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Tetris DS

EMAIL PRINT ds

9.3 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 56 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 17 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo

Genre(s): Puzzle

Players: 10

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: March 20, 2006

Summary

10 DS players can battle with only one Tetris DS card. Each of the six modes of play features a theme based on a classic Nintendo game, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda or Metroid. The traditional Tetriminos (falling blocks) and line-clearing strategy remain the staples of the game, but the touch screen adds a new element of interactivity. Some modes give players special Tetris puzzles to solve. Others feature head-to-head action between two players, or massive wireless battles between 10 DS users, even if only one player has a game card. Players also can log onto Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to compete in two- or four-player battles. Tetris DS even includes a point-based rating system based on players' battle results. Opponents can see one another's ratings, which indicate their skill levels. Every gamer, whether competitive or casual, will find a way to reconnect with one of the most popular puzzle games in history. Look for more details about the new game play modes on Nintendo.com in the weeks leading up to the game's release. [Nintendo.com]

Cheat Codes & Hints: GameSpot Hints & Cheats

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

GamePro

Aside from an unresponsive touchscreen issue every now and then, Tetris DS is an amazing puzzle package, and is easily one of the best DS games to date - a perfect partner for the upcoming DS Lite.

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100

AceGamez

The game simply rocks and in my opinion this is the best puzzle game money can currently buy.

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eToychest

A must own title for the Nintendo DS. The combination of classic puzzling, new twists on the Tetris theme, seamless and lag-free online play, and classic Nintendo touches (including a nice collection of remixed NES tunes), makes Tetris DS a keeper.

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Nintendo Power

You may not love all of it, but you will love much of it, because it offers a whole lot more to love than "Tetris" did back in '89. [May 2006, p.90]

VGPub

Tetris DS has online play, loving tributes to classics of the past, and the best music of any Tetris game yet. It’s a treat for dedicated Nintendo and Tetris fans alike.

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Nintendo Insider

Tetris is a classic game that has never been topped, and Tetris DS continues that proud tradition.

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Console Gameworld

Tetris games have come and gone over the years, but Tetris DS is one version that easily deserves to be in every Nintendo DS owner’s library. Aside from being another Tetris game, there’s no real downside that can be identified in this game. It’s an almost-flawless application of the Tetris idea, successfully combining what we’ve all enjoyed about the game over the years with some new ideas… and it comes highly recommended.

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Gamer 2.0

Tetris may not push new boundaries or explore the violent side of Wifi competition, but who needs a plasma gun for fragging when armed with a four-long Tetrimino?

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My Gamer

The new modes combined with intense multiplayer options (single card, multi card, and WiFi) will literally have any fan foaming at the mouth.

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Game Informer

I can't think of a better way to kill a long plane ride, and I expect lapsed Tetris fans who've migrated to other puzzle games will be making their way back into the fold after playing this excellent reinvention of one of gaming's greatest titles. [Apr 2006, p.134]

Gaming Target

With all of the classic NES sights and sounds, Tetris DS looks and sounds better than practically any game of Tetris before it (but I still miss the Russian feel).

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GameShark

Just a very playable version of Tetris on your DS. The additional modes are fun for a little while, but I still found myself drawn back the standard mode that started it all.

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Gaming Age

With six different modes of play and plenty of multiplayer options the replay value of Tetris DS is through the roof.

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NintendoWorldReport

It’s simple enough that anyone can pick it up and get a game going by himself within seconds, yet it’s sophisticated enough that all of your friends can join in on the fun.

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IGN

You haven't lived until you've played ten player Tetris complete with rotation-freezing lightning bolts and piece-shifting banana peels flying between the systems. And the addition of internet play, while nothing new to PC Netris gamers, is a fantastic option, even if it's just a little minimalist in options.

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GameSpy

Tetris DS does a remarkable job of reminding us why Tetris was so great in the first place, and it gives us tons of extra reasons to love it as well.

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WHAM! Gaming

Even if you only have a slightest casual interest in the greatest puzzle video game ever made, the stack of gameplay modes and the introduction of online play are completely reason enough to warrant purchase.

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1UP

But at heart, it's simply Tetris, on the go, with online multiplayer and a highly polished presentation. And that makes it a must-have for anyone with a DS.

