Tetris DS = online

[Naruto]

http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=8743

DID YOU KNOW? TOUCH-CONTROLLED, WI-FI-READY TETRIS DS FALLS INTO PLACE ON MARCH 20

Jan. 10, 2006

The long blue bar. The yellow block. And those darn zigzag things whose images stay on your brain. These familiar Tetris shapes started a generation of video game fans. Now Nintendo is putting a new spin on the classic with Tetris® DS, available March 20 exclusively for Nintendo DS™, which incorporates the use of Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service.

Hard-core and casual gamers alike became obsessed with the original. Tetris DS builds on that emotional attachment by combining the original game with new types of game play that could only be possible on Nintendo DS.

Each of the six modes of play features a theme based on a classic Nintendo game, such as Super Mario Bros.®, The Legend of Zelda® or Metroid®. The traditional Tetriminos (falling blocks) and line-clearing strategy remain the staples of the game, but the touch screen adds a new element of interactivity.

Some modes give players special Tetris puzzles to solve. Others feature head-to-head action between two players, or massive wireless battles between 10 DS users, even if only one player has a game card. Players also can log onto Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to compete in two- or four-player battles. Tetris DS even includes a point-based rating system based on players' battle results. Opponents can see one another's ratings, which indicate their skill levels.

Every gamer, whether competitive or casual, will find a way to reconnect with one of the most popular puzzle games in history.

I was already looking forward to this game and now it sounds even sweeter. I can't wait to see these Nintendo game themes.

[Fayorei]

Re: Tetris DS = online

Competitive Tetris? That'll be fun, I'm sure we have some uber vets at it.o_O

I'm looking forward to this as well now.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Tetris DS = online

Ooh, sounds good. That goes on my list of games to buy. I wish there was one Friend Code per DS rather than per game. This is gonna start to get confusing.

[RPGD]

Re: Tetris DS = online

Say what? Online Tetris? I'm there!

Now, give us Online Tetris Attack!

[Cosmic Jeff]

Re: Tetris DS = online

I hope they don't try to sell this for more than $20.

[Valkysas]

Re: Tetris DS = online

30 or 35. just watch.

[Naruto]

Re: Tetris DS = online

Nintendo published DS games with no pack in accessory are $30.

[ErikaFuzzbottom]

Re: Tetris DS = online

Now, give us Online Tetris Attack!

Yes, preferably with Yoshi's Island characters and stuff like the SNES original. I don't want a Pokemon Tetris Attack again.

[Naruto]

Re: Tetris DS = online

Dr. Mario / Puzzle League (aka Tetris Attack) just came out. It's not online though.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Tetris DS = online

This might be common knowledge already but here's a description of the game modes in Tetris DS from GameInformer.

Single & Multiplayer Modes

Standard Mode
Of course, the original Tetris is also included, although this time you do get a little eye candy in the form of hte top screen, which will show Mario traversing levels from the original NES trilogy based on your progress.

Push Mode
Using a graphical look inspired by the original Donkey Kong, Push mode is sort of akin to a rugby scrum that must be settled with brains instead of brawn. On a vertical playfield with markers resembling a football field, by completing lines quickly you gradually push the mass of blocks back towards your opponent's "danger line" (or end zone). It's quite addictive, and adds a nice competitive wrinkle to the familiar Tetris gameplay.

Mission Mode
This game, which uses graphics and icons from the Zelda series, is just that: using the falling pieced to complete certain set objectives. For example, you might have to clear two lines using a square piece, or clear four lines at one time. Fairly simple, yet challenging.

Single Player Only
Puzzle Mode
This is a slower-paced and less hectic spin on Tetris, one that will require all the brainpower you have, especially as you advance to the harder difficulties. For each puzzle, you'll see a set up of blocks on the upper screen, and a selection of a few Tetris pieces on the bottom. By using each piece only once you have to clear all the blocks. While this sounds easy, it's not, and is just another way that Tetris DS changes the way you think about the game. With graphics based on the SNES title Yoshi's Cookie, this mode features 200 individual puzzles.

Touch Mode
This mode is the most tailored to the DS, since it uses the touch screen as the only control. An inspired takeof on old-fashioned "slide puzzles," this mode has players use the stylus to slide a tower of pieces to form lines, until a cage of balloons at the top reaches the bottom. You can also rotate the pieces by tapping twice left to right or vice versa. Touch mode require a brand of strategy all its own, and also features Touch Puzzle mode, which is similar to the preset templates of the standard Puzzle Mode.

Catch Mode
Sure to be a hit with fans, Catch mode borrows its motif from Metroid as well as a little inspiration from ancient arcade top-down shooters like 1942. You start with one block that is scrolling up a vertical background, dodging familiar Metroid enemies. As stray pieces float down, you must rotate your block and you must rotate your block and attach them to create 4 by 4 blocks or larger, at which point you can detonate your pieces, laying waste to any enemies and blocks in its path. A very cool and orginal spin on Tetris.
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Just "handheld Tetris playable over the internet" was enough to make this interesting but all these unique modes of play that offer a whole new experience make it so much better than I thought it would be.