Tetris Worlds
{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{Cleanup|date=July 2023|reason=This article needs a proofreader.}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tetris Worlds
| image = tetrisworldscover.jpg
| caption = PlayStation 2 cover art by Roger Dean
| developer = Blue Planet Software{{efn|Ported to GameCube and Xbox by Radical Entertainment.}}
3d6 Games (GBA)
| publisher = THQ
| series = Tetris
| platforms = {{ubl|Game Boy Advance|Windows|PlayStation 2|GameCube|Xbox}}
| released = Game Boy Advance
{{vgrelease|NA|September 24, 2001{{Cite web |date=September 24, 2001|title=THQ Ships Tetris Worlds for Game Boy Advance |url=http://www.thq.com/Corporate/PressReleases/press-339.asp |access-date=March 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416012227/http://www.thq.com/Corporate/PressReleases/press-339.asp |archive-date=April 16, 2004}}|PAL|December 7, 2001}}Windows
{{vgrelease|NA|November 8, 2001{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Trey |date=November 8, 2001 |title=Tetris Worlds ships |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/puzzle/tetrisworlds/news_2823558.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029125217/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/puzzle/tetrisworlds/news_2823558.html |archive-date=October 29, 2004 |access-date=July 17, 2024 |website=GameSpot}}|PAL|April 5, 2002}}PlayStation 2
{{vgrelease|NA|March 19, 2002{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2002|title=THQ Ships Tetris Worlds for PlayStation 2|url=http://www.thq.com/Corporate/PressReleases/press-408.asp |access-date=March 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040416014038/http://www.thq.com/Corporate/PressReleases/press-408.asp |archive-date=April 16, 2004}}|PAL|July 26, 2002{{Cite web|date=July 26, 2002|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|title=What's New? |language=en-gb |website=Eurogamer|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46387 |access-date=2023-03-19 |archive-date=2023-03-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319002624/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-46387 |url-status=live }}}}GameCube
{{vgrelease|NA|June 26, 2002{{Cite web |title=THQ Ships Tetris Worlds|url=https://xboxaddict.com/news/2425/THQ-Ships |access-date=2023-03-19 |website=xboxaddict.com |language=en |archive-date=March 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319002627/https://xboxaddict.com/news/2425/THQ-Ships |url-status=live }}|PAL|September 27, 2002}}Xbox
{{vgrelease|NA|June 26, 2002|PAL|September 20, 2002}}
| genre = Puzzle
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
Tetris Worlds is a version of the video game Tetris. Originally released in 2001 for Microsoft Windows and Game Boy Advance, it was later released for Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 in 2002. In 2003, an Xbox Live version titled Tetris Worlds Online and a single-disc compilation version (bundled alongside Star Wars: The Clone Wars) were released for the Xbox. The latter was bundled with Xbox systems.{{cite web |date=2003 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/games/star-wars-the-clone-wars-and-tetris-worlds/reviews/ |title=GameSpot user reviews page for combo pack |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=August 18, 2020}}{{cite web |date=July 12, 2010 |url=https://www.mobygames.com/game/xbox/star-wars-the-clone-wars-tetris-worlds/release-info |title=MobyGames database page |website=MobyGames |publisher=Blue Flame Labs |accessdate=August 18, 2020 |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517151549/https://www.mobygames.com/game/xbox/star-wars-the-clone-wars-tetris-worlds/release-info |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=2003 |url=https://comicbooksandvideogames.com/shop/star-wars-the-clone-wars-tetris-worlds-combo-xbox/ |title=Comic Books and Video Games.com store page |website=ComicBooksandVideoGames.com |accessdate=August 18, 2020 |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120175929/https://comicbooksandvideogames.com/shop/star-wars-the-clone-wars-tetris-worlds-combo-xbox/ |url-status=live }}
The platform-specific versions of Tetris Worlds were developed by three different companies. Blue Planet Software developed the PC and PlayStation 2 versions, Radical Entertainment developed the GameCube and Xbox versions, and 3d6 Games developed the Game Boy Advance version. All versions were published by THQ under license from The Tetris Company. Tetris Worlds was THQ's first Tetris game. The company later published Tetris Advance also for the Game Boy Advance, Tetris Elements for Windows and Mac OS X, and Tetris Evolution for the Xbox 360. Every version except for Game Boy Advance features a distinctly whispering female voice (Kimberly Unger, credited as eKim) as the announcer. The game has been translated into French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese.
