Kotaku: Tetris

"Human Tetris" Game Show Comes Stateside

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 21 May 2008 19:00:00 MDT

Remember the Japanese game show that featured a "Human Tetris" challenge? If not, you'll most likely see a local version of Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita soon, as FreeMantle Media is bringing Hole in the Wall just about everywhere. The Hollywood Reporter writes that Fox will be bringing 13 hours of the game show to North American TVs next season, just one of over a dozen international versions of the concept.

The American version will add cash prizes, a potentially more dramatic fall and might switch up the "substance" that losing players fall into. I vote for a tub of slithering eels!

Fox's 'Wall' taking shape [The Hollywood Reporter]

The Horror II: Revenge of Tetris Shoes!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:40:33 MDT

The Year of the Video Game Shoe continues, this time courtesy of Puma who have inflicted two additional Tetris themed kicks on the footwear buying public. While these two are certainly not as horrendous as the Disc Blaze re-issues already released—if only for the fact that that particular shoe is an eyesore by design—the RS100 and First Round EX entries in the Tetris pack are going to more than likely attract the wrong kind of attention.

I'll stick my Nike SB 720s thank you very much, Mr. Puma! In fact, I'm off to Brooklyn Projects to acquire! Have a good weekend.

Puma S/S '08 Tetris Pack [High Snobiety]

C-C-C-Combo Game Breaker!

ogood — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:00:00 MDT

Hey! You got your Pong in my Breakout! You got your arm rasslin' in my Tetris! I swear, the only way to make ~~boring~~ classic video games playable and entertaining in modern times is to rig them to insane controls or pair them with another classic. Here are two.

Earlier this week I found Pongout — which actually has some replay value as you can't accept losing to such a ridiculous concept. And then TechEBlog discovered "Tresling," (left) a version of Tetris played by slamming an arm-wrestling opponent's arm into a controller. I like the video, complete with "Eye of the Tiger," but that was the theme to Stallone's "Rocky III" not his arm-wrestling vehicle "Over the Top" of 1987.

Here's the combo game I want to see: NCAA Hitman 08. As Agent 47, you begin as a top defensive back prospect in high school. Before the big rivalry game, you garrote the other team's star receiver, steal his uniform, line up at his position and nab 6 interceptions for TDs, winning the Heisman in the process.

Pongout [All Games All Free]
Tresling - Tetris and Arm Wrestling [Hacked Gadgets via TechEBlog]

Tetris: The Movie

ogood — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:00:00 MDT

The tagline: "A brother dies. A hero is born. Get in line for adventure. Tetris is here."

Absurd premise. Tortured rendering of gameplay into live action. Wretched over-acting and every cliche known to man. I'm surprised this isn't a real game-to-movie adaptation, and is instead just a pretty slick Black20 sendup.

Tetris - The Movie [Black20, thanks to Piotr]

The Horror: Puma Tetris Shoes

Luke Plunkett — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:00:00 MDT

I spend far too much of my reasonably-hard-earned money on two things. One of them is games. The other, sneakers. Combinations of the two should be a sure thing for me, then, but in this case, no, no it is not. Puma are re-releasing two versions of their old Disc Blaze sneaks in the Spring, only this time, with a Tetris theme. Not, as you'd be forgiven for thinking, an "opening credits of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme.
Puma Disc Blaze 1990s Tetris Pack [Kicksonfire]

Tetris Shelves: Modular Furniture Never Looked So Good

Maggie Greene — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:30:00 MDT

We mentioned one form of Tetris shelves from New York's Brave Space Design a few years ago; but there are several options you may have missed if you saw these beauties way back when. While the regular open work shelves don't have a price listed ('Contact us for a quote!' is rarely a good sign for your wallet), you can get the colorful "flat" set for a mere $1500 per 10 blocks or the lovely bamboo version for $2000 per 10 blocks. Despite the expense and the fact that Tetris-inspired bookshelves would clash horribly with my decor, I think my books would look fabulous nestled in these creative, if pricey, shelving units.

