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verno's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Graphic novel
kaylarage's review
3.0
(I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
This was definitely not the most exciting graphic novel I've ever read, but it was up there with the most interesting. The story of Tetris and its creators is far more interesting than most of us could imagine.
The drawing style and coloring of the novel are simple, allowing for the story to take center stage and, although I found the story to be a little jumpy, I can understand why. Graphic novels are expensive to produce, so many parts of the story need to be left out.
Nevertheless, I found Tetris to be interesting and educational. Its an inspiring and informative story including computer nerds, restrictive government, oh-so-exciting copyright infringement, a little bit of murder, and the American dream. And, of course, that classic Tetris music.
This was definitely not the most exciting graphic novel I've ever read, but it was up there with the most interesting. The story of Tetris and its creators is far more interesting than most of us could imagine.
The drawing style and coloring of the novel are simple, allowing for the story to take center stage and, although I found the story to be a little jumpy, I can understand why. Graphic novels are expensive to produce, so many parts of the story need to be left out.
Nevertheless, I found Tetris to be interesting and educational. Its an inspiring and informative story including computer nerds, restrictive government, oh-so-exciting copyright infringement, a little bit of murder, and the American dream. And, of course, that classic Tetris music.
caitshanly's review
4.0
I picked this up on a whim when I saw it on display at my town’s library, and I’m so glad I did. This was light graphic novel about the fascinating and complicated story of how Tetris came to be, and how much the game influenced modern gaming. I highly recommend this book to any fans of Tetris and video game history.
animemiz24's review
4.0
Tetris as a nonfiction graphic novel. This graphic novel starts out in Russia with Alexey Pajitnov who is the creator of Tetris. He didn’t think much about the influence his game would have. But it did, and that’s why a large part of the book spoke about the various business disputes and negotiations for the rights of Tetris. There was also a personal consequence to the friend of Alexey, Vladimir Pokhilko who was said to co-inventor for Tetris.
For fans of video games or readers of the authors previous work, this is the graphic novel to read. Because other than the invention of Tetris, this book also gives a history of how popular videos games became from Japan to United States. The various consoles like arcade games, console systems and finally portable handheld devices. The influence of Tetris is how it is still so popular, with countless clones and its timelessness. The only issue with this book is how much time is spent dealing wiht the disputes of Teris vs how Alexey eventually took back control of his game.
For fans of video games or readers of the authors previous work, this is the graphic novel to read. Because other than the invention of Tetris, this book also gives a history of how popular videos games became from Japan to United States. The various consoles like arcade games, console systems and finally portable handheld devices. The influence of Tetris is how it is still so popular, with countless clones and its timelessness. The only issue with this book is how much time is spent dealing wiht the disputes of Teris vs how Alexey eventually took back control of his game.
wrentheblurry's review
4.0
I'm a proud owner of Tengen Tetris, and back in the day I would play the game (many different versions, including Wesleyan Tetris on a Mac) until my eyes started twitching inside my head. It's the perfect puzzle game, and led the way for a new genre. I also enjoy graphic novels, so it makes sense that I would like this title.
I expected to learn about the history of Tetris, and I sure did. The personal relationships involved, the corporate battles, the rights and the wrong-doings are all explored and I happily absorbed it all. As a bonus, some history of other PC and video games of the time is discussed.
I'm not a big fan of the yellow/black/white coloring, and the artwork was good for me, but not great. But the story is told well, and I'd say it's a fine read for most gamers.
I expected to learn about the history of Tetris, and I sure did. The personal relationships involved, the corporate battles, the rights and the wrong-doings are all explored and I happily absorbed it all. As a bonus, some history of other PC and video games of the time is discussed.
I'm not a big fan of the yellow/black/white coloring, and the artwork was good for me, but not great. But the story is told well, and I'd say it's a fine read for most gamers.
lisawhelpley's review
4.0
My master's degree is in leisure studies, so this graphic novel, about play and the way our brains work when doing games and puzzles, was fascinating to me. That's only part of this book -- the main topic is the development of Tetris, and the battle for the games' rights.