Tue, 04 Aug 2009 by Corbie Dillard
The original Game Boy pack-in is still as addictive as ever.
Saying that Tetris sold a few Game Boy systems would be like saying caffeine sold a few energy drinks. The game probably single-handedly shifted a few million Game Boy systems all by itself. Already an established favourite by the time Nintendo's handheld hit the market in 1989, Tetris proved to be the perfect pick-up-and-play experience to go along with the fledgling portable system; while many people initially questioned the decision by Nintendo to pack-in Tetris instead of the Super Mario Land release, it certainly proved to be the right decision when it was all said and done. Of course it didn't hurt that the game itself was an absolutely brilliant port of original Tetris, which had made its PC debut in the middle of the '80s.
Chances are if you're breathing, you know what Tetris is. It's a simple puzzle title that revolves around various-shaped blocks falling from the top of the screen. You can rotate these blocks around in order to try to fit them together and form horizontal lines across the screen. Forming a complete row of blocks will cause that row to flash and disappear, which in turn earns you differing point values. The more rows you can form at one time, the more points you'll score. Forming four rows of blocks at one time will even earn you a "Tetris" which will really score some big points. However, you have to be careful as the blocks will continue to build up on you and once your blocks reach the top of the screen it's game over. What is easily one of the most simple puzzler designs ever crafted ultimately turns out to be one of the most devilishly addictive as well.
There are basically three different games in the Game Boy version of Tetris. Game A is your standard Tetris game mode and allows you to play as long as you can until your blocks stack up to the top of the screen. You can even select between 10 different starting levels that will allow you to kick up the speed at which the blocks are falling right from the start. This is probably the game the majority of people will enjoy the most as it allows you an almost endless playing session, depending on how skilled you are at the game, of course.
Game B changes things up a bit and forces you to remove a set number of rows before your blocks stack up to the top of the screen. While this is fairly easy on the early difficulty settings, you can set the starting speed higher and even select from five varying heights of stacked up blocks with which to start the game, making it even more hectic. Once you've removed the required 25 rows, your score is then tallied up based on how many rows you removed in single, double, triple, or Tetris form. While not quite as much fun as the more standard Game A, this game mode is quite good if you only have a few minutes to play and just want a quick Tetris fix.
If you've got a Game Link Cable, you can even link up with another player and take on the unique 2-player game. In this mode, your objective is to outlast your opponent. Each time you remove rows of blocks on your game, the corresponding number of rows of incomplete blocks are then added to your opponents bottom row causing their stack of blocks to rise. This can add a great deal of strategy and frantic gameplay to the experience in your race to see who will win. While this might seem like a tacked-on addition to sell a few Game Link cables, it actually proves to be a lot of fun if you can track down another player (which shouldn't be hard when you consider how many copies of the game there are out there).
The play control in this Game Boy version is silky smooth and very intuitive using the Game Boy's control setup. Most of the block movement is controlled using the D-Pad and you can then rotate the blocks clockwise or counter-clockwise using the two action buttons on the system. Combine this simple and responsive control scheme with an already solid gameplay premise and you have a near-perfect gameplay experience for gamers of any skill level.
The visuals in the game are about what you'd expect from an early Game Boy effort. While there aren't a lot of the flashy backdrops found in other Tetris releases of the time period, the blocks themselves show a good amount of variety and the overall visual display suits the game perfectly. Sure, it might have been nice to see a little more visual flair, especially considering how nice the player select screen looks, but it's difficult to complain when everything you need to enjoy the game to its fullest extent is already right in front of you.
At the time this game was created, developers were still trying to get a handle on the Game Boy's sound capabilities, so don't expect an audio masterpiece with this game. But what you do get is three very melodic chip tunes that feature a good degree of diversity to keep your attention during the game, including the now-classic Korobeiniki tune that should be permanently embedded in your brain by now. Toss in a few catchy sound effects and you have the perfect audio compliment to an already brilliant gaming package.
1. Damo
04 Aug 2009, 11:14 BST
The perfect score for the perfect game. Awesome review Corbie! Anyone for some link-up play?
2. Other Dave
04 Aug 2009, 11:25 BST
Game Boy Tetris is indeed awesome. I always keep two copies handy for multiplayer.
3. Will
04 Aug 2009, 11:32 BST
Do dodo doo, dodo doo, dodo doo, dodo doo, dodo doo, do do do dooooooo......
4. SupermarketZombies
04 Aug 2009, 11:33 BST
The first game I ever played on a non PC. My grandparents talked my dad into getting me a Game Boy bundled with Tetris. They're dead now, but man does this bring back great memories.
5. OniNeoxes
04 Aug 2009, 11:51 BST
I owned every Tetris on every Nintendo Console, But Tetris for the Original Gameboy is one of the best.
Good job on the review!
6. Giggsy
04 Aug 2009, 11:52 BST
I completely agree with the score, fantastic game.
7. SanderEvers
04 Aug 2009, 11:59 BST
I liked the GBC version more.
8. RayTheSkypirate
04 Aug 2009, 12:14 BST
Tetris is THE game. Great review!
