Tetris is one of the oldest and most endearing puzzle games ever. Most other puzzle games that have come out since then have not steered too far away from Tetris’s basic design. So how does the age old-formula manage to remain fresh for its Nintendo DS debut? Nintendo has combined Tetris’s classic gameplay with the look and feel of several of its classic franchises, added several new game variations, and added online play to boot. Even the classic version of the game has a new twist; as players create lines, Mario moves through the levels. Puzzle mode, which has its look inspired by Yoshi’s cookie, has players using a set amount of blocks in order to clear the screen. Mission mode, inspired by Legend of Zelda, has players completing lines while having to follow various rules, such as not being able to use a certain block. Touch mode, which is taken from balloon fight, has players use the touch screen to slide blocks into place to clear the screen, kinda like those slide puzzles. A mode inspired by Metroid has players scrolling upwards, kinda like a vertical shooter. You combine falling pieces into clusters of blocks to get rid of them. Finally, a duel mode inspired by Donkey Kong, has players making lines in order to push the stack onto their opponent. In short, Nintendo has done so much more than simply regurgitate another version of Tetris with touch screen controls. They have created an all new way to experience Tetris, and created a must-have title for the Nintendo DS.

Our own gangsta thug gives us a glowing review of the newest installment in the Saints Row series.

Check out this ad for the Transformers Animated DS game that just popped in my mail box.

Notice anything fishy?

Yeah, I know this game is OUT, why is Activision sending me an email now?

But seriously, they’re hyping Revenge Of The Fallen in the lower right corner there. And since this is an Activision ad, chances are its not for the movie. Its for the tie in game.

I seriously, seriously hope they do a better job than the last time around.

Find out more about the actual advertised game at the obviously titled www.transformersanimatedgame.com

Veterans day was this past week. In honor of our brave men and women fighting for this country, we have a special $20 GOTW/Lost Classics, centering on games about our military fighting to defend our livelihood. Although one game is more realistic than the other, both of these games are so good, that you will be proud to be an American as you play them. So sit back, enjoy, and remember the sacrifices of our brave men and women, in both the real world and in digital form.

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Show notes:

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Vinnk of 4 Color Rebellion and Famicom Dojo has relaunched his Rising Stuff online store with new forums and news articles with a focus on retro Japanese gaming.

In Vinnk’s own words, the new Rising Stuff “will cover classic games and consoles that may have never made it out of the land of the rising sun,” and “will try to cover obscure system like the PC-FX, Wonderswan and Playdia as well as the better-known systems like the Mega Drive, Saturn, PC-Engine and Famicom Disk System.”

This is quite a treat for me, because many of the front-page authors are also long-time friends. Between us we started the unstoppable Midwest force of nature now known as No Brand Con.

So check out the new Rising Stuff! If you head over there RIGHT NOW you will see a repost of the first episode of Famicom Dojo, as well as videos about the 3DO and Playdia. You may even see other a Powet.TV videos pop up there from time-to-time.

Election season has passed and we’ve elected a new president. To commemorate this occasion, this week’s $20 GOTW focuses on a contest, which, just like politics can get brutal and leave a lasting effect on its participants. This week’s lost classic represents a bold change in the formula of a well known classic shooter franchise. So head on in and celebrate the end of this historic election season.
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Earlier today the Wall Street Journal let it be known that Apple Corps Ltd. has struck a deal with Viacom for the use of The Beatles music in the Rock Band series of games. Few details are known at this time as no information on which songs will be made available or how has been released yet. Further information may be made known at today’s press conference (10 AM EST). We’ll keep you updated.

UPDATE: The Beatles won’t be in Rock Band per se. Rather Harmonix will be creating a Beatles game using the Rock Band engine that will support all Rock Band peripherals. Stay tuned to our thread on the subject for updates.

News courtesy Tiktaalik @ Neogaf via Kotaku via WSJ Online