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* <tt>Ti/TGM3  :</tt> Tetris The Grand Master 3 Terror Instinct.
* <tt>Ti/TGM3  :</tt> Tetris The Grand Master 3 Terror Instinct.
* <tt>ACE/TGMA :</tt> Tetris The Grand Master Ace.
* <tt>ACE/TGMA :</tt> Tetris The Grand Master Ace.
* <tt>ARS :</tt> [[#ARS|Arika Rotation System]].
* <tt>ARS :</tt> [[TGM Rotation|Arika Rotation System]].
* <tt>SRS :</tt> [[#SRS|Super Rotation System]].
* <tt>SRS :</tt> [[SRS|Super Rotation System]].
* <tt>IRS :</tt> [[#IRS|Initial Rotation System]].
* <tt>IRS :</tt> [[#IRS|Initial Rotation System]].
* <tt>IHS :</tt> [[#IHS|Initial Hold System]].
* <tt>IHS :</tt> [[Hold piece#IHS|Initial Hold System]].
* <tt>GRS :</tt> [[#GRS|Grade Recognition System]].
* <tt>GRS :</tt> [[#GRS|Grade Recognition System]].
* <tt>TLS :</tt> [[#TLS|Temporary Landing System]].
* <tt>TLS :</tt> [[Ghost piece|Temporary Landing System]].
* <tt>TTC :</tt> [[The Tetris Company]].
* <tt>TTC :</tt> [[The Tetris Company]].
* <tt>BPS :</tt> [[Bullet Proof Software]] / [[Blue Planet Software]].
* <tt>BPS :</tt> [[Bullet Proof Software]] / [[Blue Planet Software]].
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{{main|Glossary}}
{{main|Glossary}}
Appellation standards for Tetris games vary, especially with TGM. To avoid confusion, we list here the basic terms used most frequently when in context with the TGM series. All terms are not yet listed, and the order is still not fixed.
Appellation standards for Tetris games vary, especially with TGM. To avoid confusion, we list here the basic terms used most frequently when in context with the TGM series. All terms are not yet listed, and the order is still not fixed.
If a term is not defined here, it is defined in the [[glossary]] and may have its own article.


==== Tetromino ====
==== Tetromino ====
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Precise language uses the letter names, but some players use the color names.
Precise language uses the letter names, but some players use the color names.
[[Image:TGM Legend tetriminos.png|left|464px|thumb|Initial orientation of  I, L, J, S, Z, T and O Tetramino from TGM classic rotation.]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Tetra_SRS.png|left|464px|thumb|Initial orientation of  I, L, J, S, Z, T and O Tetramino from SRS.]]<br clear="all">
[[Image:TGM Legend tetriminos.png|left|464px|thumb|Initial orientation of  I, L, J, S, Z, T and O Tetramino from TGM classic rotation.]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Tetra_SRS.png|left|464px|thumb|Initial orientation of  I, L, J, S, Z, T and O Tetramino from SRS.]]<br clear="all">
==== <span id="Tetrion">Tetrion </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
{{main|Tetrion}}
Sometimes called the "outfit frame" or more simply the "box that surround the game". This term is rarely used in general conversation, but this is the official designation from TTC. We only refer to it to avoid confusion between the playfield and the game.
In TAP, the tetrion appears in different colors depending on the game mode:
{|
|- valign="top"
|[[Image:TGM_Legend_Tetrion_1.png]]<br>Easy
|[[Image:TGM_Legend_Tetrion_2.png]]<br>Master
|[[Image:TGM_Legend_Tetrion_3.png]]<br>T.A. Death
|[[Image:TGM_Legend_Tetrion_4.png]]<br>TGM+
|}
==== <span id="Playfield">Playfield </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
{{main|Playfield}}
The [[playfield]] (or well or matrix) is surrounded by the tetrion.


