Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MIT students hack electric grid, play Tetris on the side of a damn building]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/mit-students-hack-electric-grid-play-tetris-on-the-side-of-a-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/mit-students-hack-electric-grid-play-tetris-on-the-side-of-a-da/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/mit-students-hack-electric-grid-play-tetris-on-the-side-of-a-da/#comments Image
What would it be like to play Tetris on an entire damn building? Students using MIT's department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Science building found out just that last Friday. See what they hacked just below in our gallery, and a new video just above.

Continue reading MIT students hack electric grid, play Tetris on the side of a damn building

JoystiqMIT students hack electric grid, play Tetris on the side of a damn building originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackershackinghacksmassachusetts-institute-of-technologymittetrisWed, 25 Apr 2012 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN's best selling games of 2011 list dominated by games not from 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psns-best-selling-games-of-2011-list-dominated-by-games-not-fro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psns-best-selling-games-of-2011-list-dominated-by-games-not-fro/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/psns-best-selling-games-of-2011-list-dominated-by-games-not-fro/#comments We're practically knee deep in 2012 at this point, and yet 2011 still refuses to give up the limelight, dropping financial data and sales reports on its way out the door in a desperate final attempt at relevance. So here we are, with a list of 2011's top sellers on the PlayStation Network ... and we've got two lists dominated by one game from 1985, and one from 2010.

Speaking only in terms of full games, not "paid downloads" (like DLC packs for Black Ops) and PS Minis, the list is a hodgepodge of nostalgia-fueled favorites from yesteryear (like Tetris in its curiously lofty number one spot), and digitally distributed future-classics like Castle Crashers and Limbo, which ranked in at six and seven respectively. There's on important thread tying those together: none of those games launched in 2011.

When all digital sales are taken into account, however, the list becomes an entirely different beast, and the only actual game present within the top 10 is Angry Birds, of all things (a PS Mini). In fact, the three best-selling anythings on the PlayStation Network in 2011 were Black Ops DLC packs, followed closely by a cavalcade of FIFA Soccer 12 and MLB 11 sundries. At least the DLC came out in 2011! Hop past the break for the full breakdown of both lists, care of Game Informer.

Continue reading PSN's best selling games of 2011 list dominated by games not from 2011

JoystiqPSN's best selling games of 2011 list dominated by games not from 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011back-to-the-futureback-to-the-future-gamesBattlefield-1943castle-crashersdungeon-hunter-allianceinfamous-2-festival-of-bloodLimbomagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkersmagic-the-gathering-duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012Mortal-Kombat-Arcade-Kollectionplaystationps3PSNResident-evil-4TetrisTue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force, Tetris [update: Swapnote]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/nintendoware-weekly-mighty-switch-force-tetris/#comments Sure, you can download Tetris just about anywhere these days, but you couldn't download Game Boy Tetris. Today, the Game Boy's killer app arrives on the 3DS eShop, nostalgic music and all. It's accompanied by a much less familiar game: WayForward's brand new Mighty Switch Force. So, it's kind of an excellent day for the eShop!

Meanwhile, amateur chiptuners can try out a new music program on DSiWare designed for arranging retro-style music.

Gallery: Mighty Switch Force (3DS eShop)



Update: Despite not mentioning it this morning, Nintendo also released the drawing/messaging app Swapnote for 3DS. That's free on the eShop right now!

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force, Tetris [update: Swapnote]

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Mighty Switch Force, Tetris [update: Swapnote] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dschronicles-of-vampires-originsdoodle-fitdsgnomzmighty-switch-forcenintendonintendoware-weeklyrytmik-retrobitssoccer-uptetriswiiThu, 22 Dec 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EA relaunches Tetris on iOS with a $30/year subscription (really)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-relaunches-tetris-on-ios-with-a-30-year-subscription-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-relaunches-tetris-on-ios-with-a-30-year-subscription-really/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/ea-relaunches-tetris-on-ios-with-a-30-year-subscription-really/#comments Tetris EA has launched a new version of Tetris for iOS. The new iteration packs in new features, including a power-up laden "Galaxy Mode" and a "Marathon One Touch Mode" that has been "specially designed for touch screen gameplay." Perhaps the most interesting addition is the ability to subscribe to the "T-Club," which offers "exclusive access to new mobile challenges and content."

Users can snag a one month membership for $2.99 or, if you really, really like paying for Tetris, you can drop $30 for a full year. The actual game, incidentally, is $0.99. From the looks of things, it entirely replaces the version of Tetris that was already available on iOS.

Continue reading EA relaunches Tetris on iOS with a $30/year subscription (really)

JoystiqEA relaunches Tetris on iOS with a $30/year subscription (really) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsiosipadiphonemobiletetrisFri, 02 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bastion narrator takes a hilarious journey through other games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bastion-narrator-takes-a-hilarious-journey-through-other-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bastion-narrator-takes-a-hilarious-journey-through-other-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/bastion-narrator-takes-a-hilarious-journey-through-other-games/#comments
What happens when Bastion's ever-present contextual narrator lands in some of gaming's most famous titles? Pure hilarity, as seen in the Dorkly-crafted video above.