Tetrad Shelving [Brave Space Design]

Tetroid 2012: The Tetris Mash Up That Thinks It's An Experimental Soundtrack

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:40:29 MDT

Their are no lack of options when it comes to Tetris freeware clones, but this one, well it has a pair of worthwhile twists, its psychedelic presentation notwithstanding. Tetroid 2012 plays with the formula by adding other familiar block-busting elements, including an inverted play field that turns the mechanic on its head, switching to Arkanoid/Breakout style play. A fantastic concept. Add to that the soundtrack which features a collection of 21 electronic artists and you'd be a fool to pass up the download. More details and download links at Simon's blog.

Tetroid 2012 - DemoNetLabelArkaTetris Weirdness Alert! [GameSetWatch]

Hudson Bringing Tetris to WiiWare

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 22:00:32 MDT

This summer, Hudson's bringing Tetris to WiiWare. Hudson's hooked up with Tetris Online to make the worldwide online WiiWare version possible, complete with up-to-six players. The game will also have Wii-mote specific controls as well, apparently. Hudson's hoping that the game is a smash — to the tune of a million downloads. Yeah, we can see that, no problem.

Tetris Skirt Makes Me Resent My Penis

Mark Wilson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:20:09 MST

Needless to say, men have it pretty good as far as general anatomical conveniences are concerned. But the trade-off of social stigmas regarding dress-wearing are starting to chafe now that we've found this Tetris skirt that goes for a mere $45 on Etsy. We recommend you find a girlfriend, relocate to Scotland, crush our post-Puritan social norms or, in the rare case that you are a actually a female who hasn't felt too ostracized by this post to stop reading by now, buy the skirt for yourself.

Tetris skirt, size medium or large [Etsy via SpriteStitch]

Tetris On Oscilloscope Is Quaint, Fantastic

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:30:00 MST

Quake II on a DS? Eh, it's OK. I guess. It'd be better on an oscilloscope. Tetris sure is. Best part is that, because you can't exactly port stuff over onto the machine, the blocks are all hand-drawn, and as a bonus the whole thing even refreshes at 100hz.
[thanks Kdawg!]

Gamasutra Catches Up With Alexey Pajitnov

fdemarco — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:00:00 MST

Gamasutra has a great article up right now in which they pay a call on gaming pioneer Alexey Pajitnov. For the uninformed, Pajitnov is the creator of a a little game called Tetris. They caught up with him at the GameCity conference in Nottingham, England before a viewing of the documentary Tetris: From Russia With Love to discuss his views on such subjects as the casual gaming scene (including Katamari Damacy), his new projects and the history of Tetris. It's some terrific weekend reading if you have some free time if only to hear the perspective of a true old school gamer on the modern gaming scene. Also, if you have never seen one of the several documentaries that follow the long arduous history of one of the most addicting games ever made, do yourself a favor and check one out. It's an amazing story filled with more drama and intrigue than most soap operas.

Catching Up Casually: A Chat With Alexey Pajitnov [Gamasutra]

Hey, Look, It's Another Threadless Video Game Shirt

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:30:19 MST

The design community at Threadless has approved yet another video game themed design, this one based on classic block dropper Tetris. Actually, it could very well be based on Technos' Block Out, a three dimensional take on the genre that was a personal favorite during my arcade employment duties. Anyway, back on topic, the design "I Hate Packing" is ready for your buying pleasure with Threadless listing all sizes as having "plenty in stock." It's cute, as are all things Threadless.

I Hate Packing [Threadless - thanks, Greg!]

Human Tetris With Bikini Girls

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:00:01 MST

Once upon a time, a Japanese variety program created a "human Tetris" skit. It was funny. We laughed. Then a bunch of people ripped it off! They weren't funny. We didn't laugh. (In case you missed it, here are the lame Big Brother and Nadie es Perfecto versions.) Then somebody, we don't know who, decided what "human Tetris" was missing was women in skimpy bathing suits. Whatever! Not funny, no laughing!! The original is still way better, and the above clip is sort of NSFW.

Bikini Girl [Zaeega via Japan Probe]

Finally, Tetris On A (Fake) Watch

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:40:22 MST

The good news about this watch, with Tetris built-in, is that it looks just as playable as its Pong-playing counterpart. The bad news? They don't exist. These Nixon branded concept watches were knocked up by French product designer Lysandre Follet and are shown animated form at the link below. Music is included for maximum authenticity.

