The New Tetris (1999)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

The New Tetris (1999): A Fresh Twist on a Classic

The New Tetris, released in 1999, is a unique and innovative take on the classic Tetris formula. Developed by Blue Planet Software and published by Nintendo, The New Tetris features several key gameplay changes that set it apart from its predecessors.

Gameplay

The core gameplay of The New Tetris remains largely the same as the original Tetris. Players control a series of falling tetrominoes, which they must rotate and drop into place to form horizontal lines. When a line is completed, it disappears and the tetrominoes above it fall down.

However, The New Tetris introduces a new gameplay mechanic: the ability to form 4×4 blocks. These blocks are created by placing four tetrominoes together in a square formation. When a block is created, it turns solid gold or silver, depending on the makeup of the block.

Gold blocks are created when all four tetrominoes in the block are of the same type. Silver blocks are created when the block contains a mix of tetrominoes.

Blocks can only be constructed from whole pieces: if any part of a piece has been cleared, then it cannot be used to form a block. When a line that has pieces from a block is cleared, it earns more points.

In addition to the new block mechanic, The New Tetris also features a number of other gameplay changes. For example, the game introduces a new “Fever” mode, which is activated when the player clears multiple lines in a row. In Fever mode, the tetrominoes fall faster and the player earns more points.

The New Tetris also includes a variety of new game modes, including a Puzzle mode, a Vs. mode, and a Marathon mode.

Reception

The New Tetris was met with generally positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s new gameplay mechanics, particularly the addition of 4×4 blocks. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult, and the new mechanics to be more confusing than innovative.

Despite the mixed reviews, The New Tetris was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Nintendo 64 games of all time.

Legacy

The New Tetris is considered to be one of the most innovative and influential Tetris games ever released. The game’s new gameplay mechanics have been adopted by other Tetris games, and the game is still enjoyed by fans around the world today.

Conclusion

The New Tetris is a unique and challenging take on the classic Tetris formula. The game’s new gameplay mechanics add a new layer of strategy and excitement to the classic game. Whether you’re a long-time Tetris fan or a newcomer to the series, The New Tetris is a must-play.

Additional Information

  • The New Tetris was the first Tetris game to be released on a 3D console.
  • The game features a variety of different music tracks, including some that were composed by Hirokazu Tanaka, the composer of the original Tetris music.
  • The New Tetris was released on the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and PC.
  • The game was re-released on the Nintendo Switch Online service in 2021.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More