JoystiqBastion narrator takes a hilarious journey through other games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bastiondorklyguitar-heroparodySuper-Mario-Bros-NESsuper-smash-bros-brawlsupergiantsupergiant-gamestetrisThu, 03 Nov 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive Minecraft Game Boy plays Tetris (almost)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/massive-minecraft-game-boy-plays-tetris-almost/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/massive-minecraft-game-boy-plays-tetris-almost/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/25/massive-minecraft-game-boy-plays-tetris-almost/#comments
We've seen our fair share of huge Minecraft constructions in the past, and we figured that by now, our jaded hearts would have lost the ability to feel the kind of awe and amazement imbued by truly impressive builds. Thankfully, Minecraft community MinecraftA2Z is here to show us just how wrong we are, by way of their terrifically huge Game Boy reconstruction.

While the Game Boy doesn't actually function, the team did create entire screens out of blocks for use as a stop-motion animation, which to us seems even more time consuming impressive. Hop past the break for another video detailing the enormous handheld's dimensions and specs.

Continue reading Massive Minecraft Game Boy plays Tetris (almost)

JoystiqMassive Minecraft Game Boy plays Tetris (almost) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-boygameboyMinecraftminecraft-gameboyminecraft-tetrisMojang-SpecificationspctetrisSun, 25 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Man uses Tetris to create Luigi, awe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/man-uses-tetris-to-create-luigi-awe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/man-uses-tetris-to-create-luigi-awe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/man-uses-tetris-to-create-luigi-awe/#comments
At Joystiq, we're firm believers in the idea that every human being has an instrument to which they are naturally attuned, for self expression and emotional release. In most cases, a person's instrument is a literal instrument; Steve Vai and Regina Carter come to mind as ready examples. Sometimes, however, a person's instrument can be a little more abstract.

Shuey187, for instance, is a Tetris virtuoso. As a follow-up to the 90 minute magnum opus in which he used Tetris to create a Mario sprite, Shuey187 has utilized his unique gift for geometrically aligning blocks in order to craft Mario's brother and confidant. It's a truly amazing thing to watch, especially when you consider the fact that he used nothing more than a sprite pattern and raw talent to get the job done. Seeing as the video has no soundtrack, we suggest opening a second window and listening to one of the other two phenomena we mentioned.

JoystiqMan uses Tetris to create Luigi, awe originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luigimariopcpixel-artshuey187tetrisyoutubeSat, 10 Sep 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Free version of Tetris now available for Android devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/psa-free-version-of-tetris-now-available-for-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/psa-free-version-of-tetris-now-available-for-android-devices/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/psa-free-version-of-tetris-now-available-for-android-devices/#comments Are you sick of your wordsmith cousin Dwight constantly pulling out triple scores in Scrabble Free with nonsense like "Qi?" Do you also have a hardline stance against paying for Android games? EA wants to hook you up, announcing today that a free version of Tetris is launching on the Android Marketplace (the non-free version is $2.99).

Fear not, anti-microtransactionite, as the game is free due to ads, not because you'll be charged $1 for the ability to use straight pieces. And hey, Dwight won't be able to laugh in your face anymore, so there's that ... unless he's also a Tetris master. Blast!

JoystiqPSA: Free version of Tetris now available for Android devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketplaceeaea-mobileelectronic-artspsapublic-service-announcementtetrisMon, 29 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris goes 3D on PSN today, 3DS in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/tetris-goes-3d-on-psn-today-3ds-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/tetris-goes-3d-on-psn-today-3ds-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/tetris-goes-3d-on-psn-today-3ds-in-october/#comments If you run to your PS3 now and fire up Tetris, you'll be presented with the option to update. Download that 75MB file and -- just like that! -- you'll be playing in 3D. Oh, also, you have to have a 3D television and be wearing your glasses. We should really have told you about that part first.

In other 3D Tetris news, right before E3 the Tetris Company announced plans to localize Hudson's Tetris Axis for 3DS this October, claiming that it "will allow fans to experience the game like never before - in 3D!" Now, by the time that comes out, fans will already have experienced it through the PS3 version, rendering that hyperbolic press release statement inaccurate.

To be fair, though, it was already inaccurate, because the Virtual Boy's V-Tetris got there first, in 1995.

JoystiqTetris goes 3D on PSN today, 3DS in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3deaplaystationps3psnq3-2011release-datetetristetris-psnthe-tetris-companyTue, 14 Jun 2011 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris documentary is titled 'Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters' and here's the trailer to prove it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/tetris-documentary-is-titled-ecstasy-of-order-the-tetris-maste/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/tetris-documentary-is-titled-ecstasy-of-order-the-tetris-maste/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/tetris-documentary-is-titled-ecstasy-of-order-the-tetris-maste/#comments What's more fun than playing Tetris? Watching other people play Tetris of course!

While that statement doesn't necessary hold true as a rule, it does when you're watching Tetris world champs. Cut from the same cloth as crossword and Scrabble documentaries Wordplay and Word Wars, the unfortunately named Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters follows a handful of world-class Tetris players as they prepare for, and participate in, the Classic Tetris World Championship.

The full movie won't be available until 2012 but, until then, you can watch the trailer we've embedded after the break. Oh, also embedded below: a poll, so you can register your opinion on that title.

