Review: Play Tetris for Free With BlockBerry

BlockBerry (previously known as BBTetris) is a free Tetris game for the BlackBerry. It was recently updated to correct some portrait orientation problems on the BlackBerry Storm and Torch devices. BlockBerry is a lot of fun to play, and despite its weaknesses, it is still addictive.

When you first launch BlockBerry for the Torch, a poorly designed intro screen greets you with instructions for playing the game. It vaguely explains how to use the keyboard, but does not specifically describe how to use the touchscreen to play the game. From there you can choose New Game from the menu, and BlockBerry allows you to choose the level to start from. The touchscreen is not responsive on this screen, and sometimes takes several screen taps to actually choose a level.

Once you start the game, you can use a combination of keystrokes, screen gestures, screen taps, and trackpad gestures to manipulate the falling blocks. The gameplay is exactly what you expect from any Tetris game, and the touchscreen is more responsive than it is on the level selection screen, but still needs improvement. Sometimes you have to tap the Rotate and Drop buttons on the screen multiple times for the application to react. You can move the blocks from side to side on the screen with a finger swipe, but you cannot drop a block by swiping downwards. These small issues are frustrating, and while they do detract from the game play, they will not hinder the player until higher levels in the game (level 25 or higher).

Pros

• Easy to install and play
• Can use touchscreen, trackpad, and keyboard
• Free
• Different versions available for different BlackBerry devices

Cons

• Touchscreen is not sensitive enough
• The intro screen is poorly designed, and does not explain how to use the touchscreen and trackpad
• Lack of touchscreen sensitivity hinders play at higher levels

BlockBerry is a fun game, and is a great distraction for Tetris fans. Some of the application quirks will annoy you, and may even deter serious Tetris fans. It is definitely worth trying out simply because it is free.