Tetris Remix: How Devs Keep Reinventing a Classic

2025-01-30
Tetris Remix:  How Devs Keep Reinventing a Classic

From the classic Tetris to its mind-bending variations, developers continuously push the boundaries of this seemingly simple puzzle game. The article explores the battle royale mode of Tetris 99, the multi-angled gravity-bending Schwerkraftprojektiongerät, the weekly madness of Terrible Tetris Tuesday, and the central rotating cube gameplay of Reaktor. These innovative designs retain the core fun of Tetris while adding new challenges and strategic depth, surprising players with unexpected twists in the familiar world of falling blocks.

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Game

The Unfathomable Complexity of Playing Cards

2025-01-17
The Unfathomable Complexity of Playing Cards

The seemingly simple act of playing cards hides an incredible mathematical complexity. From the randomness of shuffling to the 'aha' moments in card games, the topic has fascinated mathematicians and game designers alike. This article explores the origins and evolution of playing cards, their use in modern game design, and the captivating allure that keeps us hooked, highlighting the challenges they present in mathematics and game development.

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Disney Villain Songs Are Dying: Mufasa's 'Bye Bye' is Exhibit A

2025-01-02
Disney Villain Songs Are Dying:  Mufasa's 'Bye Bye' is Exhibit A

Disney animation once thrived on memorable villain songs, but recent years have seen a decline in quality. The article uses "Bye Bye," a song from the Mufasa: The Lion King sequel, as a prime example. It argues the song lacks creativity and impact, failing to establish the villain Kiros's personality or threat level. Compared to classic Disney villain songs, "Bye Bye" falls woefully short. The author suggests that great villain songs showcase the villain's wickedness and advance the plot, but "Bye Bye" does neither. The article concludes with a plea for Disney to revitalize its approach to villain songs and return to its former glory.

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