*************************************************************************** V-Tetris for Virtual Boy FAQ by BHodges Version 1.2 Created 7/9/02 Updated 8/31/02 This document Copyright 2002 by Brian Hodges. This FAQ is not to be posted without explicit permission by me. *************************************************************************** Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Adjusting the Virtual Boy III. Automatic Pause IV. Basic Gameplay V. Game Modes VI. My High Scores VII. Game Review VIII. Version History IX. Contact Information *************************************************************************** I. Introduction This is a FAQ for the Virtual Boy game V-Tetris. It contains a basic gameplay guide, a description of the three game modes, and a game review. *************************************************************************** II. Adjusting the Virtual Boy If you have never used a Virtual Boy before, here is how to adjust the screen. On the screen that says 'Virtual Boy' and has squares in the corners, turn the dial on top until you can see all four squares. Then use the sliding bar until the screen is in focus. *************************************************************************** III. Automatic Pause If you have this turned on, the game will automatically pause every few minutes to remind you to take a break and rest your eyes. Note: I have actually never seen the autopause for this game. Since I can't read the Japanese instructions, I don't know how long it is set for. *************************************************************************** IV. Basic Gameplay This is standard Tetris gameplay, so if you're a Tetris veteran, you can skip this section. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Blocks The blocks, also known as pieces or tetrads are seven different combinations of four squares connected together. _ |_| Line Block: This is probably the rarest block. It is the only one |_| capable of completing a "Tetris". It is also the |_| easiest block to find a place for. |_| _ |_| L-Block: This block can clear three lines at once. |_|_ It isn't too difficult to find a place for these. |_|_| _ |_| Reverse L-Block: This block can also clear three lines at once. _|_| These are also fairly easy to find a place for. |_|_| _ _ |_|_|_ Z-Block: Z and S-Blocks are probably the trickiest blocks to |_|_| place. The easiest solution is to stack them on top of each other vertically on the side of the container. Be careful not to let them get too high. _ _ _|_|_| S-Block: See description of Z-Block above. |_|_| _ _|_|_ T-Block: These blocks are very easy to find a place for. |_|_|_| _ _ |_|_| Square Block: If you are not careful, these could be difficult |_|_| to place without leaving gaps. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Controls Left control pad Used to maneuver the pieces A button Used to rotate the piece 90 degrees clockwise B button Used to rotate the piece 90 degrees counter clockwise Select button Used to toggle whether or not the next piece will be displayed in upper right R and L buttons Used in mode C to rotate the container The object of the game is to use the falling pieces to make complete rows all the way across the container. When you complete a row, it disappears and you get points. You get more points for clearing two, three, or four rows at one time. Clearing four rows at once is known as a Tetris. When the blocks land above the line at the top, you lose and the game is over. When a piece lands you have a short amount of time where you can slide it left or right. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hints: - Try and clear four rows at a time to get more points. - Keep an eye on the next piece available and plan ahead accordingly. - Try to avoid leaving gaps in your rows. A gap is a hole in a row that is covered by another row. - If the moving background is too distracting, use the stationary one instead. - Be sure to always leave a place to put a square block. - Take advantage of the ability to slide pieces after they have landed to help you fill in or avoid gaps. *************************************************************************** V. Game Modes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mode A Classic Endless This is endless Tetris. You keep going until the container is filled, after which your game is over. After you clear a certain number of rows, the level will increase and the blocks will fall faster than before. You can choose between three soundtracks or silence for your background music. Background A is a moving starfield (like the screensaver). Background B is a forest containing two clowns. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mode B Classic Standard This is line clear Tetris. It is like mode A except when you advance to the next level, you start the next one with an empty container. The number of lines you have to clear before advancing to the next level is displayed at the lower right of the screen. At the end of each level, your score for that level is tallied up and added to your total score. You can choose between three soundtracks or silence for your background music. Background A is an underwater scene with fish swimming by. Background B is a castle with a clown and a dragon. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mode C New Type Loop This is loop Tetris. This is like endless with three exceptions. First of all in this mode you can use the R and L buttons to rotate the container left or right to give you more space to place blocks. Secondly if you clear only one line in this mode, you are penalized. The penalty is a line piece being dropped in the back of the container more than likely causing gaps. Lastly, in this mode it is possible to clear more than 4 lines at once. You will notice that sometimes after you rotate the container, you will end up with one or more rows completed. To erase them, just complete a row with a block and all complete rows on the screen will disappear. You can't choose your background music in this mode, instead you are given a brand new song. Background A starts out as leaves but changes as you progress. Background B is a cityscape with clowns holding balloons. *************************************************************************** VI. My High Scores These are my high scores for each mode. Note: Do not send me emails saying that you have beaten my scores. Mode A 503,191 Mode B 440,578 Mode C 515,057 *************************************************************************** VII. Game Review This game was only released in Japan, but if you can find a copy I would strongly recommend picking it up. It will work fine on an American Virtual Boy without any modifications and all gameplay is in English. Pros - Classic Tetris gameplay - Three modes of play - Six different 3D backgrounds Cons - Doesn't save high scores - No low battery indicator - What's up with all the clowns? Overall, this is my favorite version of Tetris and a must own for anyone with a Virtual Boy. *************************************************************************** VIII. Version History 1.0 7/9/02 Created FAQ 1.1 7/17/02 Fixed a typo, added high score section, added some info to each section. 1.2 8/31/02 Updated Mode C description. Modified Basic Gameplay Section. Modified Automatic Pause section. Modified contact info. Updated High Scores. *************************************************************************** IX. Contact information You can contact me at Bhodges080@aol.com I would appreciate hearing what you thought of this guide and any thoughts you have for improving it. Please do not send me emails saying that you have beaten my scores. *************************************************************************** End