WordTris (GB) (WordTris (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	WordTris (GB)
Date:	04/04/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Longer appeal

Disadvantages: Sound

"WordTris" is a video game released to the Gameboy console in 1992 by Realtime Accessories. It was developed for the original Gameboy system but is compatible with the Gameboy Color, though the display results in a slightly greenish tinge. I was not able to locate a specific age rating but its relaxed nature would likely see it suitable for all ages.

WordTris is similar to the very popular "Tetris" game of the mid 1980s. As the name may imply, though, the game is based around forming words in the English language by positioning a number of dropping blocks. Creating a word will remove the blocks from play and it is the players objective to clear the screen of all blocks from play.

Gameplay handles similarly to a typical puzzle game for a handheld console. The only buttons required to execute this game fully are the arrow keys when choosing where to position a certain letter during word formation. There are also "Bomb" and "Dynamite" blocks which fall at random intervals and assist the player in clearing a designated area from play. As the player progresses further into the more difficult stages the blocks will fall at a higher rate of speed which forces a quicker response time and does not allow for great periods to consider where to place certain tiles. Despite the rather simple play overall, the title boasts a high sense of replay value as there is little chance the player will experience an identical game from play to play.

It is difficult to review graphics for this title. The game is simply a series of letters embedded within a square, similar to a Scrabble tile, and is not particularly noteworthy in this department. More detailed graphical implements aren't necessarily required in a puzzle title. The audio, however, could be described as something which does not fit the overall play. Musical compositions are often screechy though this is accurate to other titles during the Gameboy's primitive stages.

WordTris would likely fit in well with any puzzle fan's collection of games. It is not particularly fanciful but could provide a stimulating play for extended periods of time.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle