CES 2011: Tetris comes to PS3, Connected TVs @ Gaming Target

Written by Matt Swider on January 05, 2011

News: With two Tetris announcements in 24 hours, it's officially a block party.

Tetris licensee Blue Planet Software sure is connecting the right lines this week. The publisher announced ahead of CES that its flagship game is coming to connected devices courtesy of casual game company Oberon Media. Q1 2011 is the expected window for the puzzle game's release on devices that include Internet-enabled TVs and Blu-Ray players.

"With the support of almost every major consumer electronics manufacturer, connected TVs and devices have the potential to reach millions over the next few years," said Henk Rogers, CEO of Blue Planet Software "Our fans can look forward to seeing Tetris on this entirely-new distribution platform."

The announcement was followed by the separate, but equally exciting news that Tetris has released on PS3 via the PlayStation Network. With 1080p HD graphics and 5.1 surround sound, the 80s franchise officially looks like a next-generation puzzle game.

"This is Tetris made for a big screen," said Alexey Pajitnov, creator of the Tetris game. "Weя┐╜re thrilled to bring this unique game to longtime fans and new players. We hope everyone shows it off in their home 'theaters!'"

The gameplay has also been brought up to speed with all-new game modes that can be played with up to six friends. Modes like "Shared" gives two players the chance to team-up in a single matrix to combine efforts and clear lines together. Meanwhile, я┐╜Team Battleя┐╜ allows two teams of two to play against one another, alternating between offense and defense as they compete for the win. You can be sure that the classic "Marathon" and "Battle" modes return among the 12 total variants. There's also a "Challenge" mode in which you can try to beat replays of either friends or some of the best Tetris players.

Expect a full review of Tetris for PS3 next week following our live coverage from CES 2011.