View Poll

Continue reading Tetris documentary is titled 'Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters' and here's the trailer to prove it

JoystiqTetris documentary is titled 'Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters' and here's the trailer to prove it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 May 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedocumentaryecstasy-of-orderecstasy-of-order-the-tetris-mastersmoviemoviesretrotetrisThu, 12 May 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect and Wii Remote hack makes Tetris much more difficult]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/kinect-and-wii-remote-hack-makes-tetris-much-more-difficult/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/kinect-and-wii-remote-hack-makes-tetris-much-more-difficult/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/22/kinect-and-wii-remote-hack-makes-tetris-much-more-difficult/#comments Ever wondered how you could go about making Tetris even more of a difficult, punishing experience? Obviously, turning the speed up to infinity isn't enough to stump the world's most proficient players -- but YouTuber user Keysosaurus' Kinect augmented reality Kinect hack might do the trick.

Continue reading Kinect and Wii Remote hack makes Tetris much more difficult

JoystiqKinect and Wii Remote hack makes Tetris much more difficult originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect-hacksmicrosofttetriswiimotexboxFri, 22 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds continues PSN domination in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/angry-birds-continues-psn-domination-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/angry-birds-continues-psn-domination-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/angry-birds-continues-psn-domination-in-february/#comments The PlayStation Store had some noteworthy releases in February: Explodemon, Stacking, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2. But none of these new releases managed to chart in PSN's monthly sales numbers. Instead, you'll see some familiar names on the top 5 list, including Angry Birds, which continues its second month of bestselling sales.
  1. Angry Birds
  2. Plants vs. Zombies
  3. Tetris
  4. Pac-Man Championship Edition DX
  5. Mortal Kombat II
In addition to Angry Birds, the appearance of a PopCap game, a Tetris game, and a Pac-Man game tell us that casual games are key to making your way to the top of the PlayStation Network.

JoystiqAngry Birds continues PSN domination in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsmortal-kombat-iipac-man-championship-editionpac-man-championship-edition-dxplants-vs-zombiesplaystationplaystation-networkps3psn-monthlypspsalessonytetristetris-psnTue, 08 Mar 2011 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Building Mario in Tetris is tougher than you may think]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/building-mario-in-tetris-is-tougher-than-you-may-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/building-mario-in-tetris-is-tougher-than-you-may-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/building-mario-in-tetris-is-tougher-than-you-may-think/#comments No, seriously, watch the video past the break and you'll agree with us. It took YouTube user Shuey187 over 90 minutes -- and, sadly, he never finished the hat.

Continue reading Building Mario in Tetris is tougher than you may think

JoystiqBuilding Mario in Tetris is tougher than you may think originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendosuper-mario-brostetrisThu, 17 Feb 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA plans Need for Speed Undercover, Tetris for BlackBerry PlayBook launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/ea-plans-need-for-speed-undercover-tetris-for-blackberry-playbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/ea-plans-need-for-speed-undercover-tetris-for-blackberry-playbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/ea-plans-need-for-speed-undercover-tetris-for-blackberry-playbo/#comments EA has announced that it will have both Need for Speed Undercover and Tetris available to play on the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet as soon as it launches this spring. Both titles are currently available on iOS, and considering the success EA has had on that platform, it's a no-brainer to have these games ready to go when the PlayBook is finally released.

Both games will be playable at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain next week, though presumably they'll be more or less the same as the previous mobile versions. Fun fact: the PlayBook version of Tetris marks the 15th platform EA has released the game on so far.

Continue reading EA plans Need for Speed Undercover, Tetris for BlackBerry PlayBook launch

JoystiqEA plans Need for Speed Undercover, Tetris for BlackBerry PlayBook launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry-playbookeamobileneed-for-speed-undercoverrimtetrisFri, 11 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris finds another platform: your wall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/tetris-finds-another-platform-your-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/tetris-finds-another-platform-your-wall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/tetris-finds-another-platform-your-wall/#comments An incarnation of Tetris has managed to find itself on nearly every platform imaginable. So, what's the Tetris Company supposed to do now? It's obvious: break the traditional definition of a platform.

In collaboration with Walls360, Tetris is now "available" to play on your wall. Using adhesive cut-out wall graphics, you'll be able to very slowly play a game of Tetris on your wall. As you imagine the pieces falling down the wall, don't forget that the stickers are re-adhesive, so you can "play" more than one game, if you so wish. Given a set starts at $35, you'll definitely want to get as much replay value as possible.

Continue reading Tetris finds another platform: your wall

JoystiqTetris finds another platform: your wall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arttetristhe-tetris-companywall-artwalls360Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Tetris' multiplayer modes assembled into video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/ps3-tetris-multiplayer-modes-assembled-into-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/ps3-tetris-multiplayer-modes-assembled-into-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/ps3-tetris-multiplayer-modes-assembled-into-video/#comments EA is dropping a new version of Tetris onto PSN later this month, with a bevvy of online and offline multiplayer modes. This new trailer highlights all the competitive and cooperative multiplayer offerings, like the why-didn't-we-think-of-it "Shared Mode."

Continue reading PS3 Tetris' multiplayer modes assembled into video

JoystiqPS3 Tetris' multiplayer modes assembled into video originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaplaystationps3psntetristetris-psnWed, 08 Dec 2010 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris set to drop on PSN in December from EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/tetris-set-to-drop-on-psn-in-december-from-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/tetris-set-to-drop-on-psn-in-december-from-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/tetris-set-to-drop-on-psn-in-december-from-ea/#comments The most prolific puzzler of them all is coming to PS3 next month, care of Electronic Arts. Tetris, the game of simple falling blocks, is getting an extravagant makeover for its downloadable debut on PSN (which was foretold of by Sony back in February) complete with 1080p visuals and six-channel audio -- but the area that's getting the most attention is multiplayer.