Gameplay
Gameplay consists of normal Tetris games. However, there are several game modes, tweaking the way the game works.
=Story mode=
The goal is to evacuate the homeworld of the Minos before their solar system's sun Hadar goes supernova.
The player can send their Mino Tetrinaut to six different worlds, then play the Tetris variant of that world. When the player plays enough of that world, more Minos are rescued. The better the player does, the more Minos rescued. They will then work to create the world into a home for Minos.
=Arcade mode=
This mode is where the player plays two-minute Tetris games of any variant. This is also where multiplayer games are played. The Arcade mode variants are listed as follows:
- Tetris: "Go for a Tetris". A normal Tetris game, where the player plays until they lose. Losses occur when the Tetriminos reach the top.
- Square Tetris: While the player plays Tetris, they must also try to combine Tetriminos into squares. Lines cleared containing 4x4 Tetriminos cause large bonuses. This variant originated from The New Tetris.
- Cascade Tetris: "Go for a Cascade". The player must try to clear lines that cause Cascades. Cascades occur when a cleared line cause other Blocks to fall and clear another line.
- Sticky Tetris: "Clear the Bottom Line". Players must try to clear the bottom line of "Garbage Blocks". Same-colored Blocks stick together in this mode, hence the name. If 25 same-colored blocks connect, a Critical Mass is formed and are cleared from the Matrix. This variant originated from "The Next Tetris".
- Hot-Line Tetris: "Go for a Hot-Line". In this mode, there are six "Hot-Lines" in the Matrix. The player must try to clear lines that are on the Hot-Line. Lines cleared anywhere else earn no points.
- Fusion Tetris: "Activate the Atom Blocks". In this mode, there is a "Fusion Block" at the bottom of the Matrix. Players must try to connect falling "Atom Blocks" to the Fusion Blocks. Atom and Fusion Blocks are not cleared in line clears, and clearing a line containing an Atom or Fusion Block causes a Cascade.
- Popular Tetris (GBA Version Only): In this hidden mode the game is set up like the original Tetris game. The player clears lines to score points and after every 10 lines the level goes up. Scoring increases on higher levels and there is no time limit; however, this mode stops keeping score once a player reaches 1 million (which is more than 999999, the maximum score on the Game Boy version).
Development
The game had a marketing budget of $2 million.{{cite web|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA79085531&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=32945759|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216161847/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA79085531&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=32945759|title=Tetris Worlds Videogame Gets $2M Treatment|magazine=Brandweek|archivedate=February 16, 2025|date=October 8, 2001|accessdate=February 16, 2025|via=Gale Research}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| GBA = true
| NGC = true
| PC = true
| PS2 = true
| XBOX = true
| na = true
| Allgame_PC = 3.5/5{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Skyler |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=35082&tab=review |title=Tetris Worlds (PC) - Review |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115134641/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=35082&tab=review |archivedate=November 15, 2014 |url-status=dead |accessdate=September 21, 2018}}
| EGM_NGC = 4.5/10{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Tetris Worlds (GC) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=158 |date=September 2002 |page=162}}
| EuroG_XBOX = 4/10{{cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=October 7, 2003 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_tetrisworlds_x |title=Tetris Worlds (Xbox) |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |accessdate=September 21, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921191014/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_tetrisworlds_x |url-status=live }}
| Fam_XBOX = 24/40{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2906 |title=テトリスワールド [Xbox] |language=Japanese |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |accessdate=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921074108/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=2906 |url-status=live }}
| GI_GBA = 7/10{{cite magazine |title=Tetris Worlds (GBA) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |issue=105 |date=January 2002 |page=98}}
| GSpot_GBA = 2.1/10{{cite web |last=Davis |first=Ryan |date=December 10, 2001 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tetris-worlds-review/1900-2831450/ |title=Tetris Worlds Review (GBA) |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=September 21, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921074232/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tetris-worlds-review/1900-2831450/ |url-status=live }}
| GSpy_GBA = 67%{{cite web |last=Bub |first=Andrew S. |date=November 23, 2001 |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/tetrisworlds/ |title=Tetris Worlds (GBA) |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050112005957/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/november01/tetrisworlds/ |archivedate=January 12, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=September 21, 2018}}
| IGN_GBA = 5.5/10{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=October 12, 2001 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/12/tetris-worlds-5 |title=Tetris Worlds (GBA) |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=September 21, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921074659/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/10/12/tetris-worlds-5 |url-status=live }}