==== <span id="Stack">Stack </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Stack">Stack </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
Each time a tetramino is locked in the playfield, it becomes part of the stack. Building a perfect stack is the very essence of all Tetris games, which means stacking each tetramino in a clean manner without making holes. Several other Tetris games pose stacking challenges, and TGM has its own, such as the '>' shape secret grade.
Each time a tetramino is locked in the playfield, it becomes part of the stack. Building a perfect stack is the very essence of all Tetris games, which means stacking each tetramino in a clean manner without making holes. Several other Tetris games pose [[Tetromino art|stacking challenges]], and TGM has its own, such as the '>' shape [[Secret Grade Techniques|secret grade]].
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Playfield.png|left|frame| ' > ' Secret grade.]]<br clear="all">
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Playfield.png|left|frame| ' > ' Secret grade.]]<br clear="all">


==== <span id="Garbage">Garbage </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Garbage">Garbage </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
Garbage is also part of the stack and is the consequence of your VS opponent's multiple cleared lines. Garbage appears from the bottom of the playfield and pushes up the current stack. Generally, garbage blocks consist of a row of 9 tetraminos, leaving a hole in a row (the hole position determination is actually unclear). The garbage lines count is directly dependant of the opponent cleared rows count.<br>Garbage also appears in Ti Shirase mode from level 500 to level 999 at regular intervals. The garbage lines, in this case, are generated by copying the bottom-most line.
Garbage is also part of the stack. In Vs. mode, the player receives garbage when the opponent clears more than one line with one tetromino. Garbage appears from the bottom of the playfield and pushes up the current stack. The garbage pattern is a copy of the blocks the opponent player had cleared with the blocks of the line clearing piece removed, with the order reversed from top to bottom.
 
==== <span id="Row">Row </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
{{main|Line clear}}
Filling a line without a hole will produce a row, also simply called a "cleared line." Rows are always deleted before the next tetramino enters the field. The stack above the cleared row drops down to the row equivalent. There exists four different row denominations :<br>
* Single : One row.
* Double : Two rows.
* Triple : Three rows.
* Tetris : Four rows.


It is possible to clear more rows in "big" mode (or in other games that allow for [[cascade]]s), but these have no specific names.
Garbage also appears in Ti Shirase mode from level 500 to level 999 at regular intervals. The garbage lines, in this case, are generated by copying the bottom-most line.


==== <span id="Tetris">Tetris </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
TGM+ mode also sends periodic garbage that forms a regular pattern.
{{main|Line clear#Tetris}}
Clearing four rows with the I tetramino is a Tetris.


==== <span id="Combo">Combo </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Combo">Combo </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
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# Read input
# Read input
# If piece is active:
# If piece is active:
## If in Ti or ACE, hold
## Rotation
## Rotation
## Shift (horizontal movement)
## If this isn't a piece's first frame, shift (horizontal movement)
## Gravity
## Gravity
## Lock
## Lock
Line 93: Line 68:


In fact this is very complicated, but just be aware of this general concept, and particularly if you want to learn advanced technique in TGM.
In fact this is very complicated, but just be aware of this general concept, and particularly if you want to learn advanced technique in TGM.
<br>
==== <span id="DAS">Delayed Auto Shift (DAS) </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
{{Main|DAS}}
Auto shift is vital for gameplay of all Tetris games and allows a player to shift a tetramino automatically by holding left or right. Also called "zoom," the DAS (counted in frame) define the moment between holding a direction (left/right) and the moment the tetramino moves automatically. The DAS can be loaded during [[#ARE|ARE]]. In TGM1 the DAS was fixed to 15 frames, but in sequels the DAS become shorter as the game's speed increased. [[Image:TGM_Legend_DAS_1.gif|left|frame|...]][[Image:TGM_Legend_DAS_2.gif|left|frame|...]]<br clear="all">
==== <span id="Gravity">Gravity Unit (G)</span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
{{Main|Drop#Gravity}}
G is the gravity speed index of TGM, it shows [dropped steps / frame]. For example, the slowest speed count is sixty-four frames for one dropped step and the fastest speed is twenty dropped steps for one frame. TGM field's height is 20, so max is 20G.
[[Image:TGM legend 0.0156G.gif|left|frame|1/64 = 0.0156G]][[Image:TGM legend 1G.gif|left|frame|1/1 = 1G]][[Image:TGM Legend 5G.gif|left|frame|5/1 = 5G]][[Image:TGM Legend 20G.gif|left|frame|20/1 = 20G]]<br clear="all">