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Play Magazine

While they could easily have made a straightforward Tetris port for the system, Nintendo instead chose to really go all out for this one, especially in building the one-player portion of the game. [Apr 2006, p.96]

N-Europe

It's the Tetris that defined the handheld generation over two decades ago, resurrected and remade better than ever. The definitive version and will most likely remain so for another twenty years.

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netjak

I’m no expert, but I’m sure that Tetris improves children’s spatial skills or something. Getting a game together on wifi can be a pain, and most people will have a mode or two that they can’t stand, but overall, it’s nice to see how well Tetris has aged.

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GameZone

Tetris DS is the reason puzzle game fans will once again dream of falling boxes and it’s the reason it will seem like your Nintendo DS has been glued to your hands.

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AtomicGamer

The themed levels are fun, the new game modes add a lot to an already complete franchise and the multiplayer mode is one of the best I've ever seen in a puzzle game.

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Gamestyle

The classic single player and the revolutionary multiplayer makes this a great little package.

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Thunderbolt

Tetris DS does what Tetris has always done: delivers an addictive, simple, and challenging game that anyone can enjoy and Tetris DS also does it with a few new bells and whistles that give you even more than you need to enjoy it.

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NGC Magazine UK

If you're one of the many who rarely got to play multiplayer "Tetris," you'll love this. It's a thing of beauty. [May 2006, p.52]

GameBrink

A few things may shock people as being non-tetris, but these days nothing can be non-tetris as Tetris lives in all of us.

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Digital Entertainment News

Not a perfect version of Tetris by far, but still a good one, and the online play should be enough of a selling point for anyone who's a fan of the game.

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Games Master UK

Tetris DS is great, then, of that there is no doubt. Still, it just may be the nostalgia, but we can't help but feel the freshness of the original GameBoy version in 1989 will never be topped. [June 2006, p.62]

Extreme Gamer

There are plenty of game modes which are supported over Wi-Fi multiplayer that should keep you hooked for a long as you can last.

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PALGN

A wonderful package. It’s got plenty of modes and a superb online/multiplayer setup, and is all nicely coated with a vast selection of memorable Nintendo visuals and melodies. Tetris purists may not welcome the new changes, but they only really serve to make the game different, not necessarily worse.

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Nintendojo

In the end, it's still Tetris, and the enjoyment to be had with the DS version will ultimately boil down to the amount of fondess for the original game.

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Computer and Video Games

Ultimately, Standard Tetris is still the best of the bunch on offer here. However, with all the high-quality additions and strong multiplayer options, Tetris DS offers serious value for money.

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Da Gameboyz

A great update to very long running classic puzzle game.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

Worth playing for: That fateful moment when you realize falling Tetriminos are emblazoned on the insides of your eyelids. Real gamers play Tetris while they blink.

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Armchair Empire

Puzzle fans should be all over this – besides the classic Tetris there are enough variations to keep the challenge consistent.

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Eurogamer

Not only is it quite cheap and full of play options, it offers something more than any previous Tetris game in its ten-player mode.

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games(TM)

Tetris is an excellent puzzle game and, especially if you’re into the Nintendo presentation, it’s a very good value, well-constructed title. [May 2006, p.127]

G4 TV

It was hard to get excited about another version of Tetris, but with the new play modes, and the excellent multiplayer capabilities of the DS, Nintendo has indeed taught an old dog some new tricks.

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Games Radar (in-house)

There's hours upon infinite hours to be spent clearing blocks all over again - just like we did with the original Game Boy 15 years ago.

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Deeko

A more fleshed out online mode would have put this game right next to the original version.

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Yahoo! Games

Wickedly addictive -- just like the original -- and the wifi element works extremely well. It's an irresistible package, and a win for puzzle fans.

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Modojo

I'm extremely impressed with the amount of care and attention that went into creating such a robust single and multiplayer package. It is a must-own for gamers even remotely interested in puzzle gaming.

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GamerFeed

Tetris DS is a monster of a game, filled with more features and modes and options than any previous Tetris iteration.