9. warioswoods
04 Aug 2009, 12:30 BST
I disagree... nah, just kidding, this review makes perfect sense. Tetris for the Game Boy was a milestone for portable puzzle gaming. Certainly seems like a perfect 10 to me.
10. Dazza
04 Aug 2009, 12:31 BST
I have fond memories of being a kid sitting on the street curb in the school holidays playing Tetris GB on link-up with a pal. It never got old (besides it was the only game I had for ages!)
It had to be a 10/10 really, this is truly the definitive Game Boy game. A perfect fit.
11. timp29
04 Aug 2009, 12:41 BST
hahah I still sorely miss Game B level 9-5
12. Machu
04 Aug 2009, 12:42 BST
I came into this review hoping to see a ten but expecting a nine. Go Corbie, for recognizing one of the (if not THE) most influential games in existence. I still play it everyday, and will do tomorrow, and the day after...
13. LinktotheFuture
04 Aug 2009, 12:49 BST
This is great, of course, but I have always prefered the NES version of Tetris.
14. Damo
04 Aug 2009, 13:39 BST
@LinktotheFuture - Lack of portability always hampers the home console versions in my eyes. Try taking playing the NES version of Tetris on a toilet!
15. Metang
04 Aug 2009, 13:48 BST
Completely agree with the score. Great review Corbie!
16. Metang
04 Aug 2009, 13:50 BST
Lol @Damo.
I always carried this game around everywhere, and I still do. (Yes, even on a toilet.
) I'm probably going to be playing this and the GBA Pokémon games straight through my vacation tomorrow. 
17. Ren
04 Aug 2009, 14:09 BST
sweet. Brings back memories. Marketing genius, to pack it in. Even then it boggles that you could launch a Black and White system w/ no backlight to such success; much credit goes to good ol' tetris.
I have to say, though, my favorite has always been the Tengen version that got yanked after legal challenge. It baffles me why Nintendo didn't copy it closer and give us 2-player battles on the NES version, instead we got the cheap port of the gameboy version in color that people seem to love because N didn't allow us to play the better version.
18. Bahamut ZERO
04 Aug 2009, 14:33 BST
I agree with the score. Game deserves a 10. It not only is a addictive casual puzzle game which you can pick-up-and-play, but it also started a revolution the size of Pac-Mand and Mario Bros.
However, I politely disagree with this:
While there have been countless ports of this addictive puzzler made available for just about every electronic device in existence, this original Game Boy release remains one of the best and a title no Game Boy fan should be without.
All versions of Tetris play the same (so none really can be better), and they're all great, but I'd have to say that if you compare all versions, Tetris DS is the most feature-packed and has the best presentation.
Remember: that's polite criticism. Not an insult. Doing something like this is what got me banned last year I don't want a rpeat. Remember, it's a polite disagreement.
crosses fingers that I don't get banned
19. Corbie
04 Aug 2009, 14:41 BST
You were banned for having an opinion? Well I guess we need to remain consistent. It's been nice knowing you man.
20. RadioShadow
04 Aug 2009, 14:49 BST
10/10? There are way better games than Tetris but I can't deny it is a classic!
Just I would rather play Puyo Puyo over Tetris.
21. pixelman
04 Aug 2009, 14:58 BST
O_O. I was expecting a 9. Wow. I picked up a couple GB games yesterday. They had Tetris, but I passed. I'm beginning to wish I didn't.
22. Bahamut ZERO
04 Aug 2009, 15:03 BST
@Corbie: I think Drake just had a bad day and I was the perfect way to let anger out
Though that was when you guys had a much more iron grip and were very strict. You've softened up Corbie
@RadioShadow: Well, all Tetris versions play essentially the same. Some just have extra modes or better presentation, that's all. They all deserve a 10.
@pixelman: Where did you pick up your GB games? I can't find any place that does, except at Gamesstop, but all they have is shovelware.
23. Joe Diddley
04 Aug 2009, 15:15 BST
What will come to the dsi service 1st - Tetris express or this? I hope that it is the original!
24. Outrunner
04 Aug 2009, 15:36 BST
Doesn't Tetris DS have infinite spin? That marks it down for me.
25. Pablo17
04 Aug 2009, 15:59 BST
Nice review and one of the few games out there that deserves a 10. My favorite Tetris is still Tetris by Tengen (Nes) but the gameboy Tetris and the DS Tetris are amazing games.
26. Charlie The Unicorn
04 Aug 2009, 16:19 BST
Great review! Tetris is awesome on GB!
27. LinktotheFuture
04 Aug 2009, 16:29 BST
@Damo, I do take the NES version to the toilet, and my legs have gotten very strong in doing so!
28. Corbie
04 Aug 2009, 16:40 BST
I have my Tengen Tetris cart I bought new before they yanked it. I remember seeing it on the news the day Nintendo won the suit. But I still like this Game Boy version the best. I take it with me on just about every business trip I take.
29. Monkeh
04 Aug 2009, 16:55 BST
This couldn't have been any less than a 10! Good times.
30. Turbo Genesis 64
04 Aug 2009, 17:27 BST
Personally, I love the black & white graphics it's so simple, but elegant!