==== <span id="Lock_Delay">Lock Delay </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Lock_Delay">Lock Delay </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
{{Main|Drop#Gravity}}
{{Main|Lock delay}}
Unlike in early [[game]]s such as [[Tetris (Game Boy)|''Tetris'' for Game Boy]], when the tetramino falls onto the stack, it doesn't lock immediately because a short delay still allow you to move it. Lock Delay is visible to the darkening of the tetramino. This feature is necessary as speed increases and critical when reaching 20G. The delay is expressed in frames and the tetramino automatically locks when reaching zero. Lock delay resets each time the tetramino drops one or more steps. [[#SRS|SRS]] also resets Lock Delay when the tetramino is moving and rotating. TGM1 Lock Delay is fixed to thirty frames (~0.5sec) and diminutive as gameplay speed increase on sequels. You can also cancel the Lock delay by pressing Down.
Unlike in early [[game]]s such as [[Tetris (Game Boy)|''Tetris'' for Game Boy]], when the tetromino falls onto the stack, it doesn't lock immediately because a short delay still allow you to move it. When Lock Delay is active, the tetromino will be darkened. This feature is necessary as speed increases and critical when reaching 20G. The delay is expressed in frames and the tetromino automatically locks when reaching zero. Lock delay resets each time the tetromino drops one or more steps. [[#SRS|SRS]] also resets Lock Delay when the tetromino is moving and rotating. TGM1 Lock Delay is fixed to thirty frames (~0.5sec) and diminutive as gameplay speed increase on sequels. You can also cancel the Lock delay by pressing Down.
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Lock_Delay_1.gif|left|frame|...]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Lock_Delay_2.gif|left|frame|Delay reset]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Lock_Delay_3.gif|left|frame|Delay cancel]]<br clear="all">
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Lock_Delay_1.gif|left|frame|...]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Lock_Delay_2.gif|left|frame|Delay reset]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Lock_Delay_3.gif|left|frame|Delay cancel]]<br clear="all">


==== <span id="fast_Drop">Fast Drop [[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="IRS"></span>Initial Rotation System (IRS) [[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{Main|Rotate#IRS}}
{{Main|Drop#Soft drop}}
By holding the down direction, you can force the gravity to 1G, which means the active tetramino will step down faster. If gravity is higher than 1G, the fast drop is deactivated. In [[#ARS|ARS]], the [[#Lock_Delay|Lock Delay]] cancel and Fast Drop use the same input, so if the tetramino lands on the stack during Fast Drop it will lock instantly, unlike [[#SRS|SRS]].[[Image:TGM_Legend_Fast_Drop_1.gif|left|frame|ARS example]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Fast_Drop_2.gif|left|frame|SRS example]]<br clear="all">
 
==== <span id="Sonic_Drop">Sonic Drop </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{Main|Drop#Hard drop}}
Sonic drop is a feature specific to [[#ARS|ARS]] and unavailable in TGM1. By pressing up, you can force the gravity to 20G during 1 frame. Visually you force the tetramino to land on the stack without locking (unlike [[#Sonic_Lock|sonic lock]]). Sonic drop allows you to place your tetramino in tight place very quickly and avoid the stacking error consequences of fast dropping. For beginners, sonic dropping with up direction may look strange, but interestingly allows the player to preform convenient [[#Zangi|Zangi-Moves]].<br>
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Sonic_Drop_1.gif|left|frame|Example]][[Image:TGM_Legend_Sonic_Drop_2.gif|left|frame|Zangi-moves !]]<br clear="all">
 