This new Tetris will support competitive online play for up to six players at once, and cooperative play for two teams of two in its aptly titled Team Battle mode. In this variant of the classic's gameplay, players have the option of changing play styles on-the-fly between offense and defense -- the former sending lines to the opposition, the latter removing them from their own team's wells.

Pricing and a firm release date are forthcoming. In the meantime, check out the first screens below!

Gallery: Tetris (PSN)

JoystiqTetris set to drop on PSN in December from EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>december-2010eaElectronic-Artsplaystationps3psnpuzzletetristetris-psnTue, 16 Nov 2010 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 review: Tetris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-review-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-review-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-review-tetris/#comments Could it be? A sexy Tetris game? That's exactly what EA has done with the Windows Phone 7 version of the classic Russian puzzle game. You know how to play Tetris. Everyone does. And while vanilla block-clearing will be sufficient for most, EA's updated version throws in a number of new variations that really make this one of the most "complete" Tetris values I've seen.

Gone is the kid-friendly UI of the iOS version. In its stead is a very sleek, modern interface that really works well with touch. Sliding your finger to scroll through the various menu options feels great. Not only is it responsive, it just looks great. I wish more companies would put as much effort into their menus as this. And there are definitely a lot of options to scroll through. Marathon is your classic never-ending brick-dropping game. But, you should definitely check out Variant, which introduces a variety of twists on the gameplay. Treadmill, for example, has the playing field constantly shifting sideways, meaning you'll have to think ahead and use your reflexes to adapt to the changing field. Gravity alters the speed and weight of the bricks. There are a dozen variations to play through, each unlocked by accomplishing a specific Tetris feat.

Progressing through a Tetris campaign may seem silly, but it's very rewarding, thanks to the incredible variety the Windows Phone version of the game offers. In addition to all the unlockable game modes, there's a bevvy of other options to peruse through. Yes, there are Achievements. Yes, there are leaderboards and stats. But, there are also "Pro Trainer" replays, which show you minute-long glimpses of fine Tetris moments.

While I found the Windows Phone version of Tetris to be very playable, you'll find that it launches with one of the lowest ratings in the Live Marketplace. Many have voiced their concerns over the touch controls. Personally, I find them very intuitive: drag pieces left and right, and swipe downward to thrust the piece downward. Tap either side of the screen to rotate the screen. It may take some time to get used to, but I found it very comfortable. It may lack the precision that a traditional D-Pad offers, but I think EA'S reworking is far better than having virtual on-screen directional buttons. (Although, a variant of that control scheme is available.)

I was expecting a bare-bones, quick cash-in port of Tetris when EA announced a Windows Phone port. Instead, what I got was a game that actually improved upon the Tetris experience. This is definitely the best retro reboot since Space Invaders Extreme, and warrants a play. Definitely a must-have for Xbox Live on the go.

See also: Windows Phone 7 launch games reviews hub

This review is based on a retail Samsung Focus provided by Microsoft and AT&T.

JoystiqWindows Phone 7 review: Tetris originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobiletetriswindows-phone-7Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hudson also planning Bonk and Tetris for 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/hudson-also-planning-bonk-and-tetris-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/hudson-also-planning-bonk-and-tetris-for-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/hudson-also-planning-bonk-and-tetris-for-3ds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you thought Hudson was stopping at Deca Sports, Kororinpa, Bomberman and Omega Five for the 3DS, think again! Siliconera spotted two more planned 3DS titles on Hudson's website, namely Bonk and Tetris. It's worth noting that Hudson already has Bonk: Brink of Extinction (pictured) headed to WiiWare, XBLA and PSN at some point in the future. We're sure the simple 3D visuals would work out just fine on Nintendo's new handheld.

And Tetris ... well, Tetris is Tetris.

JoystiqHudson also planning Bonk and Tetris for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbonkbonk-3dsdshudsonnintendotetrisMon, 18 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ea-announces-windows-phone-7-launch-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ea-announces-windows-phone-7-launch-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/ea-announces-windows-phone-7-launch-titles/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like Electronic Arts is breaking out its biggest guns for its Windows Phone 7 launch lineup -- well, it's biggest guns that can be adequately turned into smaller guns for use on a mobile platform, anyways. The publisher has named four games that will hit the WP7 storefront soon after the platform goes live on November 8: Need For Speed: Undercover, The Sims 3, Monopoly and some obscure indie puzzle game called ... Tetris?

Now sure, all those games are already available on other mobile platforms, but you're forgetting why you're going to feel compelled to purchase them again on the Windows Phone 7: Sweet, sweet 'Cheevos. Hell, Monopoly's like 85 years old. You've probably bought it a dozen times already -- but now you're going to buy it a baker's dozen times, because, admit it, you've got to be boosting that Gamerscore.