| NP_GBA = 3/5{{cite magazine |title=Tetris Worlds (GBA) |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |volume=150 |date=November 2001 |page=148}}
| NP_NGC = 3.4/5{{cite magazine |title=Tetris Worlds (GC) |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |volume=160 |date=September 2002 |page=164}}
| OPM_PS2 = 2/5{{cite magazine |title=Tetris Worlds |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=June 2002 |page=100}}
| OXM_XBOX = 6.8/10{{cite magazine |title=Tetris Worlds |magazine=Official Xbox Magazine |publisher=Future US |date=October 2002 |page=109}}
| GR_GBA = 65%{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/481095-tetris-worlds/index.html |title=Tetris Worlds for Game Boy Advance |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034509/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/481095-tetris-worlds/index.html |url-status=live }}
| MC_GBA = 65/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tetris-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=Tetris Worlds for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |accessdate=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231051128/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/tetris-worlds |url-status=live }}
}}
The Game Boy Advance and Xbox versions received "mixed" reviews, while the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions received "generally unfavorable reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. In Japan, where the GBA version was ported and published by Success on April 26, 2002,{{citation needed|date=September 2018}} followed by the Xbox version on November 14, and the GameCube version on December 20,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14252 |title=テトリスワールド [ゲームキューブ] |language=Japanese |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |accessdate=September 20, 2018 |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921034344/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14252 |url-status=live }} Famitsu gave it a score of one six, one four, and two sixes for a total of 22 out of 40 for the GBA version, and 24 out of 40 for the Xbox version. Tetris Worlds{{'}} Game Boy Advance version was a runner-up for GameSpot{{'}}s annual "Worst Game" award among console games, which went to Kabuki Warriors.{{cite web | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803185618/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | title=GameSpot{{'}}s Best and Worst Video Games of 2001 | author=GameSpot VG Staff | date=February 23, 2002 | work=GameSpot | archivedate=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead }}
In the PS2, PC, and GBA versions, gameplay contained one major difference from a normal Tetris game. In classic Tetris, when a Tetrimino touches the bottom of the screen, it locks in place. However, in these versions, Tetriminos do not lock until players make them lock (e.g., by using Hard Drop to lock them immediately), allowing players to rotate and move the pieces indefinitely until they are satisfied. Critics said that this made the game too easy (although the countdown clock still runs while the player is using unlimited move and rotate) and GameSpot said that it "broke Tetris". However, the GBA version features a hidden version of classic Tetris (titled "Popular" Tetris) that plays without this feature.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} It is accessed by holding the L button and pressing select on the "Marathon" game select menu.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} However, since it is not part of the "Default" presentation, many reviews did not factor in this mode.{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}
In the GameCube and Xbox versions, the "Easy Spin" feature was made optional. However, they still received mostly mixed reviews.
In the United States, Tetris Worlds{{'}} Game Boy Advance version sold 960,000 copies and earned $26 million by August 2006. During the period between January 2000 and August 2006, it was the 20th highest-selling game launched for the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS or PlayStation Portable in that country.{{cite web |last=Keiser |first=Joe |date=August 2, 2006 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |title=The Century's Top 50 Handheld Games |website=Next Generation |publisher=Future US |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052300/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3557&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=0 |archivedate=October 10, 2007 |url-status=dead}}
By July 2006, the PlayStation 2 version of Tetris Worlds had sold 850,000 copies and earned $18 million in the United States. Next Generation ranked it as the 71st highest-selling game launched for the PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country.{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |last2=Keiser |first2=Joe |date=July 29, 2006 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century |website=Next Generation |publisher=Future US |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |archivedate=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead}}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{moby game|id=/tetris-worlds}}
- [https://www.success-corp.co.jp/software/gba/tetrisworld/index.html Official Japanese minisite (GBA)]
- [http://www.success-corp.co.jp/software/xbox/tetris/index.html Official Japanese minisite (Xbox)]
- [https://www.success-corp.co.jp/software/gc/tetris/index.html Official Japanese minisite (GameCube)]
{{Radical Entertainment}}
{{Tetris}}
Category:Game Boy Advance games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Radical Entertainment games
Category:Video games developed in Canada