Great review as usual Corbie Kong!
31. Mike
04 Aug 2009, 19:38 BST
Great review Corbie. Plus, I have to add, I love your avatar!
32. Mickeymac
04 Aug 2009, 19:57 BST
I always liked Tetris. I wasn't a big fan of this version, but it was still pretty fun.
33. Ricardo91
04 Aug 2009, 20:05 BST
IMO, the only version of Tetris that was even came close to this one was Tetris DX.
34. LEGEND MARIOID
04 Aug 2009, 20:50 BST
I think it is pretty much regarded as one of the top 10 games of any type on any console of all time (?) by reputeable reviewers (generally speaking). You may think that's far fetched, but I don't.
35. Tony
04 Aug 2009, 22:35 BST
10/10 absolutely true
This was one of most influential games in history and really made video games for everyone and not just kids anymore.
36. buffalobob
05 Aug 2009, 01:26 BST
agree ^^
37. BellGoRiiing
05 Aug 2009, 02:30 BST
...Why am I wanting to play Tetris all of the sudden...why did I even get rid of Tetris DS, I'm starting to miss it, lol. Ah well...
turns on Brawls soundtrack and goes to Type B's music
XD
38. Nintendo-Naut
05 Aug 2009, 02:53 BST
Tetries pwns, but I don't really understand the reasoning here. Tetris Party has all this and more and yet it's not a 10. 0_o And, BTW comments 3 & 4 made me laugh hysterically.
39. BellGoRiiing
05 Aug 2009, 03:01 BST
The original always kills the others, lol...ok sometimes the original does, but whatever, lol.
40. pixelman
05 Aug 2009, 03:09 BST
@Bahamut+ZERO: We have a gem of a used game store. They have hundreds of SNES and NES games, and maybe 30-50 GameBoy games, with some N64 games to boot. And of course the current gen games too.
I got SML2 and Link's Awakening for $25 together.
41. missing_no
05 Aug 2009, 03:17 BST
Kirby's Star Stacker still is hands down my favorite (and most overlooked) Puzzler on Gameboy, but I logged so many hours into this game also. There is something about the sound design of this original one that sucks me in, and keeps it my favorite.
42. alvieao
05 Aug 2009, 08:08 BST
I love Tetris, and I still have the original GB cart since then. While there are other puzzle games out there, you just can't avoid Alexey Pajitnov's creation. Although I also have Tetris DS, I still go back to playing the Game Boy version time and again. Despite countless releases on various platforms and handhelds, the GB version is still the best. Simple, addictive and fun... it's a 10/10.
43. Kirk
05 Aug 2009, 20:05 BST
Still the purist and best version of Tetris imo.
44. SeniorDingDong
05 Aug 2009, 20:32 BST
This is the first game I ever played and owned. Still to this day I am a huge Tetris fan, but my personal game of choice is Tetris DS right now.
45. Prochnow
05 Aug 2009, 23:43 BST
The best game ever. Tetris DS & http://www.tetrisfriends.com !
46. Bakajin
06 Aug 2009, 00:45 BST
Back in the 90s I had some weird DOS based Monty Python and the Holy Grail game. The game was fun, more for the Python content than for the actual gameplay, but it had my favorite version of Tetris ever—it was based on the I'm Not Dead bit and all the blocks were corpses, but the straight line blocks were the ones that weren't quite dead yet and they'd wiggle about a bit as they protested that they weren't dead yet, which made scoring Tetrises just a little bit trickier. But the GB version would have to be my second favorite.
47. Turbo Genesis 64
06 Aug 2009, 01:11 BST
The first time I ever played Tetris was at Target at their "new" Game Boy display back in 1989. I wasn't expecting much, but boy was I wrong! I still think it's the most timeless video game ever made.
48. tvnewsguy
13 Aug 2009, 05:57 BST
Arguably the greatest video game ever made, although I would say Tetris DX for the GB color is the best version of the best game ever made
49. LinktotheFuture
19 Sep 2009, 02:06 BST
I just got a GameBoy Advance SP, and first I got Tetris DX, which is great, but it doesn't have the Type B, which is my favorite mode besides classic, so I got this version, and I have to say this one is much better. The music on this is much better as well, for some reason, they changed the music on Tetris DX, and it sucks, as does the sound quality.
50. Pocketim
02 Oct 2009, 09:32 BST
Personally, Tetris got very boring fast for me, and I never really understood all the hype. I always preferred Puyo Pop for my falling-block puzzler fix, but everyone can have their own opinion.
Oh, and this isn't just because I don't like puzzlers. Puzzle games are my third favorite game genre, and my second favorite game of all time is Lemmings. I'll also add on that the Art Style series is great =P
51. ballistikboy
20 Oct 2009, 06:45 BST
Such a wonderful game! I remember being jealous that my younger cousin Amy got her shiny new GameBoy one Christmas and my parents couldn't afford one... I was so jealous! ;-/ She had this monochrome Tetris game up on there and I grew to love puzzles because of playing Tetris. This game is a definite 10/10 and is a must have for any old school GB/NES/puzzle fanatic.
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