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Glasnost seems to have finally filtered through to the C64, with the release of Tetris. Hailed as the first Russian computer game, Mastertronic are dishing it out for less than fourty tabs.

So what's it about? Attack the White House from space? (Ooh, topical!) No. Create as many lines as possible using various shaped blocks? No. Sorry, yes.

The playing area consists of an empty rectangular space with said shapes freefalling from above. You must determine the best place to plonk the shape, whether you want to swivel it on its axis, and keep it away from shapes you don't want it near, all in the time it takes to get to the bottom.

Once a full line has formed, it will leave the screen, giving you more space in which to work.

And here's us thinking they were plotting retaliatory measures to Star Wars. (Ooh, topical!)

While everyone around here thinks I'm a proper meathead, I'm not averse to a bit of noddle-burning. And Tetris fits the bill perfectly. It hasn't got mindblowing graphics, and it doesn't need them, because what is here is fab and triff anyway.

Just get yet basic idea, make sure it's a good one, chuck in a mellow twelve-minute soundtrack, and Jimmy Tarbuck's yer second cousin (ho ho).

A totally addictive piece of programming from the scame team that brought you the INF Treaty. (Ooh, topical.)

Why oh why (tell us, Mrs. H of Notting Hill...) why is it that the simplest ideas turn into cracking games? Tetris, although being a puzzler, will appeal to a wide section of the game-buying market, due to the fact that you have to use your reflexes as well as your head, whizzing blocks around here and there to get the correct position in the playing area.

Outwardly, Tetris doesn't seem an interesting prospect, appearing rather bland in fact, but just get your teeth into it. It's grand, lad.

Presentation 67%
Rather bland, but neat, and has a smooth control method.

Graphics 63%
Neat all round, without being flashy.

Sound 92%
A corker of a ditty, lasting for approximately twelve minutes.

Hookability 92%
Addiction city from the word go.

Lastability 87%
Stock the fridge with Ritz crackers, missus, there's a few late nights ahead.

Overall 98%
Brilliant.