REVIEW: Tetris Attack 1996 Super NES
	By: Nintendo Type: puzzle Players: 1-2 Difficulty: Normal

This was originally released in Japan as Panel Pon, where it was hugely popular. Nintendo snapped it up for an occidental release, and changed all the cute little anime girls from the Japanese version into Yoshi's Island characters for the US and European version (now, normally I'd kick up a huge argument over such changes, but since I like Yoshi characters even better than anime characters, I think this time the changes were actually for the better. Except for that title of course).

Here are the characters to choose from. All should be familiar to those who-we played SMW2: Yoshi's Island...

Now, this game's title is very misleading. It has not one single thing in common with Tetris at all (Yoshi's Panels or something would've been a better name). Oh, all right, one thing: both games feature a lot of blocks. And that's where the similarities end. In Tetris Attack, a stack of colorful blocks slowly scrolls up your screen. If it reaches the top, you die, and oblivion will descend upon earth. Probably. You can remove blocks by making lines of four or more of the same color. To achieve this, you can "swap" two blocks around. I'll try to explain. You control a small cursor with which you can highlight any two blocks that touch sideways. Press a button, and the two blocks your cursor is on will change position (I know, it sounds mighty warped on paper, but you'll get the hang of it in a matter of seconds). And of course, by making large combos and chain reactions, you will be able to launch devastating attacks on your enemyies.

As with most puzzle games, it seems simple, but becomes super-addictive pretty quickly, especially as this is one of the rare games where you'll very soon learn to spot combo opportunities. Big combos are not just a chance occurrence, in this game you can, and will, make them happen by your own, premeditated efforts, which is very fulfilling. To liven things up, there are a few very nice presentation touches, such as lovely images of the characters in the background, and silly voice samples to chuckle over.  
  
 
Special mention must go out to the music, as it's definitely a case of mind over matter. The tunes seem simple, repetitive and limited at first, but they're surprisingly very nice to listen to, set the right mood for each game and grow on you quite a bit. Thank heavens for a sound test, then.
Add to that loads of different play modes, including a great 2 player VS. Mode, and you've got yourself a genuine slice of puzzle heaven. Puzzle die-hards with many friends around will be playing this for ages. So if puzzling's your thing, go for this. You won't be disappointed. - Toasty 86%

[Key to the reviewing system]

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