Tetris

[Jaime]

Playing Tetris is not something that can be undertaken lightly.

It’s a difficult game to play, but no one can deny the satisfaction of completing a level. The knowledge that you have moved a step closer to achieving your dream definitely provides a rush. Then, once more confidence in your ability has been gained, your efficiency pays off. Soon you can eliminate single, horizontal lines without thinking, and achieving a four line tetris is as easy as snapping your fingers. But don’t get too big-headed, and never forget that there is still a lot to learn. There’s a big difference between level four and level ten.

There are dangers involved, including, but not limited to: the obsessive compulsion to play; the threat of RSI; the loss of time spent with family and friends; and, of course, the fact that even if you can put the Game Boy down, you won’t be able to get Tetris out of your head. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. Those damn tetrominoes keep falling, even after you have closed your eyes. And don’t even get me started on the music!

No. Anyone who has played Tetris will understand the need to succeed – the aspiration to be the best player in existence, even if it seems an unattainable goal. Then again, I’m sure those who have beaten the high scores never expected to achieve glory. When they first picked up a Game Boy, they didn’t know that they would become the best, inspiring children and adults alike to pick up their own Game Boys.

Will I get close to a high score? Who knows. Will I consider the fact that I might not be good enough to place all of those tetrominoes at such a high speed? Already been there. But I won’t know unless I keep practising. And there will be bad days – days filled with so much frustration that I will want nothing more than to throw my Game Boy against a wall. Believe me, I’ve considered the scenario (and it usually ends with me running across the room to pick up said Game Boy and hold it close, apologising immensely and praying to God that I haven’t damaged it too much).

Quite simply, the most important thing to remember whilst playing Tetris, is that you are enjoying yourself. You wouldn’t have picked up your Game Boy if you weren’t looking for a bit of fun and entertainment, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing the tetromino you’ve been waiting for appear at the top of your screen, just knowing that you can spin it to snap perfectly into your setup of horizontal lines.

You may not achieve a high score, but hey, the amount of personal bests and tetris stacks you’ll fill along the way will be well worth the journey.