==== <span id="Sonic_Lock">Sonic Lock </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{Main|Drop#Hard drop}}
Sonic Lock is a feature specific to [[#SRS|SRS]]. By pressing up, you force the tetramino to land onto the stack and lock immediately. At low gravity, Sonic Lock allows you to stack faster than [[#sonic_drop|Sonic Drop]] but doesn't make room for [[#Zangi|Zangi-Moves]] since the tetramino locks.
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Sonic_Lock.gif|left|frame|...]]<br clear="all">
 
==== <span id="IRS">Initial Rotation System (IRS) </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
By holding a rotation button during [[#ARE|ARE]], you can change the initial orientation appearance for the next tetromino. IRS mellows the gameplay as gravity increases and reaches 20G. You can only reorient the tetromino to one quarter turn, which means that it is not cumulative (eg A+C buttons), but IRS can be coupled with [[#IHS|IHS]].
[[Image:TGM_Legend_IRS.gif|left|frame|...]]<br clear="all">
 
==== <span id="IHS">Initial Hold System (IHS)</span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{main|Hold piece}}
By pushing the Hold button, you can switch the active tetramino with a held tetramino. The new held tetramino orientation resets, and the new active tetramino is replaced on the playfield's top. By holding the hold button during [[#ARE|ARE]], the switch occurs before the next tetramino appears. IHS mellows the gameplay as the gravity increases and reaches 20G. Holding becomes unavailable (grey color) until the next distributed tetramino, since otherwise you could switch indefinitely. IHS can be coupled with [[#IRS|IRS]] and is a feature only available from TGM3 and TGM ACE.
[[Image:TGM_Legend_Hold.gif|left|frame|Hold basics]][[Image:TGM_Legend_IHS.gif|left|frame|IHS]]<br clear="all">
 
==== <span id="TLS">Temporary Landing System (TLS) </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
The TLS, called "[[ghost piece]]" or "shadow" in other games, is a simple visual help that show at low gravity where the active tetramino will land if you use [[#fast_drop|Fast Drop]], [[#sonic_drop|Sonic Drop]] or [[#sonic_lock|Sonic Lock]].
[[Image:TGM_Legend_TLS.gif|left|frame|...]]<br clear="all">


==== <span id="Level">Level </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Level">Level </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
The level shows the game's progress. Starting from zero, the level increases by one each time a tetramino is distributed, and by the number of completed rows. On average, it increases by 3.5 for each completed row (however see "Level Step" below). If you are a beginner at TGM, the level is the best information to see your performances progress, rather than the chronometer.
The level shows the game's progress. Starting from zero, the level increases by one each time a tetramino is distributed, and by the number of completed rows. On average, it increases by 3.5 for each completed row (however see "Level Step" below). If you are a beginner at TGM, the level is the best information to see your performances progress, rather than the chronometer.


==== <span id="Level_Step">Level Step </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Level_Step">Level Step </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
The [[#level|Level]] increment can stop when reaching a Level Step (typically _99 : e.g. 99, 199, 299 etc...). You can pass only by completing a row. Each time you pass a Level Step, the game displays a new background. TGM3 also plays a bell ringing sound each time you are close to the Level Step.
The [[#level|Level]] increment can stop when reaching a Level Step (typically _99 : e.g. 99, 199, 299 etc...). You can pass only by completing a row. Each time you pass a Level Step, the game displays a new background. TGM3 also plays a bell ringing sound each time you are close to the Level Step.


==== <span id="GRS">Grade Recognition System (GRS) </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="GRS">Grade Recognition System (GRS) </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
[[Arika]] rewards a player's skill and performance by grade attribution and divides them into class. For example, here is the sorted grade list for the TGM1 unique game mode :
ARIKA rewards a player's skill and performance by grade attribution and divides them into class. For example, here is the sorted grade list for the TGM1 unique game mode :


9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, Gm.
9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, Gm.


