http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TetriNET

I found Blox World a pleasant but simple game, much like other tetris imitation games. Groups of blocks fall from above and it is your job to twist them around and position them to form solid lines across the playing field. A line of blocks without gaps will disappear from the field leaving room for more blocks and points to be scored.

The difference for this version is . . . I enjoyed playing it for a change. Other versions of this game have filled the screen too fast for me to fully grasp what the heck the point was and I have been bored and developed a dislike for them. Granted, I haven’t played this genre much lately, but it was a refreshing approach. Blox World is chock full of variations I’ve never seen before with bonus blocks, changing colors, and blocks that will will fill in gaps in your lines or erase unwanted blocks. I recommend the game for any age although navigating the huge menu of options may prove overwhelming for gaming newbies. Not everyone has been playing computer games all their lives. Blox World is older technology, but very nicely put together with many different games and skill levels in one download. It’s nice to see RealApex bring out old classics recycled for the next generation as well as for the older generation who are just now being dragged into the world of computer gaming.

As for folks believe they have played every tetris clone out there “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”.

Today’s game software downloaded/activated and installed seamlessly.

Wow! Yet another Tetris clone! Amazing!

Interestingly, I haven’t found this one as distasteful as others I’ve uninstalled.

This developer has at least tried to improve on the original game, by adding several different modes of game play and bonus-like features (like the + blocks,) that will fill any empty slots that you choose to aim your block at – making it easier to clear the lines.

The ‘Help’ file is nothing more than a synopsis of the game; a list of specs., for installation; a list (not explanation,) of features; the license agreement and contact information. Unfortunately, the player is left to work out how to play the different modes him/her self. A help file is necessary and should be included with the game, not just stored on-line so that the player also has to launch their browser.

The graphics are full of color and give you the impression that you’re riding a rainbow! It’s rare that I don’t give some constructive comments about any game graphics – but these, along with flawless animation clearly indicate that they’ve been created by an expert graphics designer.

Controls: Kudos to this developer for providing both keyboard and mouse support. As this feature is so important to me (and many others,) with regard to games, it may well be one of the reasons that I keep this Tetris clone.

Playing field: This is as you would expect for a Tetris game. The next block in the queue to be dropped, is shown to the left – while the right side shows you your score; how many lines are left to clear and the current level.

I had to play around a little to find the ‘pause’ command as there are no instructions that I could find. Use ‘P’ to pause and ‘P’ again to resume playing.

The game options can’t be accessed in-game, or even when you press escape – so be sure to set them before you begin playing. I won’t go into the range of options today, since for a fairly simple game, there are more options than I’ve seen in some complicated 3D games with a music library!

You can even turn off the animation in a range of different places if it bothers you. I was very grateful for that option, as I found the dancing menu items incredibly annoying and thankfully opted for a static menu – however, giving credit where credit is due, I did enjoy all the other animation and found that it enhanced my gaming experience.

There is also NO WAY to save your game.

Given that the player has levels to clear, it seems pointless to play when you can’t save your progress to extend that progress even further. The developer should review this issue and consider including a save feature for the next release. There is however, a ‘Highest Score’ board, which will keep records for each game mode.

Though far from anyone’s favorite game these days, if you enjoy Tetris clones, or have never played Tetris, this game is a keeper. Blox WorldPoints:

4 – for graphics;

3 – for ‘playability;

1 – additional options;

1 – control support for both keyboard and mouse;

-1 – for lack of a decent help file;

-1 – for lack of a ’save’ function;

-1 – for being a clone.

TOTAL: 6/10 plus a thumbs up!

Thank you Real Apex for returning to us and giving us the opportunity to review your game. I’d also like to thank you for your generosity in giving us the games in return.

Thank you again GOTD – ‘may you live long and prosper!’
~ Swan
(So I’m a hopeless Trekkie – what are you?)