TetriNET
| Company type | Multiplayer online game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | St0rmCat |
| Products | Online multiplayer Tetris game |
TetriNET is an online multiplayer version of Tetris that accommodates up to six participants and supports team-based gameplay.
History
Created by St0rmCat in 1997, TetriNET reached its final official release with version 1.13. Originally developed for Windows, it was subsequently adapted for other operating systems such as Unix and Mac OS X.
In 2000, St0rmCat introduced TetriNET2, which brought improved graphics, an expanded array of special blocks, new mechanics including hold piece functionality and block shadows, as well as a centralized master server.
Gameplay
TetriNET merges classic multiplayer Tetris mechanics with the addition of special blocks that appear after clearing lines. When players clear rows containing these special blocks, they collect them into their inventory. Clearing multiple lines simultaneously results in acquiring more special blocks.
Players can deploy these special blocks on any of the six playing fields—either their own or those of opponents—with each block producing distinct effects:
- a: Add Line – inserts a broken line at the bottom.
- c: Clear Line – removes the bottom line.
- b: Clear Special Blocks – transforms special blocks into standard ones.
- r: Random Blocks Clear – eliminates random blocks, creating empty spaces.
- o: Block Bomb – causes explosions scattering pieces around.
- q: Blockquake – shifts blocks line by line to simulate an earthquake.
- g: Block Gravity – causes unsupported blocks to fall into gaps and clears completed lines.
- s: Switch Fields – exchanges the positions of user and target fields.
- n: Nuke Field – clears all blocks from the targeted field.
Victory goes to the last player able to place pieces on their field.
Certain servers implement alternative rule sets:
- pure: disables all special blocks to provide a traditional multiplayer Tetris experience.
- 7tetris: the first player to complete seven perfect Tetrises wins.
Music
The original TetriNET download package included a single MIDI track titled "The Dance of the Spheres," composed by David Lilja, who was known at the time as Davie M. Karlsson.
Variants
In addition to the standard ruleset of the TetriNET 1.13 client, various alternative versions have been developed.
TetriFast
TetriFast removes the one-second delay between piece drops present in standard gameplay. Because this delay is enforced client-side, a simple change in network protocol prevents TetriFast clients from joining regular TetriNET matches.
TetriNET/TetriFast 1.14
This version guarantees that all players receive identical sequences of pieces during gameplay.
Blocktrix
Blocktrix is an alternative Windows client compatible with both traditional TetriNET and TetriFast protocols. It also introduces a Blocktrix mode featuring additional special block types:
- l: Left Gravity—pulls all blocks toward the left side, leaving empty columns on the right.
- p: Piece Change—replaces the current falling piece with a different one.
- z: Zebra Field—clears every alternate column in the field.
TetriNET2
Created by the original developer of TetriNET, this sequel adds five new special blocks to the original collection:
- Immunity—renders the target immune to special block effects for 15 seconds.
- Clear Column—removes a random vertical column from an opponent’s field.
- Mutate Pieces—alters upcoming pieces to be larger and irregularly shaped.
- Darkness—restricts visibility on the target’s field to only the area surrounding the current piece for 10 seconds.
- Confusion—inverts or scrambles control inputs for 10 seconds.
In late 2007, after receiving a cease and desist order from The Tetris Company, development and distribution of TetriNET2 ceased. Due to persistent fan interest in further development beyond what The Tetris Company provided, it was revived in early 2010 following several years offline.
Popularity and reception
Thanks to client availability across multiple platforms, the game quickly gained significant popularity within the Linux user base. During the linux.conf.au event, a programming competition encouraged developers to build bots capable of playing TetriNET by connecting to the game server, with the grand prize being an IBM pSeries server valued at A$40,000. Additionally, TetriNET became a staple at numerous LAN parties.
Game Revolution identified TetriNET as a cost-effective alternative to Tetris, commending its engaging multiplayer mode. In their 1999 critique of The Next Tetris, the publication noted that TetriNET remained more faithful to the original Tetris gameplay while offering a notably more entertaining multiplayer experience.
External links
- gtetrinet source code archive on SourceForge
- Jetrix TetriNET Server]