Table of Contents
Who this is for: puzzle game enthusiasts curious about the timeline and evolution of block-based gaming.
Ready to jump in? Play block blast games and see how this modern puzzle format compares to the classic Tetris experience.
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Tetris Came First by Decades
Tetris was released first, and by a massive margin. The iconic puzzle game was created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 in the Soviet Union, making it nearly 40 years old. Block Blast, on the other hand, is a modern mobile game that emerged in the smartphone era, gaining popularity around 2020-2021.
The Original vs. The Modern Take
Tetris revolutionized puzzle gaming with its simple yet addictive concept of fitting falling tetrominoes (seven-piece shapes) into horizontal lines. It became a global phenomenon, spawning countless official versions across every gaming platform imaginable.
Block Blast takes inspiration from Tetris but offers a different gameplay experience. Instead of falling pieces, players place blocks on a 10×10 grid at their own pace, clearing lines and creating combos. This removes the time pressure that makes classic Tetris so intense, creating a more relaxed puzzle experience.
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion about which came first likely stems from Block Blast’s recent surge in popularity, especially among mobile gamers. Social media buzz and viral gameplay videos have introduced many players to block-puzzle mechanics for the first time, making some wonder about the genre’s origins.
Different Games, Shared DNA
While both games involve arranging blocks to clear lines, they represent different eras of puzzle gaming. Tetris established the foundation with its real-time, pressure-filled gameplay, while Block Blast modernized the concept for casual mobile gaming with its turn-based approach.
Understanding this timeline helps appreciate how classic puzzle mechanics continue evolving in today’s gaming landscape. If you’re curious to experience this evolution firsthand, you can try the modern take on block puzzles yourself.
TL;DR
Tetris was released first in 1984, nearly 40 years before Block Blast gained popularity around 2020-2021. Both are block puzzle games but represent different eras and gameplay styles.