Continue reading EA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles

JoystiqEA announces Windows Phone 7 launch titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic-artsmobilemonopolyneed-for-speed-undercovertetrisThe-Sims-3windows-phone-7wp7Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[College Humor reveals the 'super easy' modes of classic games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/college-humor-reveals-the-super-easy-modes-of-classic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/college-humor-reveals-the-super-easy-modes-of-classic-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/09/college-humor-reveals-the-super-easy-modes-of-classic-games/#comments You might find College Humor's latest video game parody clip, posted just past the jump, a hilarious look at what might have been had classic games been laughably more accessible. We see it as a haunting vision of things to come. That easy mode included in Mega Man 10? That's how it all starts.

Continue reading College Humor reveals the 'super easy' modes of classic games

JoystiqCollege Humor reveals the 'super easy' modes of classic games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>college-humorcontraparodypunch-outsonic-the-hedgehogtetrisFri, 09 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pajitnov has worked to perfect multiplayer Tetris for a decade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/pajitnov-has-worked-to-perfect-multiplayer-tetris-for-a-decade/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/pajitnov-has-worked-to-perfect-multiplayer-tetris-for-a-decade/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/28/pajitnov-has-worked-to-perfect-multiplayer-tetris-for-a-decade/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here's a logistical dilemma for the ages: What's the best way to incorporate multiplayer into the fast-paced puzzle action of Tetris? It's a question that's been answered in plenty of the game's incarnations -- but series creator Alexey Pajitnov seems to think that there's still a better way yet to be offered. In a recent interview with Gamasutra, he revealed that he's been tinkering with multiplayer versions of Tetris for "more than 10 years."

Pajitnov explained that, due to the game's frantic speed, players "have no brain resources to observe what the other people are doing." His ideal multiplayer solution would be one in which players "could really see what the other people do and take their gameplay and their achievement and their status in the game really [into] account."

We'll solve your decade-long predicament right now, Mr. Pajitnov: Bullet time. Yeah, you just sit and think about that one for a while.

JoystiqPajitnov has worked to perfect multiplayer Tetris for a decade originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alexey-PajitnovmultiplayerTetrisMon, 28 Jun 2010 16:44:00 EST<![CDATA[A Life Well Wasted: Big Ideas is on our minds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/a-life-well-wasted-big-ideas-is-on-our-minds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/a-life-well-wasted-big-ideas-is-on-our-minds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/a-life-well-wasted-big-ideas-is-on-our-minds/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hard to believe but we haven't been treated to Robert Ashley's brilliant video game podcast, A Life Well Wasted, since November. The drought has finally ended with "Big Ideas," a new episode that includes a fascinating story about how the co-owner of Tetris plans to save the world. Don't miss it.

JoystiqA Life Well Wasted: Big Ideas is on our minds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-life-well-wastedpodcastsrobert-ashleytetrisFri, 25 Jun 2010 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 map editor turns supply depots into Tetris blocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/starcraft-2-map-editor-turns-supply-depots-into-tetris-blocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/starcraft-2-map-editor-turns-supply-depots-into-tetris-blocks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/starcraft-2-map-editor-turns-supply-depots-into-tetris-blocks/#comments If you need further proof of the StarCraft 2 map editor's versatility, look no further than a map, recently designed by Battle.net user ArcadeRenegade, titled "Supply Depot Tetris." As you might imagine, the map bends the rules and controls of Blizzard's uber anticipated strategy game, turning it into a fairly simple (albeit a tad buggy) version of Alexey Pazhitnov's blocky brainchild, Tetris.

Check out a video of the map from YouTube user HuskyStarcraft just past the jump. We're looking forward to getting our hands on the map -- you know, so we can take breaks from SC2 -- for which we lack the strategy and reflexes required to play adequately -- and play a few rounds of Tetris ... for which we lack the strategy and reflexes required to play adequately. Oh well.

Continue reading StarCraft 2 map editor turns supply depots into Tetris blocks

JoystiqStarCraft 2 map editor turns supply depots into Tetris blocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardgalaxy-editormap-editorpuzzlestarcraft-2strategytetrisMon, 03 May 2010 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Become a block in the Human Tetris Project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/become-a-block-in-the-human-tetris-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/become-a-block-in-the-human-tetris-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/become-a-block-in-the-human-tetris-project/#commentsThe Tetris Company and EA Mobile have launched an application to allow you to achieve a goal you didn't even know you had: transformation into a component of a Tetrimino, the basic building block of the Tetris landscape. It's also a new kind of social networking in which gathering enough of your friends together causes them all to disappear.

The new Facebook app, the Human Tetris Project, allows you to submit an image, which is then cropped into a square and used to make a Tetris piece that will appear randomly in games played by other Human Tetris Project players worldwide. You needed a new excuse to put pictures up on Facebook, right? Photo submission is open today, with the game itself available Friday.

JoystiqBecome a block in the Human Tetris Project originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mobileElectronic-Artsfacebookhuman-tetris-projectpuzzletetristhe-human-tetris-projectThu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/ipad-roundup-heres-the-stuff-that-may-interest-you/#comments With the iPad set to launch April 3, we know a lot of you out there are wondering what types of games and apps there are to look forward to. Well, we reprogrammed the Joystiq bots to scour the iTunes App store for information on updates and new games, culling the data for you all. There's plenty to look forward to, so don't waste time reading this -- head past the break for the goods!