Becoming a Gm Class player in TGM1 will require much motivation and perseverance even if comfortable with Tetris games in general. The difficulty in obtaining the Gm grade in [[TGM2]] increases even further. It is speculated that there are approximately 10,000 Gm class players in Japan on TGM1 and no more than 100 Gm players in TGM2 Master Mode. In TGM3, The GM grade was widely believed to be impossible to obtain through normal play, but the Japanese Tetris player 'jin8' finally attained GM on July 28, 2007.  
Becoming a Gm Class player in TGM1 will require much motivation and perseverance even if comfortable with Tetris games in general. The difficulty in obtaining the Gm grade in [[TGM2]] increases even further. It is speculated that there are approximately 10,000 Gm class players in Japan on TGM1 and no more than 100 Gm players in TGM2 Master Mode. In [[TGM3]], The GM grade was widely believed to be impossible to obtain through normal play, but the Japanese Tetris player 'jin8' finally attained GM on July 28, 2007.
 
==== <span id="Wall_Kick">Wall-Kick </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{Main|Wall kick}}
The wall kick is simply a way to mellow the rotation system. When you want to turn a tetramino and there is no free space for the new requested orientation, the game will try to nudge it a bit. Depending on the version of TGM and the rotation system (ARS/SRS), the Wall Kick rules are different and less or more flexible.
 
:''You can help Tetriswiki by adding images to this article.''


==== <span id="Synchro">Synchro </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
==== <span id="Synchro">Synchro </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
A Synchro move is the act of sucessfully inputting both rotation and movement during the same [[#frame|frame]]. It is commonly executed by loading DAS and using IHS during ARE. Although less useful in low gravity, it becomes essential at 20G for enabling tricky tetramino  movements and placements. Synchro moves are not possible under SRS due to the order in which gravity and rotation are processed in each frame.
A Synchro move is the act of sucessfully inputting both rotation and movement during the same [[#frame|frame]]. It is commonly executed by loading DAS and using IHS during ARE. Although less useful in low gravity, it becomes essential at 20G for enabling tricky tetramino  movements and placements. Synchro moves are not possible under SRS due to the order in which gravity and rotation are processed in each frame.
==== <span id="ARS">Arika Rotation System (ARS)</span> [[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{main|TGM rotation}}
ARS is the native rotation system of TGM, and also called "Classic rules" in TGM3. The basics difference between ARS and SRS came with the [[#tetramino|tetramino shape color]], initial spawn orientation and wall kick rules. In term of gameplay there is more fundamental difference (eg Lock Delay reset), but with the release of TGM ACE, and the frankenstein mix result of ARS1 and ARS2 we should hold us with that.
==== <span id="SRS">Super Rotation System (SRS) </span>[[Image:25%.png]]====
----
{{main|SRS}}
SRS is the rotation system edicted by the TTC's [[Tetris Guideline]], and also called "World rules" in TGM3. although containing The word "super" (Henk Rogers's credit), SRS have no superior enhancement compared to ARS. The wall kick rules are more flexible, and infinite Lock delay reset design is strongly oriented for beginners.


== <span id="Zangi">Zangi-Moves </span>[[Image:25%.png]]==
== <span id="Zangi">Zangi-Moves </span>[[Image:25%.png]]==
{{main|Zangi-move}}
{{main|Zangi-move}}
==== Description ====
==== Description ====
Zangi-Moves are an original ARIKA technique introduced in TAP made possible by the [[#sonic_drop|Sonic Drop]] feature. To perform the move, you press Up to drop the piece, Left or Right to move the piece over, and Down to lock the piece in place. These 3 inputs are performed with a single circular motion of the arcade stick. This is particularly useful when you are playing for time attack, as you save a significant amount of time by not having to return the stick to its neutral position. Zangi-moves are not possible with [[#SRS|SRS]].
Zangi-Moves are an original Arika technique introduced in TAP made possible by the [[#sonic_drop|Sonic Drop]] feature. To perform the move, you press Up to drop the piece, Left or Right to move the piece over, and Down to lock the piece in place. These 3 inputs are performed with a single circular motion of the arcade stick. This is particularly useful when you are playing for time attack, as you save a significant amount of time by not having to return the stick to its neutral position. Zangi-moves are not possible with [[#SRS|SRS]].