Tetris Forever [via Gizmodo]

UC Berkeley Band Subjects Sports Fans To Game Music

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:40:00 MST

The best part about opting for a video game themed halftime show is that it's going to be performed by band nerds. These kids probably know "Yoshi's Theme" better than any other cross section on campus. The above performance, from the recent UC Berkeley versus Washington State football contest features tunes and bitmap band formations from Tetris, Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Mortal Kombat and more. They seem to get a little winded at parts, understandably, but it's a solid performance nonetheless.

Thanks to Christopher at the official Capcom blog for the link.

All Hail the Mighty L-Block

fdemarco — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:00:00 MST

Last week I posted a little filler article about GameFaqs' character battle and how the Tetris L-block was currently ahead of the competition. I had no idea my humble article would create such a reaction, but it did and due to the overwhelming response on GameFaqs, The L-block not only won the semi finals last week, but went on to be the big winner overall beating out such mainstays as Link and Cloud. It is a fine world we live in when an inanimate block can come out on top of a whole pile of humanoid heroes. Congratulations L-Block, today you are a man.. err, block.

Tetris "L-Block" Trounces The Competition

fdemarco — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 13:00:00 MDT

I usually don't pay too close attention to online polls, but when Kotakuite hero.of.time sent in this one I had to give a chuckle. Gamefaqs is currently running the sixth in a series of Character Battle polls wherein readers vote between four characters on who would win in a fight. After narrowing it down from a list that included the likes of Samus, Mega Man, Ryu, Sephiroth and other top contenders, only four characters will remain in the final battle. The final semi-final battle is on now and in a battle between a Tetris L-block, Solid Snake, Master Chief and Dante, the L-block is slamming the competition with a whopping 32,953 votes followed by Solid Snake with 24,497 votes. The two top characters in this battle will go on to the finals and currently Link and Cloud are in the winner's circle awaiting their two remaining competitors. Will the L-block reign supreme? Cast your vote and decide. Is it ridiculous? Of course, but it's Saturday and news is slow. So, sue me.

Character Battle VI [GameFaqs]

Tetris Creator IS Getting Paid

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:00:26 MDT

Here's how the story goes: Dude creates Tetris, dude gets no royalties. Poor, poor dude. WRONG! Creator Alexey Pajitnov tells GameSpot:

...first of all, it's not true, because originally I granted my rights to Tetris to my Computer Center, to my organization, for 10 years. And when those 10 years expired, I got my rights back. And since 1996, I've been receiving some royalties for it. And I'm pretty happy with what I'm getting now. And I never complain about those 10 years, either... In order to fight for my rights for the rest of my life, I decided to give it up for a while and make it happen. This decision should be done before people realize what we've given them.

So, Alexey has been rolling in royalties since '96? Don't feel so bad for him. Elsewhere in the Q&A, he talks about how he's not a great Tetris player and being "really angry" at the Bejeweled creators. All that and more in the link below.
Tetris Interview [GameSport]
Alexey Pajitnov [flickr]

Play Tetris With... Your Car

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:20:03 MDT

We're running out of new creative ways to play Tetris, thanks to the Park To Play project from Thijs Eerens, Michiel Waaijer and Joey van Dijk. It couldn't be more straightforward. You use your little European car as a joystick, aligning a never ending torrent of shapes with the steering wheel, or growing tired of the ages old game and moving on to other car-controlled titles like Space Invaders, Pong or Flatout. Clip via Make.

The Tetris Cart Clock

fdemarco — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 11:00:00 MDT

I love Etsy. They always come through with some of the greatest home made gaming crafts. This little Tetris cart clock sold for a measly $18, but if you have a little time and knowhow, you could easily make one yourself. All you need is an old Nintendo cart, a drill, some inexpensive clockworks (available at almost any store with craft supplies), a plastic stand and some glue. I've actually made a few clocks in my time (just ask any of my friends about Christmas 2002) and they are incredibly easy and cheap to put together and the results are always great. Try it, you may like it.

[via Wonderland]

Tetris Splash Dives Onto XBLA This Wednesday

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:40:39 MDT

Love Tetris? Love water? Then you're going to love Tetris Splash, the Xbox Live Arcade update to the twenty-two year old block-dropping puzzler that features classic Tetris gameplay... but underwater. Tetris Splash features online multiplayer support for six players and loads of "beautiful aquatic backscapes."

