I Dream of Tetris

What is Tetris?

Tetris is a puzzle video game using seven shapes made up of four blocks first made in 1984. Tetris is the creation of Alexey Pazkitnov, and it's name come from tetra meaning "four" and tennis, Pazkitnov's favorite sport.

But Tetris is more than just a puzzle game, oh yes, it is indeed more. It is cultural phenomenon. It began an age. It's theme music will forever be stuck in our heads. It is not boring as someone who shall not be named (not Voldemont) has said. Tetris is good for the brain.

In fact, it has been found that playing Tetris a half-hour to three hours a day actually improves critical thinking. Those with posttraumatic stress disorder, like my cat, who play Tetris have less horrible Vietnam flashbacks.

No, don't! You won't have a good place for the Z-Block! You anger the Tetris god!

...However, let us not forget the dark side of Tetris. I am of course referring to the so-called "Tetris effect." It has been scientifically proven that playing Tetris over long periods of time will slowly drive you mad. You will associate everything with Tetris. A normal person sees a bunch of cardboard boxes stacked together, you see a bunch of potential tetrominoes. You begin to try find the best combinations in your head and, perhaps, play a game of mental Tetris. Soon, it haunts you dreams, and you start to hallucinate Tetris everywhere until you completely lose you fragile grip on reality.

Now, this phenomenon can apply to many other repetitive video games, but there's a reason why it is named after Tetris.

I, myself, am still recovering to this day, but I do not blame Tetris for my temporary insanity.

Never.