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Pelit (Finland)

Tetris DS jam-packs every conceivable Tetris game mode into one package. Some, like Catch, are unnecessary. The retro pixel graphics and the beeping soundscape will not appeal to everyone. The multiplayer features are great fun. [June 2006]

Total Video Games

Whilst not as compelling as the main 'Standard' mode, the other five gametypes do at the very least add a certain level of variety to proceedings though they are far from being the main focus of the game. Shame it doesn't come free with the DS really.

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Electronic Gaming Monthly

If it weren't for the local multiplayer, this repackaging would seem almost pointless. But getting 10 people in a room all going crazy with items (Mario Kart-style zingers you throw at your opponents) is truly fun.

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N-Insanity

I suppose the best part of this game is the fact that it’s the first Tetris game in years that doesn’t suck, which unfortunately, is actually an accomplishment.

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GameSpot

It's a much better version of Tetris than other recent incarnations, but it's still saddled with some unfortunate compromises.

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Cheat Code Central

I could honestly say that this game will give you a mental workout that could ultimately make you a better Tetris player - but that requires work and dedication - two words that are not synonymous with fun.

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GameBiz

Tetris DS failed to wow me. A lacklustre online service, and only one or two new modes worth playing just don't add up to a DS game's worth of value for me, especially since I can play Quinn on my Mac with the same rules for free.

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Edge Magazine

Tetris DS should celebrate the game, but instead feels hollow with its shortfall of rewards and bonuses. [May 2006, p.97]

Sydney Morning Herald

The best addition is multiplayer action. Up to 10 nearby mates can battle wirelessly and faraway foes can be challenged online. But purists might consider changes such as a hold box for troublesome pieces, previews of the next six blocks and infinite spins to be far less welcome.

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Game Revolution

Tetris DS scores its biggest points for doing so many things with a pretty small number of shapes. Though most of the new modes are novelties, the nice variety coupled with great LAN play makes this some solid methadone.

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Computer Games Magazine

Once you've seen the new tricks, Tetris is still just Tetris. [Jun 2006, p.92]

Times Online

A little too retro to be anything other than a game to play in short bursts, this new-look Tetris would be just the thing for a short journey.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 17 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jon H gave it a9:
You can play tetris with no new fancy features or anything that would ruin it and that right there makes it awesome. What makes it better is that you can play many new modes that would easily keep you busy for hours. I just wish that you could choose themes instead of just using the classic NES themed music and backgrounds. Best game ever if you need to kill some time at the dentist office or on a plane because it is addictive like drugs.

Evan B. gave it a10:
This game is fantastic! Honestly, this game has been in my DS more than any other game over the past 2 years, and I have over 25 games in my collection! My wife and I love to play it while we're waiting in the movie theater. It has fantastic multiplayer replay value! Not just a rent - make sure you buy this one!

Jeff C. gave it a10:
Loved this game on SNES, as good if not better AND portable!

Carlos D. gave it a10:
So what if it's not completely like the original Tetris, with a few tricks to make it easier? This is probably the best Tetris game since the original. Not to mention how much fun it is to play online against real people. This and Meteos are the two of the best puzzle games money can buy right now. I've played Tetris DS an average of an hour a day since I got it for Christmas a few months ago, but I still never tire of it, even just the classic mode.

Rob P. gave it a9:
This game is great! Especially the wireless online play. Nintendo WFC can get two players matched up fairly quickly, depending on the time of day. The only problem with match ups is when you begin for the first time, you often face opponents that are much better than you, and it is difficult to win. The touch tetris mode is entertaining as well as difficult, as is the other puzzle modes. Altogether Tetris DS is a very solid game and should be included in any great gaming library.

[Anonymous] gave it a9:
Tetris DS has everything you expect from a Nintendo-released Tetris. The new modes are novel, but only the Push and Mission modes provide any long-term satisfaction. If the game has two flaws, they're not with the game itself. First, there's no ability to associate records with users (like on the old GBC version). Second, Nintendo priced it at a full $35; Tetris is 20 years old; many still have a NES, SNES, or GB version that still gets an occasional play...$25 is a more appropriate price given the rather limited new content (including online multiplayer).

T money gave it a9:
Just awesome. Touch screen puzzles are fun variation but this is ALL about WIFI... a MUST HAVE for the DS, even if you think tetris is boring. It's not.

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Tetris DS

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