Tetris Party Deluxe (DS) Review

Tetris is quite a phenomenon. Now in its 26th year of being released, re-released and ported to nearly every electronic gaming device under the sun, it’s a game that is still a load of fun to play alone or with friends. Now with the joys of modern internet, lone play is a much less desirable option as Tetris Party Deluxe takes the action locally wireless and online to show you there ain’t no party like a Tetris party.

Tetris is a game where players must control falling block shapes in attempts to make lines and… okay I’m kidding. I’m not seriously going to sit here and explain the mechanics of Tetris to you; that would be demeaning to us both. We all know what Tetris is, and you can bet it’s here intact and playable in its original form. So what’s new? For starters, Tetris Party Deluxe has a big focus on multiplayer featuring full support for both DS Download Play, multi-cart local wireless and online. The online option is a bit more advanced over the original Tetris DS with an online ranking system showing your position against all the world’s block smashers as well as just the collective of your friends.

Online play is quick, smooth and addictive as hell especially if you’re at all inclined to get a little competitive with your skills. Unfortunately it doesn’t include all the game types found in local multiplayer modes which is where things can get pretty wacky. Co-op mode in particular is an interesting addition where two players can add to the one grid at the same time. If you want to multi-play with a budget, a DS Download Play option is also available for two people to play standard versus and co-op with only one catridge.

In total there are eight gameplay modes available in single player, seven if you don’t include the obvious traditional mode that can be played with either a 150-line limit or endlessly (where the real men drop blocks). Another obvious mode is the Computer Battle which is my personal favourite when playing offline. With five selectable difficulties the CPU can really ramp up the challenge in the harder modes giving you a real chance to hone your skills.

All the other new and unique modes are a bit hit and miss. Some are fun; Sprint Racer is a nifty mode where a tiny man runs back and forth along your tower of bricks trying to climb up. It’s up to you to carefully tower up one block at a time to allow him to reach the very top. Build too quickly or crush him into block oblivion and it’s all over. Shadow mode is also fun, as you’re given the shadow of a shape that you must try and build blocks into without leaving any overlaying pieces. This can get quite challenging in the later stages.

Then there are other modes that don’t quite hold up. Master Mode is okay as a challenging option that drops blocks instantaneously, but really this is just a hardcore variant of the original mode that could have just been a setting there. Sprint is also fun but just another simple variant challenging you to destroy a set amount of lines as quickly as possible. Stage Racer I found held no real value as it grew old quickly. It’s a mode where you control one Tetromino and carefully navigate it through an obstacle course. So while some of these additions aren’t really selling points, at least it’s nice to have a solid variety of new game types to distract from the standard block breaking affair.

The game is certainly fun and Tetris still holds up in 2010 so I’d have to say my biggest disappointment is in the graphical style and presentation of Tetris Party Deluxe. It isn’t bad necessarily but just very generic. There are 17 backdrops in total that look decent but with no animation or real visual flair to the design, it has a lot to live up to against the quirky retro style of the original Tetris DS. Some animations in the background would have been nice, and potentially distracting, but something to liven up the experience would have truly enhanced a familiar situation. It’s not a deal breaker though, not by a long shot.

Honestly at this point you should know what to expect from a new Tetris game on the DS. Solid online play, a variety of game modes, and due respect to the traditional gameplay that makes Tetris so incredibly addictive. Whether with friends or alone, a Tetris party is a great party to have in any situation.

Graphics 6.0

Bright and colourful yet generic and stagnant.

Gameplay 9.0

Just one more game…

Sound 7.0

Popular Russian folk tune “Korobeiniki” has again been remixed as an eventually repetitive yet still iconic musical addition.

Tilt 9.0

A variety of gameplay modes and multiplayer options make this a substantial Tetris offering.

Value 9.5

Oh no its the Tetris Effect again…