Hatris

Infobox VG| title = Hatris


developer = Bullet-Proof Software
publisher = Bullet-Proof Software
designer = Alexey Pazhitnov
engine =
version =
released = 1990
genre = Puzzle
modes = Single player
ratings = Everyone
platforms = NES, Game Boy, arcade,
TurboGrafx-16
media =
requirements =
input =

"Hatris" is a puzzle game developed by game designer Alexey Pazhitnov (last name sometimes transliterated Pajitnov) for Bullet-Proof Software. The game was also released as a standalone arcade console [http://www.klov.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8088] .

Hatris gameplay is similar to "Tetris" (also designed by Pazhitnov), in that game objects falling from the top of the screen must be arranged in specific patterns to gain points and to keep the play area clear. In Hatris, hats of different styles fall from the top of the screen and accumulate at the bottom. To eliminate hats from the play area, five hats of identical style must be stacked. Because different style hats stack differently, game strategy must take hat style into consideration.

In order to succeed at "hatris", one must make use of a pair of benevolent, bearded midgets, known as Alexey and Vladimir. After attaining a certain level of charisma (in hats), Alexey can steal hats, and Vladimir can rearrange the stacks. Developed in Winnipeg.

Reception

Hatris is quite possibly the worst failure made by Pazhitnov, and one of the least-successful Tetris spinoffs. The game received almost no reviews in the United States, much less good reviews, and absolutely no reviews from major critics like Gamespot.com or IGN.com. Most reviews come from players who submit their reviews voluntarily.

Hatris, obviously, did not sell well at all, mostly due to the fact that few even knew of the game's existence. For example, one time, on Xplay, when reviewing another Tetris spinoff, Morgan Webb remarked about how many Tetris spinoffs there were, and then added "Does anyone remember Hatris? I didn't think so."