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PsyTris
.: By:
Corn Bread :: Devices
used: iPAQ
H3650,
EM-500
:: November 8, 2001 ::
Buy this game :.
Do we really need another Tetris clone?
This was my initial reaction when I was given
the task to review
PsyTris, having played loads and loads of Tetris back in my NES, Game Boy
and Palm Pilot days. I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the prospect of playing and
reviewing yet another Tetris game. However, to my surprise, I actually enjoyed
playing this game.
By and large,
PsyTris plays pretty much the same as the
original Tetris, but there are a few twists that makes it stand out from
the rest of the Tetris clones. First off, you won't find your typical “play till the
screen is filled with blocks” game mechanics. Instead, the game is spread out
into numerous levels and in order for you to advance to the next level, you
have to meet the required number of lines to be formed.
For example,
on the first level you are only required to form at least 4 lines, then on level
2, you are required to form at least 4 lines. The higher the level you advance
to, the more lines you are required to form and the faster the blocks drop.
Additionally, there will also be a few obstacles laid out in the board when you reach the
higher levels.
There are also 2 levels of difficulty available, Easy and Hard. Plus if you
think you're up to the challenge, there is an Extended mode available for you to
play. What is the Extended mode all about? Well, in this mode, in addition to
the usual blocks that we are all accustomed to, there will be a few more
outrageously shaped blocks thrown into the mix. The variety of blocks will
really throw you off your game. I'll warn you now - the Extended mode is one for the more
advanced players; you’d better polish up your Tetris skills first before trying
it out!
I was surprised by the very slick animation
PsyTris had; it ran very smoothly on both my
iPAQ and Casio
EM-500. The sound
effects are also worth noting - nothing fancy, but I really liked them, and the
way the blocks rotate and drop sound very solid indeed. The high score table
is also a very welcome addition.
I do, however, have a few gripes with this game.
There
was no in-game volume control; the only way to mute the game was to totally mute
the system sounds of your PPC. In addition, there is also no support for stylus enabled
controls, meaning that you can only use the hardware buttons. It would have also been nice if
there was an option to play the normal Tetris version where you simply just form
as many lines as possible until the screen is filled.
I’m sure Tetris fanatics will enjoy this game as
PsyTris
is basically the original Tetris with a few tweaks and variations added. Personally, I’m a little bored
with Tetris clones, but this game was good enough to hold my interest a little,
enough for me to actually play and enjoy it.
PsyTris is available now for MIPS
and ARM Pocket PC only and is sold for $8.00. It can be installed in both main
RAM and storage cards, and takes up 477 KB storage memory.
Pros:
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Same old Tetris, with a twist!
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Good animation and sound effects
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High score board available
Cons:
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PocketGamer.org score: |
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.: Game category:
Tetris Games :: Reviews
Index ::
Buy this game :.
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