Tetris DX

Did You Know?

• Tetris Company managing director Henk Rogers stated that Nintendo proposed Tetris DX to the company for the Game Boy Color with the intent of keeping the design of the original game.
• In December 2024, Tetris DX was added to the Nintendo Classics service alongside the NES version of the original game.

Gameplay

As in Tetris, players fit descending blocks to form complete rows, which then disappear; the game ends when blocks reach the top. Marathon Mode is the core mode, with blocks falling faster per cleared line. Ultra Mode challenges players to clear as many lines as possible within two minutes. In 40 Lines, players set starting level and height and must clear 40 lines quickly. Vs Mode allows competition against computer opponents on easy, normal, or hard difficulty, or against another player via the Game Link Cable. Up to four users can save game data, including names and high scores, and each receives a Power Rating based on performance across modes.

Reception

Critics considered Tetris DX an improvement over the original 1989 Game Boy version, though many noted it was largely the same and that owners of the original might not need to purchase it. Total Game Boy praised the color addition for making blocks easier to distinguish and the save system as convenient, stating it was wise for Nintendo to make minimal changes to core gameplay. Cameron Davis of GameSpot highlighted the game's addictiveness and said the Game Link Cable functionality made it potentially one of the best multiplayer games ever made. Ty Kris described it as more fun than the original and felt the new play modes and colorization warranted a purchase for fans. Electronic Gaming Monthly observed that DX was easier than its predecessor due to less erratic block distribution. Some critics lamented the omission of the original game's background music. Retrospectively, several critics have listed Tetris DX as one of the best Game Boy Color titles. Digital Trends noted that the vibrant color scheme made clearing lines and performing complex maneuvers more engaging. Sam Stone of The Escapist felt the features and technical presentation made it a strong remake that revamped the classic with a dazzling display and additional game modes.