Overview:

I feel like over the years there have been a lot of “-tris” games that try to reinvent the formula of the original Tetris.  There are many hits but there are probably more hits.  I feel Tetrisphere is one of those BIG hits that really doesn’t get the chops it deserves.  What makes this game unique is that you’re not making towers only to eradicate them with lines but, instead, you’re dropping pieces to obliterate a sphere to get to the lower levels, at least in the Search and Rescue mode.  You’re having to move fast because the ever ticking clock will automatically drop your piece and give you a skull.  Get three skulls and the game is over.  It’s a really groovy game.

Visuals:

There really isn’t much to see here.  The sphere is made up of tetriminos all jumbled together with the upcoming pieces showing on the left and the powerups, combo, and clock on the right.  Visually it’s a very lackluster game but in the heat of a level you’re not paying attention to anything but the falling blocks.

Audio: 

I said this game was groovy and the audio is where it shines.  The music in this game, although very simplistic, is cool as fuck.  It gives off just the right amount of ambiance as well as sounding menacing when the clock is about to tick down.  Very gut wrenching.  The sound effects are amazing.  The drops of the pieces are great.  The loss of a life is very hurtful.  The powerups all give off a nice little jingle when you get them.  The best is the sounds they make when they activate.  It’s a very deep bass and makes you feel accomplished when they go off.  The little robots bleeps and bloops are also pretty cute but you’ll rarely hear them.

Completion:

I FINISHED THIS GAME!  At least I think I did.  I don’t know exactly how many levels there are and I did finish level 5 but then the game kept going.  I’m not complaining since this has now become my defacto nightly puzzle game.  I really love this game and everything about it.  I know I played it back when it came out in 1997 but I didn’t appreciate it then because I just wanted to play ALL the games I could.