Tetris Tower 3D threatens to consume all our (free) time

Not that we would possibly have any reason to complain, but what's up with people making physical versions of our favorite classic games? Are they trying to shut down Engadget by rejuvenating obsessions with our favorite games of yesteryear? Because we might just break down altogether over this Connect-Four-like Tetris Tower 3D tabletop game (made by the very same people who gave us the Tetris and Street Fighter II standalones). As you may have guessed, it picks the next block, and you drop it down slots to its destination (we hope they're keyed to prevent Ls from becoming Js, and Ss becoming Zs)—whomever has more lines when you get to the top wins. (We were kind of wishing they'd figure out a way to make the lines disappear, though.) Now if you'll excuse us, we will be closing up shop early today.

[Via GadgetryBlog]

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

They don't seem to be keyed -- you can tell from the picture (and the video) that there are only five distinct "pieces" and they can go in any way you like. Still -- cool!

[JoeBob @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

An 'S' can't become a 'Z' unless it flips around an axis that the plastic screens seem to prevent. An 'S' becoming an 'N', well, now that's a problem

[Blue Balloon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

wow... sound cool but so... corny... Still... it would work... for fun. :)

[Brad Spry @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

The blocks and "screen" seem to use a tongue and groove system, preventing the blocks from turning when dropped.

Watch the commercial on the linked site to see close ups of the system.

Gotta have it!

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

God why didn't people invent this earlier.

[elise @ Dec 19th 2005 1:04AM]

I bought this for my 8 year old cousin for xmas per his request. My arm gets a lot less tired playing the gameboy version. All that lifting your arm up to drop the pieces in, too much excercise.