Overview
Tetris Plus is a falling-block puzzle game developed and released by Jaleco (under license from Bullet-Proof Software) for arcades (using their Mega System 32 hardware) in Japan sometime in 1995, with an overseas release sometime in 1996.
Jaleco's adaptation of the classic puzzle game Tetris, Tetris Plus features standard Tetris play reminiscent of Sega's 1988 arcade adaptation (in the single-player "Normal Mode", also known as "Classic Mode"), along with a brand new puzzle-focused adaptation (known as "Puzzle Mode").
Similar to Irem's Gussun Oyoyo series, Puzzle Mode features a semi-autonomous character ("The Professor") that moves back-and-forth around the playfield like a 2D platformer, affected directly by the player's dropped pieces, with the objective being to lead them to the goal. However, instead of having them climb upward, players must let them fall to the bottom of the playfield by clearing lines. This system is also used for the game's competitive "Versus Mode", in which both players must race to get their character to the bottom first.
The game features an archaeology theme, with the story involving an archaeologist known as The Professor, as he and his lovely assistant spelunk through ruins in search of treasure. The arcade version features a branching path system with multiple endings.
It later received an arcade-only sequel a year later, known as Tetris Plus 2, and received a home conversion for both the Sega Saturn, Sony PlayStation, and Game Boy worldwide in late 1996 and early 1997. Ported by Natsume, these versions include an updated Puzzle Mode with a built-in puzzle editor. The Game Boy version also has Super Game Boy support.
Puzzle Mode
The biggest addition to Tetris Plus, the goal is to get the professor to the bottom of the screen, by placing blocks and clearing lines, before the spiked ceiling at the top comes down and crushes him. The ceiling is spiked and slowly lowers every 18 seconds giving you less room to work with. The roof also destroys blocks. The professor enters the level from a door.
Locations
- Maya
- Knossos
- Egypt
- Angkor Wat
- Atlantis (Atlantis is unlocked by defeating any of the four locations listed above)
Log in to comment