When you first take a look at Christmas Blocks, the game seems fairly straightforward: blocks of different shapes and colors come from the top as you clear away the open spaces. But after a dozen or so games, another rhythm emerges as you begin to read the board like a to-do list: make a narrow gap for the long block, rotate the L-block so one of its three nubs caps a little chimney. Then finally in two lines clear at once (preferably both of them single block high) line up a three-line combo for later to complete out of just three lines with no gaps between adjacent ones.
It is a gently festive puzzle game with twinkling animations for the snow-laden borders. The puzzle inside though is quite challenging to bright young minds of every stripe. It’s not one for all ages; as developing a solution requires some skill and effort on your part, you will certainly need Christmas Blocks. If there were such a thing as collective wisdom, however, this might just be the year for everyone except very young children.
Christmas Blocks is a traditional block-puzzle game with a festive holiday theme. Its roots can be traced back to the nostalgic Tetris family, where the objective is to fit blocks of various shapes and colors together in tight rows. When you finish even a single row neatly lined up across the screen from left to right or top to bottom, all traces of that are gone instantly – and game points awarded as your reward.
In terms of high quality, first-rate online browser puzzle action, not many other Christmas games can compete with this free internet offering. It’s also one of the few high-quality browser puzzle games that are also a fully mobile puzzle game and a top-level Android puzzle game. The simple interface is perfect for getting in a quick game or five during break time at work or on the bus. At the same time increasing speed is intended to cultivate players into playing harder puzzles and ultimately mastery over an array of sophisticated Xmas conundrums lurking beneath simplicity itself, all wrapped up in that warm enveloping feel which only a true festive favourite can provide. The end result is a thoroughly engaging family game and all-time favourite among Christmas games for kids.
How to Play Christmas Blocks
Start Playing Christmas Blocks: To grab ahold of this great game is so easy. With its intuitive controls and game design, from the very first block you drop on your board your thoughts will be free for nothing but the placement strategy of your Christmas blocks.
Desktop:
I: Move: Use the left and right direction keys to move the block left or right.
Rotate: Press the Up Arrow Key to rotate the block.
J: Rapid Descent. When the block is dropping unattended, press the down arrow key to speed up its descent.
Mobile: Move, rotate and fall blocks with the on-screen touch control buttons.
The real challenge in this block stacking game is not just to place ones; it is to think ahead about future shape types and be careful in planning two or three moves ahead. How about a little Christmas shopping? You can play Christmas Blocks right here at Vogimo!
Quick Tips for a High Score
To master this particular block puzzle and break your personal best score you must try to imagine yourself as an architect. High scoring requires a smart, logical approach.
Form a “Well”: This is the first law of any block clearing game. Leave one square-wide column free at the far left or far right of your game board. This “well” is home to long straight pieces that will enable you to wipe out four lines at once for maximum points.
Smooth the Roofs: Try to build your stack from the bottom upwards so that the top is as level as possible. A level surface gives more safe landing places for fresh pieces and stops you getting into a state of panic whenever there are awkward gaps.
Rotate Early: Decide how you want to orient your piece while it is still high on the screen. Last second movements usually result in the piece (a) conflicting with surrounding blocks and (b) landing in the wrong spot.
Use Soft Drop with Intent: Save the time for slowing down the fall when the landing spot is not perfectly clear. Trying to guess, or panic-dropping, is by far the fastest way to quickly make an unfixable mess of a stack.
Thing two by two: Everything you place should probably be a good place to put the next piece. If placing something brings on new problems then do not hesitate to go back and rethink it.
Common Errors (and Speedy Fixes)Every new player of this winter puzzle game makes a few common mistakes. Here’s how to correct them for a merry Christmas period full of games you can enjoy.
Error: Trying to fill in your “well” only once to clear a whole line.
Fix: Don’t give in to temptation! That well is the main tool in your scoring arsenal. Look after it well and save it for long pieces.
Mistake: Over-stacking the central area of the board.
Fix: Try and move the bulk of your stack to one side when you put new pieces on top. It’s very hard to flatten and re-assemble a mountain in the centre of the well. The gaps on either side are much easier to fill.
Mistake: Being rushed into panic dropping blocks in chaos as the speed goes up.
Correct: When a new piece appears, pause for 0.5 seconds. Mark out two places you could land, choose the better, then go ahead and drop. A little bit of calm is better than a quick fault.
Mistake: In order to impress with flash, but doing four line clears even if it’s bad for your board health.
Fix: The secret to success is regularity. There are almost never a two-line clears that aren’t better than taking a risk on four-line big play. It not only screws up your board but can put an end to your game. Don’t be afraid to use two small plays to keep your stack small.
This is a great relaxing Christmas game that gives your mind a good workout as well.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
A: Do I need to clear four lines at once (a Tetris) to get a good score?
Q: For two-line clears, Tetris International recommends that you pause the game and check your well. This technique enables you to control double and triple-line clear rates with minimal mistakes. Four-line clears do generate an enormous point bonus but such high scoring moves are not absolutely necessary in order to win.
A: Is there a “hold” feature to save a piece for later?
Q: Some versions of the Christmas themed Tetris game come with a hold bag. It is a small box off to one side of the display; use it sparingly but definitely store valuable long pieces and T-blocks until the time comes when they can be used. If you live in a tough spot later.
A: Why do my rotations fail when the piece is near a wall?
Q: Many falling-block games have specific “wall kick” rules that are difficult or even impossible for people to naturally remember. Sometimes, a piece is too close to the wall–or another block–to rotate freely. To fix this problem, try to start your rotation one cell early and then slide the piece into position.
A: What is the best way to recover from a messy board with lots of gaps?
Q: Stop trying to build high. Focus on clearing the top ridges of your stack first, even if it’s just single lines. Your priority should be to flatten the stack and open your well once more. A single line which makes your board healthier is worth more than a messy triple that leaves a crater.
A: Is this game good for kids?
Q: Absolutely. With its festive Christmas gift theme, non-violent gameplay, and simple keyboard puzzle design, Tetris is a fun and colorful blocks game that players of all ages will enjoy.