The gameplay has undergone some changes as well. For a more detailed description of the new rules, read our preview, in which we reprinted the rules as sent to us by Crave. Basically though, the changes are based on multi-colored blocks called Multiminos. When these pieces land, the block separates by color and can create a cascade. The new rules are hard to explain, but simple to figure out when playing, and change the game just enough to keep it interesting. As we mentioned earlier, the game gives players the option to play in classic Tetris mode, but we recommend trying the new game out before reverting back to the old. The opportunity to cascade the multi-colored blocks really gives the game a whole new dimension and makes room for more strategy than the original.

Although the music in The Next Tetris has received some amount of flak recently, we feel that a lot of this has been misdirected. The problem with the music isn't that it has switched to electronica. What better kind of music to play a hypnotic game like Tetris to than the pulsing thump of electronica? The problem is really with the quality of music used. It was quite awhile ago that videogames began making the jump to electronic music -- a genre of sound that really does fit the format of videogames better than rock n' roll. However, it seems that it will be a long time before developers realize that, just like other forms of music, there are many different kinds and qualities of electronic music -- and anything made with a synthesizer and a drum machine isn't going to cut it. That said, the music in The Next Tetris isn't that bad -- but it's not going to win any awards either.

Of course, the gist of the game (as hinted by the title) is its ability to let its players online to test their skills against other Dreamcast owners. While this is a nice extra feature, it would be hard to think of a game that needs online play less than Tetris. It's good see companies striving to get their games online, strengthening the bragging rights of Sega and taking advantage of the fact that the Dreamcast is the only console offering online play. The Next Tetris offers global scoreboards where players can earn bragging points by placing their highest scores. For those who crave more direct competition, the game can be played head-to-head against other opponents. Not only is it a race against time to score the highest points -- clearing a line of blocks on your puzzle will obscure an opponent's screen and cause a variety of distraction tactics to kick in, further strengthening your advantage. Besides that, there will be global Tetris tournaments where the best of the best can strut their stuff online.

So there we have it -- a classic game with a few new twists and features. A fun game for any die-hard Tetris fan, and a great chance for those who have never played to become familiar with one of the most addictive videogames of all time.

The Bottom Line: Crave showed just the right amount of restraint when revamping this classic. If you still haven't played Tetris, run out and buy this now. If you still have a version of Tetris lying around on another system, wait until the price drops on this one, and then take your skills online.