==== Use ====
==== Use ====
Line 195: Line 109:
''[[ARE]]'' is the period of time (counted in frames) between the lockdown of the previous Tetramino and the appearance of the next one. It makes [[#IRS|IRS]] possible and [[#DAS|DAS]] more effective.
''[[ARE]]'' is the period of time (counted in frames) between the lockdown of the previous Tetramino and the appearance of the next one. It makes [[#IRS|IRS]] possible and [[#DAS|DAS]] more effective.


[[Category:Game Mechanics]]
[[Category:Gameplay Components]]


== <span id="Torikan">Torikan </span>[[Image:25%.png]]==
== <span id="Torikan">Torikan </span>[[Image:25%.png]]==
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''[[Torikan]]'' refers to a condition in TAP and Ti where the game reaches a premature end when the player failed to fulfill a certain requirement up to that point.
''[[Torikan]]'' refers to a condition in TAP and Ti where the game reaches a premature end when the player failed to fulfill a certain requirement up to that point.
{{Arika games}}
[[Category:Game Mechanics]]

Revision as of 20:34, 18 December 2018

Merge request
A user has suggested merging this article with Glossary. (Discuss)


Standard and common acronyms File:50%.png

Basic Terms File:25%.png

Main article: Glossary

Appellation standards for Tetris games vary, especially with TGM. To avoid confusion, we list here the basic terms used most frequently when in context with the TGM series. All terms are not yet listed, and the order is still not fixed. If a term is not defined here, it is defined in the glossary and may have its own article.

Tetromino

Main article: Tetromino

In precise language, a block is an element that fills a single square cell of the playfield, and a tetromino (also spelled tetramino or tetrimino) is made of four blocks. But in common use, "block" sometimes refers to a whole tetromino. This wiki uses "block" and "tetromino" with the meanings described in the glossary.

Seven different tetrominoes exist, each with a letter name (I, J, L, O, S, T, or Z). Precise language uses the letter names, but some players use the color names.

Initial orientation of I, L, J, S, Z, T and O Tetramino from TGM classic rotation.
Initial orientation of I, L, J, S, Z, T and O Tetramino from SRS.


Stack File:25%.png

Each time a tetramino is locked in the playfield, it becomes part of the stack. Building a perfect stack is the very essence of all Tetris games, which means stacking each tetramino in a clean manner without making holes. Several other Tetris games pose stacking challenges, and TGM has its own, such as the '>' shape secret grade.

' > ' Secret grade.


Garbage File:25%.png

Garbage is also part of the stack. In Vs. mode, the player receives garbage when the opponent clears more than one line with one tetromino. Garbage appears from the bottom of the playfield and pushes up the current stack. The garbage pattern is a copy of the blocks the opponent player had cleared with the blocks of the line clearing piece removed, with the order reversed from top to bottom.

Garbage also appears in Ti Shirase mode from level 500 to level 999 at regular intervals. The garbage lines, in this case, are generated by copying the bottom-most line.

TGM+ mode also sends periodic garbage that forms a regular pattern.

Combo File:25%.png


Main article: Combo

Line clears with consecutive pieces increase the combo score multiplier. Failing to clear a line with the next piece will reset the combo counter.

Bravo File:25%.png

When the player clears the whole playfield, the message "Bravo" appears on screen (also known as "All Clear"). Bonus points are awarded by multiplying the points scored on a "Bravo" by four.

Frame File:25%.png

Before becoming a game, Tetris is basically a program. The frame is the shortest quantum of time in TGM. Like other games made for the Japanese market, TGM runs at a fixed rate of 60 frames per second. A lot of technical concept analysis use the frame as scale value instead of seconds.

Here is the basic of the gameplay process instruction order in ONE frame (draft) :

Do:

  1. Read input
  2. If piece is active:
    1. If in Ti or ACE, hold
    2. Rotation
    3. If this isn't a piece's first frame, shift (horizontal movement)
    4. Gravity
    5. Lock
  3. Process delays
  4. Update the screen and play sounds

Until top out or last level complete

In fact this is very complicated, but just be aware of this general concept, and particularly if you want to learn advanced technique in TGM.

