Chapter 10 Question 2b on Tetris

2 b. Document the effect of each of the player actions allowed in Tetris on the

attributes of the currently falling tetromino. Bear in mind that some actions
have different effects depending on which tetromino is currently falling. Where
this is the case, be sure to document the effects of the action on each different
type of tetromino.

There are seven types of tetrominos piece in the game of Tetris.  These are; I aka Stick, J aka Inverted L, L aka Gun, O aka Square, S aka Inverted N, Z aka N, and T aka Ice-T.  These pieces fall at random in the game, and all seven of them have a different effect depending on the player’s actions.  The pieces can be turned left or right and be turned in a full 360 degrees, with 90 degree turning intervals and be moved from left to right across the screen until it hits the bottom.  When a piece is falling down to the other blocks then the player must think of what to do.  The core mechanics of Tetris is to test the player’s problem solving skills and memorization skills too.  The challenge they are laid with is in a timer of sorts, the speed of the tetrominos increases making them fall faster.  Also the speed at which the tetrominos fall at can be increased by a down button input from the player.

When the player sees a stick piece falling the best thing to do is to line it up so that it can fall into a deep, single line between blocks.  Or if there is an empty space on the bottom then it can be laid flat.  The same can be said for the L and J pieces so that they fall with the one jutting out square fitting into a single hole and also form a line.  The other pieces such as the S and N pieces can be stacked on one another to create a line and a stair way effect.  Once a line is formed, it vanishes and the whole field of previously fallen blocks goes down one line.  A unique piece like the T tetrominos can be fitted with its middle square sticking out to form a line but it can also fit into an empty space along the walls of the screen.  Although these are only a few of the many infinite strategies that can be formed to get a highsocre on Tetris, which players have to think of or make up themselves as they play this addicting game.