Tetris DS (Nintendo DS) - Description

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The long blue bar. The yellow block. And those darn zigzag things whose images stay on your brain. These familiar Tetris shapes started a generation of video game fans. Now Nintendo is putting a new spin on the classic with Tetris DS, available March 20 exclusively for Nintendo DS, which incorporates the use of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service.

Hard-core and casual gamers alike became obsessed with the original. Tetris DS builds on that emotional attachment by combining the original game with new types of game play that could only be possible on Nintendo DS.

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.

The game modes: Mission: In this Legend of Zelda-themed mode, players race the clock to complete the missions that appear on the top screen before time runs out.

Catch: In this Metroid-themed mode, players try to land Tetriminos (falling blocks) on any side of an ever-growing floating pile of Tetriminos. Once players complete a 4-by-4 square, the Tetrimino will explode in all directions and earn points.

Puzzle: Players solve up to 200 tricky Tetris puzzles at their own pace with the help of just a few Tetriminos provided. Players tap the orientation they want to use and then the Tetrimino will automatically fall into place as Yoshi monitors the action.

Standard: This Mario-themed mode features the same addictive game play that made the original Tetris so wildly popular. Players guide Tetriminos and form horizontal lines to clear them away. Mario runs around Super Mario Bros. levels in the background. Touch: This unique Balloon Fight-themed take on Tetris really shows off the touch-screen capability of Nintendo DS. Players use a stylus to drag and move a giant stack of Tetriminos to make them fall into horizontal lines. In early levels, they can tap to spin them just the way they need them. Players have as much time as they need to carefully plan their moves. Push: The goal of this multiplayer Donkey Kong-themed mode is to clear two lines at a time to push the group of Tetriminos into an opponent's red zone. Players can't let their own Tetriminos build up too high, or it's game over.

Every gamer, whether competitive or casual, will find a way to reconnect with one of the most popular puzzle games in history.