Worth the 800 Microsoft Points? Totally. You had me at "beautiful aquatic backscapes", gentlemen.

Invisible Tetris

Brian Crecente — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:00:15 MDT

We received a couple of tips about this insane Tetris video, all pointing us back to NeoGaf. Check out, in particular, the last minute or so, when the game goes invisible. Insane.

Invisible Tetris [Neo Gaf]

What About Plug-and-Play Tetris?

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 02:00:37 MDT

Just look at those Tetris plug 'n' play controllers. Blue and pink! So great. Dubbed Minna no Tetris (a nod to Minna no Golf — AKA "Hot Shots Golf"), the game features 11 different modes. They include stuff like "Relaxation" (the blocks move slow) and "Easy" (giant blocks drop). Exciting! The makers of the game point out that some Japanese professor discovered that playing Tetris for three minutes activates the brain's frontal lobe. No doubt other findings show playing Minna no Tetris on "Relaxation" or "Easy" makes you dumb. Really fucking dumb.
Minna no Tetris [Epoch via Plastic Bamboo]

More Human Tetris Rip-Offage!

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:00:33 MDT

Too bad they didn't copyright it. That hilarious Japanese of human Tetris was once again copied and once again made unfunny. Previously, Big Brother ripped off the concept, turning what was exactly a humorous mini-game into meh. Now, it's Spanish-language show Nadie es Perfecto, which features contestants in silver body sheets and bicycle helmets. Odd! Contestants simple step through the shapes or bust apart the styrofoam. They don't even attempt real human Tetris. Everything that was good, pure and just about the original was sucked out for this hollow artifice. It's so bad that there's audience booing! One portly gentleman does take one for the team and falls into ankle deep water.

Hit the jump for the portly gentleman's pratfall and thank him for taking one for the team.

Human Tetris [TetrisConcept, Thanks Nicholas!]

The Big Brother Human Tetris Unfunny Rip-off

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 03:00:29 MDT

Originality is hard. Copying stuff is way, way easier. Australia's Big Brother rips off a "human Tetris" skit from Japanese TV. They don't kinda rip it off, they really rip it off! Good thing people in Australia don't watch Japanese television; too bad some still watch Big Brother, though. The only part that Big Brother doesn't swipe from the Japanese original is the bit about the skit being funny and all.
Get in Shape [Big Brother via Japan Probe]

Puzzle Quest Coming To PS3, Mac, Too

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:20:20 MDT

D3Publisher and Infinite Interactive's sleeper hit Puzzle Quest is well on its way to becoming the biggest whored out title in 2007, as listing for the game's PLAYSTATION 3 and Macintosh ports have appeared in the ESRB ratings database. The game is already available for the Nintendo DS and PSP, with PlayStation 2, PC, Wii, and Xbox Live Arcade versions planned. This is still unconfirmed, but I've heard rumors that the PS3 version of Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords will run at 1080p and 60 frames per second, with the Mac version sporting maximum smugness while retaining a cool yet casual demeanor.

ESRB Game Ratings

The Tetris Cake

fdemarco — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 10:00:00 MDT

Kotakuite Ismet send in this snapshot from his friend's wedding in Singapore. The guy was such a huge Tetris fan, he actually bought a DS for the sole purpose of playing the new Tetris game. So, his sister and friends got together and had this Tetris cake for put together for his wedding. Apparently, the loose tetriminos you see on various parts of the cake actually had places to be inserted and the groom was required to "solve the puzzle" before finally cutting and distributing the cake. A truely fantastic tetris cake for a truly obsessive Tetris fan.

Nightsnack Gets a Tetris Cake [GameAxis]

Tetris Invades Family Guy

Brian Crecente — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 11:00:55 MDT

Family Guy-Tetris - Watch a funny movie here
My wife says that my laugh sometimes sounds like a hyena. Last night when I saw this, I definitely sounded like one.

The 8 Most Whored Out Games

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 18:40:43 MDT

Some call Tetris a timeless classic. 1UP calls it one of the most whored out games of all time. The industry's other biggest gaming sluts? Ms. Pac-Man, John Madden, and the Prince of Persia—they've all tramped around with just about every gaming platform known to man over their respective histories.