Continue reading iPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you

JoystiqiPad Roundup: Here's the stuff that may interest you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-ton-games-inc2k-gamesactivisionamazon-hidden-expeditionangry-birdsangry-birds-hdapple-ipadasphaltasphalt-5azkend-hdbig-fish-gamesbreak-hdcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-warcall-of-duty-world-at-war-zombiescastlecraftcharadiumchillingoCivilizationcivilization-revolutioncogscogs-hdCommand-and-Conquercommand-and-conquer-red-alertdoonsdoons-hddungeon-hunterdungeon-hunter-hdeaElectronic-Artsfieldrunnersfiremintfiremint-incflick-bowlingflick-fishingflight-controlflight-control-hdfreeversefroggerfrogger-padgameloftgeometry-warsgluglyder-2imahjongimahjong-hdipadipad-launcjirbokonamilaminar-researcglets-golfmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-comics-appmetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-touchminigoreminigore-hdmirrors-edgemodern-combatmodern-combat-sandstormnamconba-hotshotneed-for-speedneed-for-speed-shiftnflnfl-2010nfl-2010-hdngmoconovapac-manpaper-footballpaper-football-hdplants-vs-zombiesplants-vs-zombies-hdpopcappopcap-gamesreal-racingreal-racing-hdreal-soccerreal-soccer-2010-hdsam-and-maxscrabblesecret-exit-ltdsegasneeziessneezies-hdsnowboardingsnowboarding-hdsparkle-hdsubatomicsubatomic-studiossuper-monkey-ballsuper-monkey-ball-2super-monkey-ball-2-sakura-editionteam-17telltale-gamestetristhe-penal-zoneunouno-hdwarpgatewe-rulex-planezen-boundzen-bound-2Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris Party Deluxe coming to Wii and DS this June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/tetris-party-deluxe-coming-to-wii-and-ds-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/tetris-party-deluxe-coming-to-wii-and-ds-this-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/25/tetris-party-deluxe-coming-to-wii-and-ds-this-june/#comments Tetris Party is coming out again, this time in the more expensive "on disc" format. Originally a WiiWare release, Majesco and Tetris Online, Inc. are teaming up to release Tetris Party Deluxe for both Wii and DS this June. The retail release has a few enhancements over the WiiWare original, such as three new modes: Sprint, Master, and Bombliss. Unfortunately, none of these three modes are as inventive as the modes introduced in the original WiiWare game, like Field Climber, Stage Racer and Shadow.

A price has yet to be set on Tetris Party Deluxe, but it'll be difficult to justify much more than the $12 asking price the downloadable version currently sports. A retail release on the DS is a bit more palpable, promising all the content found in the Wii version while offering a key feature DSiWare cannot capitalize on: the ability to play on every DS system out there.

To see all the differences between the three versions of Tetris Party, check out a publisher-provided chart after the break.

Gallery: Tetris Party Deluxe

Continue reading Tetris Party Deluxe coming to Wii and DS this June

JoystiqTetris Party Deluxe coming to Wii and DS this June originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSmajescoNintendotetristetris-partytetris-party-deluxeWiiThu, 25 Feb 2010 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Complete your pick-up line with Tetris Jewelry]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/complete-your-pick-up-line-with-tetris-jewelry/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/complete-your-pick-up-line-with-tetris-jewelry/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/complete-your-pick-up-line-with-tetris-jewelry/#comments If you've been sitting around wondering how you can manage to wedge video games into your Valentine's Day plans, then 1) Tread very carefully and 2) We think we have your answer. Behold, Tetris jewelry. Sold by TetrisGems -- apparently the official provider of Tetris jewelry -- the pieces feature real gemstones or cubic zirconia set in either gold or silver.

This is real jewelry, folks, with the cheapest pieces running $130 and the most expensive capping out at $450. And honestly, what better way to say "I love you" than with the gift of an L block? Why not get multiple pieces and fit them together? Just be sure not to connect too many pieces together or they might disintegrate.

Also, never give that special someone a line piece as their first romantic gift. You really need to save that for when the time is right.

JoystiqComplete your pick-up line with Tetris Jewelry originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturejewelrytetrisvalentines-dayvalentines-day-2010Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 owners get ready ... for Tetris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/ps3-owners-get-ready-for-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/ps3-owners-get-ready-for-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/ps3-owners-get-ready-for-tetris/#comments
Artist's rendering of potential/probable title screen
Alright, PS3 owners, get ready to join the nationwide craze that's been sweeping the ... umm ... nation. It's Tetris! According to Adam Grant, the PSP European Product Manager for SCEE, "EA is currently working on a PS3 version of Tetris that will take full advantage of the capabilities of the PS3 and provide the best experience. Look for this version to be available later this year."

Though the puzzler is already on the Minis platform, it sounds like EA's thinking of a beefier, HD version of the game. Because you need that. For Tetris.

[Thanks, pat_boy2008]

JoystiqPS3 owners get ready ... for Tetris originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eapsnpuzzletetrisTue, 02 Feb 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tetris hits 100 million paid mobile downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/tetris-hits-100-million-paid-mobile-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/tetris-hits-100-million-paid-mobile-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/tetris-hits-100-million-paid-mobile-downloads/#comments That's right, Tetris, the grandfather of puzzle games, the one that absolutely everyone and their mother likes, the Slim Jim of video games, has been purchased on mobile phones a staggering 100 million times since 2005. As you may have guessed, that makes Tetris the best-selling mobile game of all time. The announcement comes by way of EA, which has had the mobile rights to the game since 2006. Granted, given how often people upgrade their phones, we're sure plenty have downloaded the game more than once. And why wouldn't they? It's Tetris.

