Here at Kongbakpao we’re all super excited about Minetris. It’s an indie developer’s take on Tetris, but one that isn’t just a tired repetition of the usual formula.
Instead it’s an adventure game inspired twist on the classic blockbuster. We thought we’d list five key reasons explaining why it’s such an intriguing prospect though, with contributions from developer Carlo Barbarino himself.
An Adventure?
So we all know the drill with Tetris games. You have a well that tetrominoes are falling into one by one, that you then have to arrange them so that complete horizontal lines are formed – and then those lines disappear.
Usually this is done endlessly until the well is filled, leaving you with a high score screen and not much more. That’s where Minetris mixes things up, with the well actually being in a mysterious pyramid.
As the more lines you clear, the further you delve into the ancient structure. As Barbarino explains: “The goal isn’t just to break blocks, it’s to uncover the secrets hidden within the pyramid. The Pharaoh of Light is trapped under a curse and must be freed. With every game played, the Pharaoh regains life, and the ancient pyramid will transform back into its former glory.”
A Real Blockbuster
So it’s nice to have an overarching aim while playing, but the mechanics need to be spot on too. So fortunately they are, and in fact Minetris goes harder than we ever would have expected. Which is a good thing.
This is perhaps best explained via the act of the blocks disappearing. Instead of just fizzling out of existence, blocks explode in Minetris, and every time it feels good.
Then there’s even the act of moving blocks. You can feel each one come alive as it descends into the well, with particle effects emphasising its movement as it comes crashing down.
Welcome Little Additions
Minetris has also clearly been created by someone who knows Tetris inside and out, and understands what dedicated fans of the series want.
This includes the seemingly minor addition of knowing what two blocks are coming down the well next, rather than the usual one. Allowing you to plan ahead and create some epic block explosions far more easily. On the slower speeds at least.
A Long Term Adventure
Minetris itself is an adventure, but playing the game long-term will be an adventure of sorts too. This is because solo developer Barbarino plans to support the game over the coming months with updates to keep improving it.
Taking on feedback from players the game has already had its UI sharpened up, new content included, and further elaboration of its epic story added.
Premium Puzzling
What we love most about Minetris is that it’s a premium experience in an area where we simply don’t get them anymore.
Offering you the full experience on iOS and Android for a very low pricepoint, you cover that cost and then are never bothered by ads, surveys, or any of that nonsense.
So we recommend you try out Minetris on Android and iOS, where it can be found for just $0.99. There’s a lite version on Android too.
