Tetris Ultimate
Overview -
Alexey Pajitnov's highly influential video game shortened my life by a considerable margin since 1992, when I first played the Game Boy edition. After many sleepless moons, I finally conquered the coveted 'Level 9, High 5' difficulty. To be rewarded with the animated launch of a space shuttle during the credits meant a whole lot back in the day. Flash forward to today, and 'Tetris Ultimate', has appeared on the scene. Why try to release a new, or ultimate version, of 'Tetris'? What could the game possibly have to offer, and how could it be better (which is what the adjective 'ultimate' implies) than its legendary, game changer of a daddy? 'Tetris Ultimate' sure has big shoes to fill.
Video Review
It's 'Tetris'! Graphically speaking, this game could never impress or compete with contemporary cousins. That said, the colourful blocks are accompanied by minor bells and whistles, such as a hint of fireworks when scoring a Tetris (four lines in one go), plus flashes and/or bolts of light when performing a special move. As far as the 3D effect goes, the lever is better left switched off to save on battery life. The blocks have some pop, but nothing truly spectacular. Nintendo 2DS owners can safely purchase this title.
Audio Review
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Esoteric, arty-farty, mystic, vaguely Eastern-European sound scapes and muzaky lounge tunes are on offer. Give me the classic 'Tetris' theme anytime - one of the most recognizable in video game history, even given a techo remix and placed on a 10" compilation included with an art book on games.
Final Thoughts
A classic in every sense of the book, 'Tetris' remains as strong as ever in its 'Tetris Ultimate' incarnation. 'Endless' provides the most fun (and the most hardcore frustration) with its neverending appeal to just get a slightly better high score, and playing online (and comparing replays and scores) is a presumably welcome addition to the 'Tetris' mythos that sadly didn't work at the time of the review, for lack of co-players. A game for the ages: yesterday, today and forever. Highly recommended.
