If you're looking for pure, unadulterated Tetris fun, look no further than Tetris Party Deluxe.
Tetris Party Deluxe is basically the expanded retail release of the WiiWare game, so if you already have that, chances are you probably don't need to get this version. Those who never found the time to download the WiiWare release have the opportunity to experience one of the most fleshed-out, engrossing Tetris games ever created. For one, it offers a whopping eight modes of play. Marathon is standard Tetris (nothing more, nothing less) against a never-ending array of Tetriminos that drop one after another and only get faster for every level you attain. Computer Battle allows you to contest against the artificial intelligence. Field Climber is an interesting session where you'll assist a little climber using Tetriminos as stepping stones in order to reach checkpoints. Shadow is a slower, more calculated mode of Tetris that has you filling shadowed regions using carefully placed Tetriminos. Stage Racer challenges the player in racing a single, predetermined Tetrimino through a series of obstacle courses. Sprint has you scurrying to clear 40 or so lines as fast as you can, Master Mode is basically "instant-drop Tetris" forcing you to think faster than usual, and Bombliss is essentially traditional Tetris with the inclusion of block-destroying bombs that are detonated by clearing lines. There's no disputing the variety to be had in these game modes, so there's something for everyone. And they're all fiendish, frenetic fun when played with other people. Interestingly enough, you can use a wide variety of different control schemes---the standard Wii Remote and Nunchuck, the Classic Controller---even the Wii Balance Board and Steering Wheel!
Local and online Wi-Fi play is available for up to four players-just like the WiiWare release. Thankfully, it isn't limited to just Friend Codes-you have the opportunity to test your mettle against any opponent from every corner of the world, so there's certainly no shortage of opponents. During most multi-player matches like Vs. modes and such, players can use special items against one another---like clouding their play area with a sheet of ice, or temporarily stopping their Tetriminos from rotating. It's an interesting-albeit mean-spirited-way to play Tetris with friends and potential enemies. Leaderboards and rankings are also available, allowing you to show off your achievements and earn the respect (and fear) of your would-be challengers.
As great as Tetris Party Deluxe is as a game, its presentation is somewhat sparse. Customization is limited to only a handful of backgrounds, and there is no way to change music in individual modes. To be fair, though, what's already included is by no means distracting. The good old Tetris theme song is here in its entirety, along with a handful of other interesting melodies. The backgrounds are wonderfully animated and nicely done to the utmost effect with neat little touches here and there. And the Tetriminos look as colorful and vibrant as they've ever been.
Tetris Party Deluxe is yet another incarnation of one of the most time-honored video games ever to be conceived. And it's an enjoyable one at that. A dearth of multiple game modes, online play that spans worldwide, and the overall addictive charm of Tetris make this package a must-own for just about everybody.