Nintendo TETRIS - User Manual

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Summary

How to Use the Controls

Basic Operations

Explains basic movement controls for blocks and game selection.

HOW TO PLAY

GAME TYPE;MUSIC TYPE Setting

Explains how to select game and music types before starting.

A-TYPE Game

Details the objective and gameplay of the endurance mode.

B-TYPE Game

Details the objective and gameplay of the 25-line challenge mode.

How to Play More Difficult Games

About Scoring

B-TYPE Games Scoring

Explains bonus scoring for B-TYPE games and provides a score table.

COMPLIANCE WITH FCC REGULATIONS

90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY NINTENDO GAME PAKS

Warranty Service and Terms

Details the 90-day warranty, service procedures, and limitations.

Summary

How to Use the Controls

Basic Operations

Explains basic movement controls for blocks and game selection.

HOW TO PLAY

GAME TYPE;MUSIC TYPE Setting

Explains how to select game and music types before starting.

A-TYPE Game

Details the objective and gameplay of the endurance mode.

B-TYPE Game

Details the objective and gameplay of the 25-line challenge mode.

How to Play More Difficult Games

About Scoring

B-TYPE Games Scoring

Explains bonus scoring for B-TYPE games and provides a score table.

COMPLIANCE WITH FCC REGULATIONS

90-DAY LIMITED WARRANTY NINTENDO GAME PAKS

Warranty Service and Terms

Details the 90-day warranty, service procedures, and limitations.

This document is an instruction booklet for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game, Tetris. It provides comprehensive information on how to play the game, understand its mechanics, and utilize the controller effectively.

Function Description

Tetris is a puzzle game where the primary objective is to manipulate falling blocks of various shapes to form complete horizontal lines. When a line is completely filled with blocks and has no gaps, it disappears, and the player earns points. The game continues as long as the blocks do not pile up to the top of the game field. If the blocks reach the top, the game ends. The game is designed to test reflexes and strategic thinking, offering a simple yet highly addictive gameplay experience.

The game's name, Tetris, is derived from the Greek word "tetra," meaning four, as all the game pieces are composed of four squares. There are seven distinct shapes, each formed by rearranging four squares.

Usage Features

The instruction booklet details two main game types:

Endurance Game A: This mode is a test of endurance, where players aim to achieve the highest possible score by completing as many lines as they can. Players can select the initial falling speed of the blocks (LEVEL) on the A-TYPE LEVEL setting screen. A higher LEVEL means faster falling blocks. As the game progresses, the LEVEL gradually increases, making the game progressively more challenging. The game ends when the blocks reach the top of the game field.
Game B: In this mode, the objective is to complete 25 lines. Players can set both the LEVEL (falling speed) and HEIGHT (initial height of random blocks at the bottom of the game field) on the B-TYPE LEVEL setting screen. A higher HEIGHT setting means the random blocks are placed higher up from the bottom. Unlike Game A, the game level in Game B does not change during play. The game ends if blocks reach the top of the game field.

Controller Operations:

The game utilizes the NES Controller 1, with specific buttons assigned for various actions:

Control Pad (Directional Pad):
- Left: Moves blocks to the left.
- Right: Moves blocks to the right.
- Down: Makes blocks fall down faster.
- Up/Down (on selection screens): Used to select TYPE, LEVEL, or HEIGHT.
A Button: Rotates the falling block 90 degrees clockwise each time it is pressed.
B Button: Rotates the falling block 90 degrees counter-clockwise each time it is pressed.
SELECT Button:
- During play: Toggles the "NEXT" display (which shows the upcoming block) on or off. Turning it off makes the game more difficult as players cannot anticipate the next shape.
- Simultaneously with A and B buttons during gameplay: Resets the game and returns to the license screen. The TOP SCORE is not erased by this action.
START Button:
- Starts the game.
- During play: Pauses the game. Pressing it again resumes play.
- On the LEVEL setting screen: Returns to the GAME TYPE/MUSIC TYPE setting screen.

Game Display Elements:

The game screen provides several key pieces of information:

LINES: Shows the total number of lines completed (Game A) or remaining (Game B).
SCORE: Displays the current score earned from completing lines and dropping blocks.
STATISTICS: Shows the count of each of the seven block types that have fallen.
NEXT: Displays the next block that will fall (can be toggled off).
LEVEL: Indicates the current falling speed of the blocks.
HEIGHT (Game B only): Shows the initial height of random blocks.
PLAYFIELD: The main area where the blocks fall and lines are formed.

Scoring and Techniques:

Line Completion: Completing a horizontal line without gaps makes it disappear, and all blocks above it fall down one line.
Multiple Lines: Completing multiple lines with a single block drop (double, triple, or "TETRIS" for four lines) yields significantly higher scores.
Block Drop Position: Dropping blocks from a higher position (especially by pressing the Control Pad down) results in a higher score.
Fixing Gaps: If a gap forms, players can strategically use the next falling block to fill it before it lands, turning a difficult situation into an opportunity for extra points.
TOP SCORE: The names and scores of the top three players for both Game A and Game B can be registered. These scores are erased from memory when the power is turned off.

More Difficult Games:

For experienced players, a "high-speed mode" can be activated. By holding down the A button and pressing START on the LEVEL setting screen, the falling speed of blocks will be the preset LEVEL + 10, offering a much faster and more challenging experience.

Maintenance Features

The instruction booklet includes important precautions for handling the Tetris Game Pak:

Environmental Care: The game is a high-precision device and should not be stored in extreme hot or cold temperatures. It should also not be hit, dropped, or taken apart.
Connector Care: Avoid touching the connectors, and keep them dry and clean to prevent damage.
Cleaning: Do not use benzene, paint thinner, alcohol, or other harsh solvents for cleaning.
Storage: Always store the Game Pak in its protective sleeve when not in use.
Insertion: Before inserting the Game Pak into the Control Deck, always check the edge connector for any foreign material.

The manual also states that Nintendo Entertainment System specifications and design are subject to change without notice, in the interest of product improvement. It also contains a 90-day limited warranty and information regarding compliance with FCC regulations.