I really had no idea what to expect from Tetris. The screenshots looked pretty unimpressive. The cover implied something to do with Russia, but I still was left cold.

Reading the instructions did not help impress me either and once loaded I was a little disappointed by what I saw.

It is, however, amazing how deceiving appearances can be. Tetris is a superb game, more infuriating than Rubik's Cube, requiring the utmost concentration and more addictive than you can imagine. It is so simple in concept you think you should be able to do it but the speed of thought required is incredible.

As you improve, the addiction just gets worse. Let me try to describe it. You have a container into which coloured shapes fall. You have to try to get the shapes to fill the container layer by later. A complete layer disappears preventing a build-up which then gives you less time as the shapes have less distance to fall. You can see the next shape that will fall so you have to plan ahead.

See what I mean - doesn't sound much, does it? I assure you that you'll get hours of fun from it though and the excellently varied skill levels mean anyone can play it and gradually improve.

I can only praise Mirrorsoft for a very brave release that must have been murder to promote. Tetris is an absolute essential for puzzle fans. Go on - try it!