The Bottom Line
Xultris is an add-on for Firefox which lets you launch a Tetris-style game right from your browser window. It is a simple, fun, and easy to use rendition of the timeless classic.
Pros
- You can play this Tetris-style game from directly within your Firefox browser.
- The game controls are very easy to use.
- The interface is compact and well designed.
- Unlike a lot of add-ons there is no presence in your main browser window, saving valuable space.
- 2-player mode allows you to race your opponent as well as "attack" them with added brick layers.
Cons
- After installation, it is not intuitive to look in the Tools menu to launch the game.
- There are no music or sound effects included.
- The "junk" lines option does not function correctly.
Description
- Xultris is a variant of the classic game Tetris, played in a Firefox pop-up window.
- The game is launched from a link placed in Firefox's Tools menu.
- The rules as well as the gameplay are very similar to the original version.
- The keyboard arrow keys are used as controls to rotate and move the falling bricks.
- Your current score, level, and total rows completed are displayed in the main Xultris window.
- A 2-player mode is available allowing you to play against someone over a LAN or the Internet by entering their IP address.
- The "fall style" of the bricks can be set to either Slow Mode or Immediate Mode.
- Some interface options, such as the Xultris background image as well as the grid border can be toggled on and off.
- You can choose to start at any difficulty level ranging from 1 (Beginner) to 9 (Expert).
- Buttons are provided to pause the game or to quickly end the current game (Kill Game).
Guide Review - Xultris
Known as perhaps the best time-waster around for many years, Tetris has been responsible for many a sore finger or thumb. Xultris brings the famous game to your Firefox web browser, allowing you to easily fire it up and start some bricklaying with just a couple of clicks. Although some of the minor features included do not actually work, the simplicity of the add-on is where it shines. It has been said by some game developers that you "can't screw up Tetris", but that statement is false as I have seen many clones fail to hit the mark. Xultris's gameplay mimicks the original enough where even diehards will be able to get into it to a certain degree. The add-on may lack some polish in regards to music or sound, but the controls are easy and the 2-Player mode is great, especially if you are in the same room or a few cubicles away from your opponent. Overall, this is a fun addition to your Firefox browser.
