3D Block

3D Block
File:3DBlockTitle.png 3D Block's (1990 version) Title Screen
Publisher:	RCM
Possible Creators:	Hwang Shinwei
Console:	Famicom
Copyright:	1989/1990
Engine:	Unknown
Sound:	Hwang Shinwei

3D Block is a pirated port of Blockout, made for the Famicom by Hwang Shinwei in 1989. There are two versions: a 1989 version credited to Hwang Shinwei and a 1990 version credited to RCM with a slightly different title screen.

Overview

File:3DBlockGameplay.png

3D Block's Gameplay

This is an adaptation of Blockout, which in itself is a 3D version of Tetris. This is emphasised with the cartridge itself, having the artwork ripped from the original game. In this version the well is 5x5x10 cubes big and the size never changes changed unlike the official versions. The controls are somewhat unorthodox; unlike most other games the Select button pauses the game while Start speeds up the block so that it moves to the bottom of the well faster. The block designs themselves are the same as in the arcade version of Blockout. There are 20 levels in total, with the player being able to start on any of the first 9, and the speed of the game can be set as well like in Tetris. The levels increase in speed as they progress and on most of the levels there are blocks which are in full 3D as opposed to standard Tetris blocks. On each level, 4 layers have to be cleared to advance. Clearing all of the blocks on the screen automatically ends the level. After completing level 20, the game reverts back to the title screen where the shape in the middle changes colour to reveal that it's a poorly digitised woman wearing shoes on high heels only.

The graphics are mostly taken from Blockout, apart from the title screen and menu, which are original. When the blocks are stacked up in this version, they appear to be layers of squares. The music, however, is the same music heard in Hwang Shinwei's other games.