Said Henk Rogers, CEO of Blue Planet Software, which manages Tetris licensing rights, "Tetris on mobile will never go away." Frankly, we hope he's right. If mobile Tetris did go away, we might actually have to converse with people while standing in line at the DMV.

[Tetris block font by David Martin]

JoystiqTetris hits 100 million paid mobile downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-planet-softwarebusinesseaElectronic-ArtsmobiletetriswowThu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First-Person Tetris will spin you right round, baby, right round]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/first-person-tetris-will-spin-you-right-round-baby-right-round/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/first-person-tetris-will-spin-you-right-round-baby-right-round/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/first-person-tetris-will-spin-you-right-round-baby-right-round/#comments Do you like Alexey Pajitnov's timeless puzzler Tetris as much as you like succumbing to unrelenting waves of nausea? You'll probably want to check out the new Flash-based sensation, First-Person Tetris. There's not much of a learning curve, here -- it operates pretty much exactly like the block-dropping puzzler you know and love, only with a small twist. We'll let you figure it out for yourselves -- why not give it a spin, provided you've got some free time (and a strong, strong stomach).

JoystiqFirst-Person Tetris will spin you right round, baby, right round originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first-person-tetrisflashfreepuzzletetrisFri, 15 Jan 2010 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario plus Tetris equals one fun game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mario-plus-tetris-equals-one-fun-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mario-plus-tetris-equals-one-fun-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/mario-plus-tetris-equals-one-fun-game/#comments And here we thought Tetris DS was the best blend of the Russian puzzler and Nintendo's classic platforming game Super Mario Bros., but Tuper Tario Tros. is a quite imaginative combination of the two. In fact, we haven't seen Tetris go so well with something since we were introduced to the conflict resolution capabilities of Tresling.

Already the culprit behind a sharp downturn in Joystiq productivity today, we now offer it to you. Just, uh, don't play it as much as we did. We can get away with it since, y'know, it's kinda our job.

[Via digg]

JoystiqMario plus Tetris equals one fun game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendosuper-mario-brosswing-swing-submarinetetristuper-tario-trosWiiThu, 07 Jan 2010 00:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Where does the next Tetris block really come from?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/where-does-the-next-tetris-block-really-comes-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/where-does-the-next-tetris-block-really-comes-from/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/where-does-the-next-tetris-block-really-comes-from/#comments Perhaps, in the past, during a rousing round of Tetris, you may have found yourself in an existential funk. "Where does the next block come from?" you mused. Sure, it's easy enough to pin your extraordinary luck (or misfortune) on the wonders of random generation, but what if it wasn't so simple? What if the real source of your bliss and/or frustration was more ... divine?

College Humor introduces us to Tetrises, the God of Tetris. Witness his terrible glory after the break. Just remember that the next time you pray for a line piece, you actually have someone to address. And, if you're looking for some extra luck, you might consider slaughtering a lesser puzzle game to appease him.

Continue reading Where does the next Tetris block really come from?

JoystiqWhere does the next Tetris block really come from? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>college-humorculturehumortetrisTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[USK rates Tetris Party Deluxe for Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/usk-rates-tetris-party-deluxe-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/usk-rates-tetris-party-deluxe-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/30/usk-rates-tetris-party-deluxe-for-wii/#comments Everyone's favorite -- and fun to say! -- ratings board, the Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle has unveiled a new Tetris game for the Wii. Well, that might be a little generous, as the game is actually Tetris Party Deluxe, presumably a sequel to 2008's Tetris Party. The new game comes again from publisher Tetris Online, meaning it's probably not one of Majesco's recently announced Wii and DS Tetris projects. The listing doesn't make it clear whether the game is a retail title or -- like the original -- a WiiWare release.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqUSK rates Tetris Party Deluxe for Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tetristetris-onlinetetris-partytetris-party-deluxewiiwareMon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Majesco bringing more Tetris to DS and Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/majesco-bringing-more-tetris-to-ds-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/majesco-bringing-more-tetris-to-ds-and-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/majesco-bringing-more-tetris-to-ds-and-wii/#commentsTetris is currently available on the Wii in the form of Tetris Party, and sort of available on DS (if you don't mind eBay) as Tetris DS. Today, Majesco announced that it will add to the Tetris selection with the release of new Tetris games for Nintendo platforms in spring 2010. No specific details or media have been released, so we don't know about any theme or gameplay variations that may be included -- though we can be quite certain that it won't be based on classic Nintendo characters. Tetris Online, Inc. is working with Majesco, suggesting that these are downloadable releases.

Between the release of Tetris on iPhone and announcement of a PSP mini Tetris game from EA, and these two upcoming releases from Majesco, it's suddenly a wonderful time to like Tetris. Which is just a different way of saying it's a wonderful time to be anyone on the planet Earth.