While Pac-Man's 24 platform partners over the course of 27 years may not seem like a lot to some, Ms. Pac-Man's list of 25 will probably draw some sour looks. An unfair double standard? Not my call, but from what I hear, playing a few mazes is like throwing a hot dog down a hallway at this point.

The game with the loosest platform morals? Tetris with an astounding 39 platforms. That doesn't even count the lighting grids on office buildings. Wash thoroughly after playing. And always use protection, okay? Michael McWhertor

Platform Agnostics [1UP]

Super Mario Bros. Theme By Tesla (Coils)

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:40:29 MDT

Who knew that Tesla coils could produce music? Answer: not me. This two man electrical band is capable of regurgitating blippy NES era music not only from Super Mario Bros. but Tetris and Gargoyle's Quest as well. While some may charge The Geek Group with overstaying their YouTube welcome with a shocking number of videos of similar tunes, I found the whole thing very en-lightning. I think I'm suffering from a pun overdose. Gonna go throw up now.

Thanks for the heads up, Scott. Michael McWhertor

Tetris With Real People Shapes

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 03:00:56 MDT

In real Tetris, blocks often must be rotated to fit in open slots. This Japanese variety show takes that one step further: not fitting in the available space means getting drenched in water. Here contestants like small-framed singer/actor Eiji Wentz and gianormous Korean-born K1 fighter Choi Hong-man try their best to squeeze into crazy shapes. Hilarity ensues. Brian Ashcraft

Tetris Game [Insert Credit]

Tetris Fridge Magnets

Brian Crecente — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 08:02:15 MDT

These are the sorts of things that would have me hanging about the refrigerator half the morning obsessing about, trying to figure out how to both keep the pictures and other of life's jetsam stuck to the fridge while simultaneously clearing lines. Keep those devil magnets away from me. Brian Crecente

Tetrius Magnet Set [ZeStuff, via BoingBoing]

This Trion Cube Puzzle Game Is Kinda Like...

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 22:00:49 MDT

It's inevitable. Make a puzzle game, and you're bound to be compared to Tetris. Namco's Trion Cube for the DS doesn't just have players clear lines, but build combos by forming 3x3 squares on a grid. Sounds different enough from Tetris. Still, let's compare! Kouji Asuna,the game's designer, points out:

Having Trion Cube compared to Tetris is rather honourable considering its place in history of the puzzle game genre. However, Trion Cube has its own unique features not seen in Tetris, so I hope many players will be able to get their hands on the game to experience the differences themselves.

Hmmm... What about Lumines? That's a puzzle game. Trion Cube is a puzzle game. Asuna continues, probably with a big SIGH:

It can be said that inspirations has come from all the puzzle games available to date. Since I tend to play a lot of overseas titles as well, I have been inspired by both Japanese and non Japanese titles.

Come back tomorrow when every single FPS is compared to Wolfenstein 3D and DOOM! Brian Ashcraft

Asuna Talks Trion Cube [Spong]

Build These Tetris Shelves

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 31 May 2007 03:00:13 MDT

All the DIY Tetris crap you can handle! Earlier, we posted some Tetris ice cubes. And to go with those cubes, we bring you this: a Tetris shelf. You can do more than look at this, because there are even instructions for you to build it. How helpful! Brian Ashcraft

Tetris Shelves [The BBPS]

Tetris Ice Cubes

Kim Phu — Wed, 30 May 2007 11:40:00 MDT

Granted, you have to plan a barbecue at least a month in advance to make enough ice cubes to truly make enough ice blocks to give it a Tetris feeling (and who knows how much time to make the mold), it doesn't mean this Instructable is impossible to make for anyone who has a little time and patience. The step-by-step goes through the process of building a unique silicone Tetris mold that you can then put water in and freeze. Regular store-bought food dye gives the block its color, but I can't imagine what happens when it melts in your drink and gets all over your lips. You'd probably look like you've been sucking on Otter Pops all day. Kim Phu

How to make Tetris ice cubes! [Instructables]

Planet Puzzle League Impressions

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 24 May 2007 22:40:50 MDT

Planet Puzzle League for the Nintendo DS is the stylus-controlled version of the classic Nintendo game which has been released under a wide variety of names—Tetris Attack, Panel de Pon, Pokemon Puzzle League—while retaining the same, some say perfect gameplay. Planet Puzzle League adds touchscreen controls to the colored block-arranging fun and takes the game online via the Wi-Fi Connection service. It also adds voice chat for online games, with Friend Codes required to keep the kids safe.

