On the surface, it looks just like Tetris except with three-tile blocks instead of four, but the gameplay is refreshingly original and unique. The best way to describe the game is to think of how Tetris would behave if the blocks were subject to realistic physics, including gravity and inertia. That’s right: in Triptych falling blocks bounce off the floor and each other. This means that you cannot simply align blocks of the same color with others to make them disappear, since blocks don’t automatically “stick” to other blocks when they are aligned. You can end up with a pile of blocks haphazardly placed on top of each other at all kinds of angles (as shown in the screenshot) instead of the neatly aligned rows you are used to.

Naturally, the strong dose of realism dictates some necessary changes. All you need to do is make three blocks of the same color touch each other to “energize” them. Energized blocks that are on the ground (i.e. not moving) will disappear, while energized blocks you control will remain energized for a few more seconds, giving you the chance to energize other blocks of the same color. In addition to the regular gameplay, there are “special” blocks that you’ll come across at higher levels, and special bonuses to collect.

Making a Tetris game that obeys the law of physics is one of those very cool ideas that aren’t obvious, but has a high “a-ha! Why didn’t I think of this before?” factor. That the idea occurred to the designer of Pontifex, one of the most unique games ever made, is only fitting. Whether or not you like Tetris, you owe it to yourself to try one of the most fun shareware games to come along in some time. The registered version costs only $14.95, and gives you unlimited play past level three, activates the expert setting and the high scores table, and removes the delay at start-up. Two thumbs up, way up!