The Story

Tetris is a video game that needs no introduction. Its simple concept of forming lines from different shaped blocks has been tried, tested and re-released across so many platforms we really can’t be bothered to count them. All you really need to know is it’s as good as ever on Android.

The Experience

When it came to playing Tetris ported for a smartphone, we expected two things. Firstly, some decent touchscreen controls. Secondly, some sort of gimmick to put a fresh spin on an idea that has been done to death.

Much to our surprise, Tetris’ touchscreen controls are very well done indeed. They’ll take a bit of practice to get used to but work better then we imagine any virtual D-pad would. Tap the touchscreen to rotate a block and move a block by swiping the touchscreen in the the direction you desire. It’s really that easy.

The app’s gimmickry comes from its Magic mode where you have to clear a targeted number of lines with the help of some additional tools. These are all pretty useful although they do simplify the game too much for our liking. Most notably, the crayon tool allows you to draw a block in the exact shape you need the most.

Accordingly it’s Marathon mode which we best enjoyed, largely because it’s just Classic mode under another name. We suppose we should be tired of breaking multi-coloured shapes by now, given the amount of our life we’ve frittered away at the hands of Tetris, but this is an addiction that just won’t quit.

If you’re expecting a revelatory turn from the Tetris app, there are plenty of more innovative Android titles on which to spend your money. If you just want to play a well-adapted port for smartphones, then this will do fine.

The Bottom Line

Tetris for Android is the same as ever but still a blast.

Additional Info

Version reviewed 1.0.2584
Requires Android 1.6 and up

Download the Tetris app from the Android Market.

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