Lock Delay File:25%.png

Main article: Lock delay

Unlike in early games such as Tetris for Game Boy, when the tetromino falls onto the stack, it doesn't lock immediately because a short delay still allow you to move it. When Lock Delay is active, the tetromino will be darkened. This feature is necessary as speed increases and critical when reaching 20G. The delay is expressed in frames and the tetromino automatically locks when reaching zero. Lock delay resets each time the tetromino drops one or more steps. SRS also resets Lock Delay when the tetromino is moving and rotating. TGM1 Lock Delay is fixed to thirty frames (~0.5sec) and diminutive as gameplay speed increase on sequels. You can also cancel the Lock delay by pressing Down.

...
Delay reset
Delay cancel


Initial Rotation System (IRS) File:25%.png

Main article: Rotate#IRS

Level File:25%.png

The level shows the game's progress. Starting from zero, the level increases by one each time a tetramino is distributed, and by the number of completed rows. On average, it increases by 3.5 for each completed row (however see "Level Step" below). If you are a beginner at TGM, the level is the best information to see your performances progress, rather than the chronometer.

Level Step File:25%.png

The Level increment can stop when reaching a Level Step (typically _99 : e.g. 99, 199, 299 etc...). You can pass only by completing a row. Each time you pass a Level Step, the game displays a new background. TGM3 also plays a bell ringing sound each time you are close to the Level Step.

Grade Recognition System (GRS) File:25%.png

Arika rewards a player's skill and performance by grade attribution and divides them into class. For example, here is the sorted grade list for the TGM1 unique game mode :

9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9, Gm.

Becoming a Gm Class player in TGM1 will require much motivation and perseverance even if comfortable with Tetris games in general. The difficulty in obtaining the Gm grade in TGM2 increases even further. It is speculated that there are approximately 10,000 Gm class players in Japan on TGM1 and no more than 100 Gm players in TGM2 Master Mode. In TGM3, The GM grade was widely believed to be impossible to obtain through normal play, but the Japanese Tetris player 'jin8' finally attained GM on July 28, 2007.

Synchro File:25%.png

A Synchro move is the act of sucessfully inputting both rotation and movement during the same frame. It is commonly executed by loading DAS and using IHS during ARE. Although less useful in low gravity, it becomes essential at 20G for enabling tricky tetramino movements and placements. Synchro moves are not possible under SRS due to the order in which gravity and rotation are processed in each frame.

Zangi-Moves File:25%.png

Main article: Zangi-move

Description

Zangi-Moves are an original Arika technique introduced in TAP made possible by the Sonic Drop feature. To perform the move, you press Up to drop the piece, Left or Right to move the piece over, and Down to lock the piece in place. These 3 inputs are performed with a single circular motion of the arcade stick. This is particularly useful when you are playing for time attack, as you save a significant amount of time by not having to return the stick to its neutral position. Zangi-moves are not possible with SRS.

Use

This move is most useful for tucking pieces underneath overhangs, an operation that costs much time in most other Tetris games. However, it is also used in other situations where the speed gain is more subtle. If you wish to place a piece 1 space away from the spawning location, you will do so with a half circle Zangi-Move. If you want to place a piece 1 space away from a wall, you will use DAS to get to the wall quickly, and then you will use a Zangi-Move to place the piece, all in one continuous 3/4 circle Zangi-Move.

Word Origin

The word 'Zangi' comes from Zangief's (Street Fighter II) Spinning Pile Driver move, which requires stick rotation and feels similar.
The following animations just show Zangi-Moves example and don't follow an optimized stacking behavior.

Zangi Example
Zangi Example
Zangi Example


ARE File:75%.png

Main article: ARE

ARE is the period of time (counted in frames) between the lockdown of the previous Tetramino and the appearance of the next one. It makes IRS possible and DAS more effective.


Torikan File:25%.png

Main article: Torikan

Torikan refers to a condition in TAP and Ti where the game reaches a premature end when the player failed to fulfill a certain requirement up to that point.