Tetris DS TALKBACK "From Russia With Love, From Nintendo With AWESOME!" [Archive]

Chad Bonin

03-13-2006, 03:11 PM

We all know Tetris. It's the game that cemented the Game Boy as THE Handheld. Every iteration of Nintendo handheld has had a version of the game.

This time, Nintendo went drastically different.

Instead of just throwing a color version of Tetris in there, they added their own Nintendo element to it.

Game Informer has given it two 9.25 (out of 10). This has been my most wanted portable game this year.

Getting it? Seen it at stores yet? Seen reviews?

Kuja's Light

03-13-2006, 03:21 PM

Not sure when I'll get it, but I have seen screens and I am definately excited, as far as Puzzles go. The design is totally unexpected, and I love it.

The Falcon

03-13-2006, 03:37 PM

just watched some video footage on ds.ign.com. i was iffy about getting this, but now i think i'll like it! especially that "catch" version of the game. looks appealing!

Rasputin

03-13-2006, 04:32 PM

And just today I was thinking of my own plot for a Tetris game: la-la Soviet Union fantasy land circa 1985 where the spirit of Lenin sends you off with a mission to unlock the revolutionary 'Tetris code', facing off against a whole host of Russian stereotypes until you face off with child prodigy Princess Anastasia, who has been cloned by Ronald Reagan for nefarious purposes.

Still...cool!

Matt Hazuda

03-13-2006, 05:03 PM

It isn't coming out till the 22nd according to Best Buy's web site. I'm getting it there only because I have a few reward certs saved up, so it'll be good deal for me.

I'll be ready to kick ass online in a little over a week *****es! :D

Sketch

03-13-2006, 05:24 PM

Wow all those modes actually manage to be different enough and still be based on Tetris. The backgrounds are nifty as well but I guess this could mean we wont have any Russian music but I hope I'm wrong about that.

Unfortunately, Sakura Con and car stuff has me tapped this month so I'll have to wait.

Artimus Gigan

03-13-2006, 05:28 PM

Sketch

03-13-2006, 05:56 PM

For the entertainment of the masses of course.

Vermunium

03-13-2006, 06:31 PM

Tak Mazé

03-13-2006, 06:48 PM

They would proceed for all eternity without question or resistance falling,stacking, and destroying themselves for no progressive reason at all. They seemlessly throw away their very existance in the name of a nameless and unknown cause.
What are you fighting for random blocks, what are you dying for?
The same can be said about World of Warcraft... Think about it. Or any MMORPG for that matter. You're not working towards anything in particular with Tetris, you're just there and have to get points! Same with an MMORPG. You're just there, and you get points. Be it gold, experience or whatever. Personally I'd take Tetris over any MMORPG, simply because of the fact that you can just pick it up and play it whenever you feel like it.
The blocks understand you. They do not judge you... o_o

James

03-13-2006, 07:16 PM

Meh I never really got into Teris

All it was was a sad flat world of tumbling blocks

They would proceed for all eternity without question or resistance falling,stacking, and destroying themselves for no progressive reason at all. They seemlessly throw away their very existance in the name of a nameless and unknown cause.

What are you fighting for random blocks, what are you dying for?

Why does one post here? It serves no benefit. It offers simply the satisfaction of the moment. As does Tetris. Problem solving.

I'm not whether your point is really valid, or intended to be valid, but it's curiously pointless and not really relevant to this specific TETRIS game speculation. I would hazzard a guess you're not actually intending to buy it, so why comment at all?

Well... moving on....!

Charlie

03-13-2006, 08:13 PM

This will be the first DS game I will buy since August, and it shall be great.

Artimus Gigan

03-13-2006, 09:48 PM

Why does one post here? It serves no benefit. It offers simply the satisfaction of the moment. As does Tetris. Problem solving.

I'm not whether your point is really valid, or intended to be valid, but it's curiously pointless and not really relevant to this specific TETRIS game speculation. I would hazzard a guess you're not actually intending to buy it, so why comment at all?

