365//365: Day 216 – Tetris (GB) [PP]

The most iconic puzzle game of all time, Tetris is that one puzzle game that most people never seem to grow tired of. Mixing an elementary premise of rotating blocks of various shapes within a limited area and clearing rows at a time while the speed of the falling blocks increases with time, somehow translates into an addicting, thoroughly gratifying time. You’ll receive more points for clearing four uninterrupted rows of blocks, performing what the game is named after — a Tetris. Rotating those four pieced blocks and maneuvering them to your desired location has zero complications to them. With blocks that are clearly distinguished by color tints as well as their overall looks. There’s absolutely no frills to Tetris’ looks, but there’s no need for it. Players become hooked into the sweet simplicity of the premise, as well as the nail biting challenge you’re presented as you clear more and more rows of blocks. Then there’s that three piece soundtrack, which ends up being three of the more memorable songs in a video game. Not quite the greatest tunes, but for those who first played this Game Boy puzzle title on release, these tracks are almost the Tetris theme song. The definition of a “pick up and play” Tetris is the timeless classic that manages to fit all its pieces together.

There's no graphics over gameplay argument here -- the sheer simplicity of Tetris' looks unearths a deep and satisfying gameplay.

Rating: 8.9