JoystiqMajesco bringing more Tetris to DS and Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>majescopuzzletetristetris-onlineThu, 20 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony introduces Minis: bite-sized downloads for PSN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/sony-introduces-minis-bite-sized-downloads-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/sony-introduces-minis-bite-sized-downloads-for-psn/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/18/sony-introduces-minis-bite-sized-downloads-for-psn/#comments
Sony has announced a new line of downloadable titles for the PSP and PSP Go, confirming rumors that first surfaced last week. Dubbed Minis, these titles have a 100MB size limit and are exclusive to the PSN Store. The lineup will launch on October 1st, the same day as the PSP Go. These titles will reportedly cost less to develop and, more importantly, cost less for gamers. Sony plans to have 15 snacktivities ready for the PSP Go launch, though 50 games are slated for the rest of 2009. A few titles mentioned during the company's GamesCom keynote include Tetris, Field Runners, Hero of Sparta and Minigore.

JoystiqSony introduces Minis: bite-sized downloads for PSN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>field-runnersgdc-europe-2009hero-of-spartaminigoreminispsnpsp-gopsp-minissonytetrisTue, 18 Aug 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP finally joining the Tetris Club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/psp-finally-joining-the-tetris-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/psp-finally-joining-the-tetris-club/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/07/psp-finally-joining-the-tetris-club/#comments
The PlayStation Portable has been on the market in some form or another for nearly five years now -- the fact that there isn't a Tetris game available on the platform is mind-boggling. Seriously, our grandmother has Tetris on her portable defibrillator. How is it not on our half-decade-old handheld gaming device?

Electronic Arts apparently asked themselves this question, then immediately sprung into action to port the popular puzzler to PSP. At least, that seems to be the case, as evidenced by a recent Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle (that name is too beautiful to truncate!) listing for an EA-developed PSP version of Tetris. We've contacted EA to see if Lumines' tyrannical reign over the handheld's puzzle genre really is drawing to a close.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqPSP finally joining the Tetris Club originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>puzzleratingtetrisuskFri, 07 Aug 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone It In: Drop7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/iphone-it-in-drop7/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/iphone-it-in-drop7/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/21/iphone-it-in-drop7/#commentsBonus: Joystiq is giving away Drop7 download codes! Details at the end of the review:


You know what, I'm just gonna say it: I love Drop7. I've been evangelizing the game since I downloaded the free "Lite" version two weeks ago -- and subsequently bought the full version for $2.99 -- trying desperately to explain the game's "Tetris meets Sudoku" concept to anyone who'll listen.

Forget about your Super Monkey Balls and Metal Gear Solid Touches -- Drop7 feels built from the ground up with the iPhone (at least sort of) in mind, and easily warrants the same praise that games like Rolando and Word Fu have earned. It's easy to jump into a game and play for as little (or as long) as you'd like, just the way I like my phone-based gaming.

Oh, and before you jump all over me for not playing the game earlier, I'm quite aware that the game came out all the way back in late January, which is like ten thousand internet years. It doesn't matter though, because Drop7 is timeless.

Gallery: Drop7

Continue reading iPhone It In: Drop7

JoystiqiPhone It In: Drop7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app-storeApplearea-code-entertainmentdrop7iphone-it-iniPodjoyswagsudokutetrisTue, 21 Jul 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Architect's Journal ranks top 10 gaming worlds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/architects-journal-ranks-top-10-gaming-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/architects-journal-ranks-top-10-gaming-worlds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/25/architects-journal-ranks-top-10-gaming-worlds/#comments Before you start furiously clicking through the source link to see where on the list of Architect's Journal's "Top 10" gaming worlds Second Life falls, we're just going to tell you upfront that it's number seven. That's three full spots ahead of the (apparently) FAT-inspired Super Mario World! Outrageous, we know, we know.

The list is rounded out by some rather ... interesting choices -- from Jet Set Willy's house to Halo's ring world, and everything in between, which are all discussed in highfalutin terms that we simply can't wrap our heads around. "Gemutlich?" "Miminalism" (note: not "minimalism")? We're sticking with the video games, thank you very much.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqArchitect's Journal ranks top 10 gaming worlds originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architects-journalarchitecturehalojet-set-willyMonkey-Islandsecond-lifesim-citysuper-mario-worldtetrisThe-Secret-of-Monkey-Islandwolfensteinworld-of-warcraftThu, 25 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Alexey Pajitnov, creator of Tetris]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/interview-alexei-pajitnov-creator-of-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/interview-alexei-pajitnov-creator-of-tetris/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/interview-alexei-pajitnov-creator-of-tetris/#comments
Alexey Pajitnov (right) with Dutch games publisher Henk Rogers, who helped place the game on every Game Boy.
With Project Natal, Uncharted 2, Metroid: Other M, Scribblenauts, and everything else going on at E3, the 25th anniversary of Tetris almost went unnoticed this past week, which is a real shame. We met up with Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of the game, and sat down with him to mark the occasion. Tetris may very well be the "remember when?" dividing line among video game generations, and it was quite an honor to meet the man behind the game that's become one of the cornerstones of the industry.

You can listen to the full audio of the interview below, and head beyond the break for probably the world's shortest documentary, entitled "The Tetris Effect." Seriously, it's only three minutes long. How you can sum up the impact of a game that's still fun to play and appears on every major and minor platform around is beyond us. Maybe one of you readers will feel inspired to do an in-depth Ken Burns style documentary on it someday.

He's one of the sweetest people we've met in the industry, and despite having invented one of the most prolific games in the world, he's very humble and down to earth. Give it a listen and try to imagine a world without Tetris.

Gallery: Tetris at 25

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JoystiqInterview: Alexey Pajitnov, creator of Tetris originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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