Well... moving on....!
Well it was satire relating to the assorted russian revolts and uprisings and downfalls that happened thoughout the course of the country's history and there is still much unrest

much like Tetris, you build it up, and then it falls down, and then you start again.

it probably went over people's heads, my bad

But some of the more experianced players have this lightning fast speed of building up the blocks for maximum bonus and then quickly knocking them down. It's a sight to behold, but it does make you question the game's overall goal in a lightly ribbing non-serious way
Here's a video for an example of what I'm refering to
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5887375283682373443&q=tetris

it's like a natural reflex almost, the building, the positioning, the breaking down, It's hypnotic almost. I mean that certainly had to take hours and hours of practice to do.

Fresh V

03-13-2006, 10:00 PM

I've never really played much Tetris, but this game looks awesome! I wasn't really planning on buying this at first, but now I can't wait to get it. There's so many new modes, and I'm especially interested in that "catch" one.

I'm definately gonna buy this, but it'll have to wait until later, sadly. I'm more excited about Metroid Prime Hunters right now.

Rasputin

03-14-2006, 12:10 PM

You fight for the freedom of those poor blocks in their atteomt to leave the facist world of russia.

On the other hand, it could be a commentary on the inevitability of revolution: while you may try endlessly for hours upon hours to eliminate each individual, eventually the masses will be tired of their oppression and gang up on their class oppressors (ie: you) and overthrow them in a revolution that wipes the slate clean and allows the next productive stage to develop. The analogy works with whatever classes you put in: you could be a feudal aristocrat trying to oppress the productive capitalist bourgeoisie, or you could be a capitalist businessman trying to oppress the toiling working class.

Every time you play Tetris, you take the role of the class oppressor! :eek:

Chad Bonin

03-14-2006, 03:41 PM

Arg, EGM, how dare you fail me with the review being in the next issue?! Not that I need reviews to know I'm buying the game, but more info is always good.

MGFanJay

03-14-2006, 09:20 PM

This is all the info I need - It's Tetris. On a portable. Online. With Nintendo-themed areas. Instant purchase.

Bubblegum Girl

03-14-2006, 09:55 PM

Here's a video for an example of what I'm refering to
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5887375283682373443&q=tetris

Oh man that was killer! I never saw anyone do that!:eek:

Strollymonster

03-15-2006, 01:27 PM

I'm still holding out for a DS Lite, but I actually already own a DS game...a copy of Nightmare Troubadour that I bought for the promos :sweat: I actually bought two copies, but sold one on eBay (sans promos).

Anyways, this will be one of my definite picks...I just really hope they've got the classic Russian music on there somewhere, it's classic.

K-S-O

03-16-2006, 01:57 AM

Yikes! Whoever was playing in that video must have the fastest reflexes in the world!

I don't have a DS yet, but seeing the footage of this game is making me want it more!

atf487

03-16-2006, 09:27 PM

If this game was priced at a lower pricepoint, say 20 dollars, it'd be an easy pickup.

But with metroid prime: hunters coming out the same day, and offering a lot more in the way of content, it's a tough decision.

Wolfie~Giri

03-18-2006, 07:14 PM

Ah Tetris. Simple concept...

You play.

You lose.

Therefore you play again...

Nintendo themes? Why not?:D

Chad Bonin

03-20-2006, 03:19 PM

Vermunium

03-20-2006, 07:12 PM

Arg. Best Buy closes at 9PM. I was planning to go there after class to see if they had put it out early, but I don't get out until 9:15PM.

... looks like I'm running by there right before class tomorrow morning...

Tell me if they have it, give me call via cell phone.

The Falcon

03-21-2006, 10:52 AM

i found out where the original tetris music is at

lvl 20 of standard marathon mode. apparently getting 200 lines appears to be the "end of the game" so to speak, but it also unlocks "endless", which though i haven't tried it yet, i think will let you continue until your luck runs out

Matt Hazuda

03-21-2006, 03:36 PM

Arg. Best Buy closes at 9PM. I was planning to go there after class to see if they had put it out early, but I don't get out until 9:15PM.

