music is loud and catchy, too. Nothing memorable, but certainly befitting of the game.
OVERALL:
Tetris Attack is a unique puzzle game with lots of replay value. It's fun to play and would be an excellent choice for any long car ride.
The Lowdown on Tetris Attack
| Aesthetics: Average |
Control: Very Good |
| Gameplay: Awesome |
Multiplayer: Above Average |
| Sound: Average |
Innovation: 4/6 |
| Lasting Appeal: 6/6 |
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Overall: Very Good!
"A Must-Buy"
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