XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – TETRIS SPLASH

You knew it had to be coming eventually, didn’t you? Tetris Splash, yet another take on Alexey Pajitnov’s classic game, comes to the Xbox Live Arcade today, and well… it’s Tetris.

I think at this point in time, you’d be hard pressed to find just about anyone who plays games at all and doesn’t know what to expect from this title. What I’m trying to say here is that you probably already know whether or not you’re going to pick this one up regardless of what I say in the next few paragraphs. It’s ok, I understand – no need to apologize.

Tetris Splash promises to not only let you play the standard game of Tetris, but to throw a few new game modes into the mix. Based on the product description, that will include team based games for up to six players in addition to the usual one and two player modes. Are those modes going to be enough to justify spending 800 points ($10) on yet another version of Tetris? Well, that’s up to you, isn’t it?

In the event that you have been living under a rock or have been in a coma since 1986, a demo will be available via the Xbox Live Marketplace to aid in your purchasing decision.

Title: Tetris Splash
Publisher: Tetris Online, Inc
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 10/03/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1-4 / 2-6
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: E (Everyone)
Demo?: Yes

“The most popular electronic game of all time is back, with new variants, enhanced graphics, and beautiful aquatic playscapes inTetris® Splash! Since its introduction,Tetris has gone from Russian sensation to worldwide phenomenon, attracting more than 60 million enthusiastic players. Thanks to its unique, simple randomness, it’s never the same game twice. Now, with new modes and team play, Tetris Splashintroduces even more exciting, enjoyable ways to play this classic favorite. As easy to learn as it is addictive, it’s equally fun for the casual player and the seasoned Tetris pro!

• Modes of play: Three different modes of play including Tetris, T-Spin, and Combo, plus a unique screensaver mode.
• Multiplayer: Playable solo, competitively or in teams, with an online multiplayer mode via Xbox LIVE® for up to six players.
• New twists: New, enhanced graphics, and beautiful aquatic backscapes add a real splash to the fun of Tetris.
• Content and themes: Exciting downloadable content will be made available including themes and background aquatic creatures.
• Achievements: Twelve new achievements to master and conquer. ” – Xbox.com

Since there was no new Xbox Live Arcade release last week (the only thing Microsoft put out in the middle of Halo 3 mania was a Bomberman Live add-on pack), I’ve got nothing else for you. Move along, nothing to see here.

THQ ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO PUBLISH TETRIS ON THE 360

Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that THQ has settled their dispute with The Tetris Company with an agreement to publish Tetris for the Xbox 360 in the United States and Europe. I can only assume a Xbox Live Arcade version should follow this news shortly. Check out the Gamesindustry.biz news blurb here for further details.