... looks like I'm running by there right before class tomorrow morning...Mine has it, but I'm at work till 7 :sad:

They close at 9pm, so I may have to race over there before I get some dinner.

Chad Bonin

03-21-2006, 04:19 PM

I went by mine this morning, but they didn't have it on the shelves yet. I asked the guy, and he checked the Best Buy website which states it's released on 3/30. Then he checked their inventory, and they had zero.

Does Best Buy get their game shipments mid-day?

I also checked Target (not mine, but it did have Meteos for $8), Circuit City (but I did grab Midway Arcade Treasures 3), Wal-Mart, and Toys R Us. Gamestop.com shows that none of the stores have it in stock.

... If I can't find it tonight, I'll get it at Super Target tomorrow morning. They better have it.

Vermunium

03-21-2006, 06:12 PM

Meteos for only 8$? Which Target was that?

Chad Bonin

03-21-2006, 06:24 PM

Meteos for only 8$? Which Target was that?
Kennesaw, in the case. Same place that had Trace Memory.

Has anyone else had troubles with finding the game? The fact that Bestbuy.com lists it for 3/30 kinda scares me.

Vermunium

03-21-2006, 06:26 PM

Kennesaw, in the case. Same place that had Trace Memory.

Has anyone else had troubles with finding the game? The fact that Bestbuy.com lists it for 3/30 kinda scares me.

If I couldn't be more off topic, How many were left? I'm sick as a dog, so I'm not going out there tonight.

Back on Topic, I'll be going to get my copy of Tetris DS at Target in the morning, That is, if I can get up early.

Matt Hazuda

03-21-2006, 06:27 PM

Does Best Buy get their game shipments mid-day?Yes, they do. I called mine at 10am and they said to check back after noon when they get their shipments in. I call back and they say it's in.

The problem with video game release dates, is they're just not as firm as DVDs and the like. So not every store gets their shipments in at the same time. Hell, every other flyer in the sunday paper said stores would have it wednesday. Best Buy was the only one to say they'd have it tuesday, which made me a little wary, but they did.

Chad Bonin

03-22-2006, 11:28 AM

If I couldn't be more off topic, How many were left? I'm sick as a dog, so I'm not going out there tonight.
A few; don't worry about it going away. I also saw they had Polarium for the same price.

Back on Topic, I'll be going to get my copy of Tetris DS at Target in the morning, That is, if I can get up early.
I'm headed over there to pick up Trace Memory on clearance... because...

Last night, around 9PM, I ran by Wal-Mart again. There it was in the shelves...

A few hours later, I finally got the classic Tetris music playing.

Bubblegum Girl

03-25-2006, 08:48 PM

Man this is such an awesome game. My favorite modes are Touch and Puzzle. I love playing the Standard while listening to Mario music. :D

Matt Hazuda

03-27-2006, 01:26 PM

The Falcon

03-27-2006, 02:01 PM

One of my only gripes is the new "locking" system for the blocks. You can basically spin one for a while until you find the proper place for it, even at the higher levels.

I wish they had a true "Classic" mode.sadly, i agree with you. i recently got to level 50 but felt it needed an asterisk because you can spin the blocks around until they fit. on a related note, anybody know what a "t-spin" is?

Chad Bonin

03-27-2006, 06:55 PM

sadly, i agree with you. i recently got to level 50 but felt it needed an asterisk because you can spin the blocks around until they fit. on a related note, anybody know what a "t-spin" is?
A "T-Spin" is when you get a "T-Block" in a place that it shouldn't physically be able to reach by virtue of spinning.

MGFanJay

03-28-2006, 01:24 AM

The spin isn't new, it's been in quite a few other versions. I got this on Saturday and I've been hooked on it since. Wi-Fi is great, and I was elated to find that I didn't need to buy that $30 dongle to get online with it. Touch mode is a nice novelty, as is push mode. The single player marathon mode was rewarding to get through, but 4-player marathon is where it's at.

