Tetris Evolution Reviews

  • SuperEboySuperEboy261,326
    29 Jun 2011 29 Jun 2011
    11 2 3
    It's always hard to review a game that, at its core, is flawless in many ways. In contrast, Tetris Evolution brought a few things to the table that proved, well, less than perfect.

    Tetris Evolution offers a series of different ways to play, including: Marathon, Ultra, Go Low, Eraser, Score, Cascade, and Hotline. Each features a different scoring formula, or puts you against the clock to complete certain goals. This sort of variation was pretty refreshing, but as a fairly traditional Tetris player, I didn't see myself really exploring or finding that much enjoyment in the alternative modes. However, that sort of flexibility allowed for developing different strategies within the game.

    One thing that I believe the game got praised for, but I strongly disagree with, is the number of customization the game has to offer. There are a series of different backgrounds (including animated ones), skins and music choices you can change to fit your own personality. On the down side, at times they became really distracting or were a strain on the eyes. Especially for the elite Tetris player, (not to say I am one,) seeing animations of bright colors only make the game more difficult - and not in the good "challenge" sort of way. Though you could always default to a skin and background that is more subtle, I felt like the other options served no purpose other than to bulk up the size of the game. I mean, does Tetris really need all the room an HD-disc has to offer?

    Another thing that the game is lacking on, at no fault of it's own, is it's online play. It's rare (if ever) that you'll find someone else playing on Live, and the chances are slim to none that you'll find that the opponent is matched at your skill level. This proves frustrating as well, especially seeing as a couple achievements are based on that online play.

    There were a few strengths within the game, other than it just being Tetris. The local multiplayer (it supports up to 4) proves to be a great party addition, as the gameplay runs smoothly. The soundtrack selections are pretty nice as well - they offer something new, and some of the loop tracks are actually sort of catchy.

    The achievements are definitely challenging - but in all fairness, they should be. Thankfully, they are far from unattainable if you're willing to put in the time to learning the science within the gameplay. Through mastering T-spins, Tetris line-clears, and understanding the different game modes, it can be done. Don't get too ahead of yourself, though - even as the Tetris guru you might consider yourself, they can take a few days of gameplay to pound out.

    Seeing as you can find Tetris Evolution in a lot of bargain bins, the game can pay out pretty well. However, if asked if I would purchase the game at $30, I'd definitely pass. The game doesn't offer as much as I was hoping, and for a fraction of that price you can resort to Arcade alternatives like "Tetris Splash".
    3.0
    Showing all 3 comments.
    AgateKyle007Good review, but in all fairness about the online, the online was popular when it first came out. But you can't expect a 4 year old bargain-bin game to have a robust online community (usually) Just like Condemned 2, in which I am stuck without achievements because of the dead online.
    Posted by AgateKyle007 on 30 Jun 11 at 16:19
    SuperEboyThat's why I tacked on "at no fault of it's own". Good point, though.
    Posted by SuperEboy on 11 Aug 11 at 04:57
    YinGood review. I'm a bit disappointed that none of these reviews mention how bad these controls are. It really does impact the speed at which you play.
    Posted by Yin on 24 May 13 at 20:13
  • JoeCool7835JoeCool7835407,040
    02 Dec 2009
    10 2 1
    Tetris Evolution was a budget game when it first released, and, these days, you can find it for the same amount of money that you'd spend on Tetris Splash on Arcade. Either way, you're getting Tetris which is practically impossible to screw up. I had sprung for Evolution and find it to be quite enjoyable, like any Tetris game.

    I am forced to wonder what takes up all of that DVD space. You get 8 gameplay modes which can be played single-player, multiplayer on the same console, or on Xbox Live. There seems to be an emphasis on customization with this one. Your matrix, portrait, backdrop, music, and difficulty level are all customizable to obscene levels. You can even choose between still images or FMV for your backdrop (though the FMV can be distracting while you're playing). Well, I guess I just answered my own question.

    The eight modes are simple yet different in goals. Marathon is basic Tetris. Ultra sees how many points you can rack up in a minute. Race and Score are both based on time, the difference being Race goes for a line goal while Score goes for a score goal. Hotline and Eraser both challenge you to clear specific lines. Go Low wants you to keep the stack from going beyond the fourth line. My favorite is Cascade which involves broken pieces falling into holes in the Matrix, opening plenty of new possibilities.

    The big advantage this one has over the Arcade game is with the Achievements. There are 40 available for a full 1000 points, but you will have your work cut out for you as they are anything but easy.

    You really can't go wrong with any version of Tetris. Since they are equal on the price now, I'd say go for Tetris Evolution if you want more style, more substance, and more to shoot for.
    4.0
  • Baron164Baron164212,345
    03 Dec 2011
    5 0 0
    I've been playing Tetris since the black and white Tetris on my old Game Boy. Ever since then I've been in love with Tetris. For anyone who loves playing Tetris like I do they will love Tetris Evolution.

    Tetris Evolution is easily my favorite Tetris game since the Game boy. There are enough different modes and game customization options to make your head t-spin. One option I'm sure hardcore Tetris fans will appreciate is the ability to turn off the endless spin. I never liked it myself and felt that it was a glitch that became a feature. But this game will at least cater to both sides of the issue. The music is not the exact same as the original Game boy but still hits the right notes.

    The online works fine when you can actually find someone to play with but the local multiplayer is fun and enjoyable as ever for up to 4 people.

    The achievements are relatively easy for a Tetris veteran but still challenging and not impossible for a new comer with some practice. The online achievements of which there are only two will require at least one other boosting partner since the online community is dead at this point.

    It's selling at around $30 new at this point which I still think is a bit high for a 4 year old game. But you can usually find it cheaper if you look around. The price seems to have rebounded a bit over the last year.

    It's hard not recommend Tetris Evolution as it's a game that anyone can play and enjoy. There is a lot there for any level of Tetris player.
    5.0
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