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THQ’s Tetris Evolution for Xbox 360 is a decent update to the classic puzzle franchise. The game features various game modes, online play, and customizable skins that help keep the title fresh for new and veteran puzzle players.

Tetris Evolution includes a single-player mode with customizable variances and a full online competition mode for one to four players on Xbox Live.

The single-player mode includes options like Marathon for standard endless play, Ultra to clear as many lines as possible in a set time, and Race to clear a set amount of lines as quickly as possible.

Players can also customize fill rate to determine how quickly the matrix fills up from the bottom, or goal system for fixed 150 line or 600 line goals. In addition, players can choose from a range of moving backgrounds and skins.

Controls are standard and allow players to move their block from left to right and speed it downward into place. New is the hard drop feature which will allows players to drop their block in one click to the desired position. The features helps take Tetris to a speedier level for breakneck competitions offline and online.

Online modes include ranked match, custom match, quick match, and downloadable content. Online matches were quick and easy to setup and no lag was experienced during play.

The graphics engine is standard in the update. Tetris blocks look much like they did in previous versions, although the moving backgrounds and custom skins provide an additional psychedelic layer to the game. Music, like the original score, and new tunes create alternative experiences, though many are not entirely memorable.

Tetris Evolution is good update to the puzzle series. While it does not add any revolutionary new gameplay aspects to the franchise, it keeps the game to current standards with online competition and customizable features.