We’ll cut to the chase – Minetris is a newly launched premium experience on iOS that offers a very interesting and engaging twist on Tetris.
We’ve managed to get some of the thoughts of the game’s indie creator Carlo Barabino too, and discuss why this is a puzzle title worth your time.
Tetris, But Not As You Know It
There have been some superb iterations of Tetris, but most have been on console recently. So it’s nice to see Minetris offering a new variant on the classic.
It’s core gameplay sees you venturing deeper into a pyramid, with dynamic effects and camera movement meaning you really get involved in the action – more so than in a standard game of Tetris.
As Barabino 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. So with every game you play, the Pharaoh will regain life, and the ancient pyramid will transform back into its former glory, vibrant and renewed.”
A Labour of Love
With the game being developed solo you can tell Minetris is a real passion project too. But it’s far more polished an experience than you’d ever expect to see come from a one man developer.
Barabino explains the key challenge making the title was “the sheer amount of work. When you’re part of a team, the workload can be divided, but as a solo developer, I had to handle 100% of the technical aspects on my own.”
And you can tell, with truly idiosyncratic touches present throughout. Whether it’s the way blocks explode when you complete a line or the many unique trophies you can gain while playing – Minetris offers heaps more unique twists and turns than any of the many soulless corporate puzzle experiences available on mobile.
Any Advice?
We spoke to Carlo about any advice he might have for new players of Minetris, and there were a few tips he had to share:
- Keep the mined area clear, as it’s your key spot for quickly breaking down the wall. At the same time, prevent the wall from growing too much, as it will become increasingly difficult to shrink it later. Striking the right balance is crucial.
- The next two upcoming blocks are always displayed. Use this preview strategically to decide where to place your current piece.
- The game features Cascade Gravity, allowing split blocks to fall. Plan ahead and anticipate which parts of a block might drop when you clear a line.
- When the game speeds up, use the coins you’ve earned to purchase ‘slow-down’ blocks (marked with a blue trail) from the shop. Exploding blocks (marked with a yellow trail) can also be a lifesaver in tough situations, so give them a try and see how best you can utilise them!
- Clear two consecutive lines quickly to earn extra points and enjoy a dazzling firework display.
So what are you waiting for? Start using these tips for yourself right now by downloading Minetris via the App Store and Google Play. There’s even a Lite version on Android if you want to try before you buy.