A Topsy Turvy Life: Turvy Drops

Genre: Falling-Block Puzzle

Players: 1

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Review:

Turvy Drops is a Falling-Block Puzzle game released on the Nintendo DSi via the DSiWare service in 2010 and then grandfathered into the Nintendo 3DS eShop when that system was released. This game takes a unique approach to the Tetris formula, and to the way Nintendo DS-line game systems are played in general. This is because rather than directing Tetris blocks as they fall, players play this game with their Nintendo DSi or Nintendo 3DS held upside-down, using the touchscreen at what is now the top to create blocks to fill in the gaps as other blocks rise from what is now the bottom of the screen.

The presentation here is odd, but it is at least unique. Simple, crudely-animated characters (aliens?) appear on blocks, which fall in front of a crudely-drawn yellow cityscape background, accompanied by repetitive synthesized music. It’s not exactly what I’d call appealing, but it is memorable.

Unfortunately, as creative as the core gameplay concept and presentation are, the form that gameplay takes is sadly too repetitive. Blocks rise up, you use the touchscreen to create more blocks to fill the gaps. Wash, rinse, repeat. And this game lacks that compelling element that you find in games like Tetris.

I give full credit to Turvy Drops for being unique and interesting, but when it comes to actual gameplay, it’s sadly a bit bland and repetitive. For only $2, it may still be worthwhile to see a truly unique approach to game design on the Nintendo DS line of systems, but most players will find they have better options for Puzzle games on Nintendo 3DS.

tl;dr – Turvy Drops is a Falling-Block Puzzle game where players literally turn their Nintendo 3DS upside-down to draw blocks onto the touchscreen which then fall to clear lines. It’s a wildly inventive idea, and it’s such a shame that the rest of the gameplay here is so bland and boring. For only $2, this still may be worth a look as a curiosity, but players searching for great Puzzle games on Nintendo 3DS have better options.

Grade: C

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