It's hard to slight Planet Puzzle League in the gameplay department. It plays just as well as its predecessors, with touchscreen controls adapting easily to the formula. The only possible negatives are that it's yet another Panel de Pon/Puzzle League game and the it suffers slightly from the newest trend in puzzle gaming, brightly colored, sometimes distracting Lumines-style skins. Neither of those complaints should keep fans of the series or rookies from picking it up. Michael McWhertor

Video Review: Tetris Tower 3D

Brian Crecente — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:00:29 MDT

I just received Tetris Tower 3D in the mail from Firebox.

The game plays a bit like Connect Four meets Tetris. It's evil, but I kinda like it. The object of the game is to try and get a solid line across to score a point. The game both tells you which piece you need to drop and how much time you have left.

The thing that makes it evil is that you quickly shift from trying to make solid lines to totally screwing over your opponent after you get in the lead. That and you can't tuck falling pieces under overhangs, which really messes with your mind if you're a long-time Tetris player.

I probably would buy something like this just for the kitsch, value so the fun gameplay is an added bonus. My only complaints are that the game doesn't have an off switch or a way to crank up the volume. Oh, and $50 seems a bit excessive.

Check out the video on the jump to see the game in action. Yes, I totally pwned my 5-year-old son. Brian Crecente

Tetris 3D [Firebox]

Game Similes To Describe Your Relationship

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:02 MDT

Brandon Sheffield over at Insert Credit points to a delightful post by Mathew Kumar (pictured happy dude) and his lady friend that lists 52 game similes to describe your relationship. Just dive right in and take a look at some stand outs:

Our relationship is like...
4. Tetris. Shit keeps piling up.

7. Red Steel. I'm just waving my hands in the air and nothing is happening.

31. Ico. You're completely helpless, and I'm sick of dragging you around everywhere.

27. Kirby's Dream Land. No matter how hard I suck, I can't get you all in my mouth.

42. Oregon Trail. It's dying of dysentery.

The whole list is clever and cute as hell. Swing by, take a peek. Brian Ashcraft

The Rest [Mathew Kumar via Insert Credit]

Panel De Pon DS Details Divulged

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 20:20:15 MDT

Wow, where was I? I must have missed the inclusion of the awesome Panel de Pon as a DS release back in February when the preliminary Nintendo release schedule for 2007 hit. My eyes lit up when I saw that Impress Game Watch had new details and screen shots of Intelligent Systems' puzzle game due to hit April 20th in Japan.

For those unfamiliar, Panel de Pon has come to the West as Tetris Attack for the Super Nintendo and Pokemon Puzzle League for the Nintendo 64. A Game Boy Advance cart featuring Puzzle League and Dr. Mario was released in 2005 as well.

The DS release looks to trump them all with stylus control, wi-fi multiplayer for four, and different puzzle themes. Oh God, I'm pre-ordering right now! Michael McWhertor

Panel De Pon DS [Impress Game Watch]

Tetris Multiplayer Hits Cell Phones

Brian Crecente — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:00:00 MDT

Now this is a mobile game I'd actually want to buy.

Electronic Arts just announced that their version of Tetris for the cellphone will support real-time multiplayer gaming regardless of location of carrier network.

The game will also feature player-matching and chat.

"The great advantage of the mobile platform is its ability to connect people. These games are designed to make use of the mobile phone's inherent internet connectivity and ensure that a heated competition is never more than a few buttons away," said Michael Marchetti, senior vice president and general manager of EA Mobile. "We are committed to building the largest mobile gaming community, and we believe that multiplayer versions of the most popular mobile games of all time will move us closer to that goal."

Playing against another gamer in this flavor of Tetris comes with two modes. In Ultra you race to see who can clear the most lines in two minutes. In Forty Line the first to clear 40 lines wins.

I think this speaks volumes for what Electronic Arts could bring the world of mobile gaming. I sure hope they keep it up and don't slip into mass producing derivative crap like some mobile game makers. Brian Crecente