Chad Bonin

03-28-2006, 03:34 PM

Well, I found out that the game stops showing how many lines you get at 999. I got to Level 125 doing it.

Artimus Gigan

03-28-2006, 03:40 PM

Well, I found out that the game stops showing how many lines you get at 999. I got to Level 125 doing it.
You mean there is an end to the madness?

an actual stopping point where no progession is further possible?

One of my inner demons have been slain

I may still get this if it goes on sale, right now I'm broke.

Chad Bonin

03-28-2006, 04:42 PM

You mean there is an end to the madness?

an actual stopping point where no progession is further possible?

One of my inner demons have been slain

I may still get this if it goes on sale, right now I'm broke.
It stops counting at 999 on the display, but I believe it still racks up points for those following.

The Falcon

03-29-2006, 12:20 AM

Well, I found out that the game stops showing how many lines you get at 999. I got to Level 125 doing it. *whistles* wow, man. you must have been bored. i quit after level 50 and that took me over an hour

Artimus Gigan

03-29-2006, 12:21 PM

It stops counting at 999 on the display, but I believe it still racks up points for those following.
Meh points schmoints

Points havn't really been used as major parts of alot of genres for years

Even on Live Arcade, getting alot of points has been broken down into simple easy steps

Vermunium

03-29-2006, 12:41 PM

Meh points schmoints

Points havn't really been used as major parts of alot of genres for years

Even on Live Arcade, getting alot of points has been broken down into simple easy steps
Are you Jealous Gigan?
I've seen Knux play tetris, and he plays some damn mean Tetris if I saw any.

Chad Bonin

03-29-2006, 12:48 PM

Meh points schmoints

Points havn't really been used as major parts of alot of genres for years

Even on Live Arcade, getting alot of points has been broken down into simple easy steps
Oh my goodness.

Saying points don't matter in video games makes me want to punch you. As a person who strives for high scores and Gamerpoints...

Artimus Gigan

03-29-2006, 02:49 PM

Oh my goodness.

Saying points don't matter in video games makes me want to punch you. As a person who strives for high scores and Gamerpoints...
The XB Live Arcade system was essentialy cracked, they had the list of games and modes given to get an absurdly high number of points within a short period of time, many of the games within the list also have easy ways to use the modes to get points as well(i.e. Madden), there are also those game enhancers like Gameshark which could eventually be used.

It really doesn't take that much skill if it can be laid out like that, it seems a bit more like work for bragging rights

Also many genres have essentialy eliminated the point system, I mean Platformers especialy(where point systems were prominantly featured in the past), series like Jak, Ratchet, and Sly have no point systems, and even the 3D Mario games have no point systems(platformers seemed to have replaced points with the collecting). If anything, letter grades are more prominant than point scores, but letter grades are a bit more open on aquisition.

Sketch

04-07-2006, 03:41 AM

I finally got it and man it freak'n rocks.

They could have taken it further (as more reviewers say) but it's still the best dang Tetris game out there.

Sketch

04-10-2006, 01:17 PM

Crap... I got to level 20 with about 193 lines cleared and my DS died. But I did get to hear the classic music.

The marathon mode does get annoyingly fast but with the holding box (which can serve as a "do over" in some cases) and being able to flip and move a block as much as you want unless it's "stuck" behind a wall of some kind before it's locked in makes marathon fairly easy to conquer.

So much NES nostalgia. If there's a sequel they should make it SNES nostalgia and call is Super Tetris DS (or whatever system is out by then). Shameless to make another copy of the same game of course but hey... some folks would buy it.

EDIT:

Success, Marathon completed at last.

Conan-san

04-18-2006, 06:21 AM

Got it today (US import) and I have to say, Marathon Mode is quite additcing as is Tetris Kata- er, I meen Catch Mode
(La la, lalalala la la Tetris Katamri...)

My best so far is 131 lines (Level 14)

Also, if anyone wants to Friend Code me, just pm it.

EDIT: And I finished Marathon mode during the reairing of astroboy on CBBC this morning. (17 minutes, roughtly)