TetriFAST Review

What is TetriFAST
TetriFAST is a patch for TetriNET 1.13 which removes the delay between blocks, making it possible to play as fast as you can go naturally. TetriFAST can not connect to regular TetriNET server but only to its built-in server and to similarily patched Tetrix servers.

How to install TetriFAST
Copy TetriFAST.exe to /TetriNET subdirectory, where you have TETRINET.exe. When you run TetriFAST.exe it will ignite TETRINET.exe and bring it up to speed. Make a shortcut for TetriFAST.exe on your Desktop or Start Menu. Change the shortcut properties to a cool icon ;)

How does it work
TetriFAST is basically a different game that TetriNET, and it requires a different approach. It is very similar to T2net, and experienced T2net players will feel right at home.

TetriFAST vs T2net
With the arrival of TetriFAST I doubt many people will spend their time with T2net anymore. TetriFAST is a reliable client, it does not bug (at least no more than ordinary TetriNET) and it is actually even faster than T2net, because the controls in T2net were slightly quirky it is possible to go even faster with TetriFAST.

However, it must be pointed out that T2net is a much more versatile client than TetriFAST. It's got bot support, variable field size, extended specials in the beta, etc, etc. It should also be noted that cheats are possible in TetriFAST. Basically, any cheat that works in TetriNET will work in TetriFAST (and yes, TenirTET will work with it). T2net remains the only cheat-proof Internet Multiplayer Tetris client.

TetriFAST vs TetriNET
TetriFAST is an elite client for elite players. This is both good and bad. TetriFAST can not be a game for beginners. A newbie entering a TetriFAST server with good players will invariably be slaughtered. It will not even be any fun. Regular TetriNET servers will continue to serve a great purpose. I believe that in the near future we will see a number of TetriFAST servers rise that will accomodate the advanced players, while the great majority of players will stick to the regular client on the regular servers.

As T2net, TetriFAST is unfortunately not a good client for playing specials. This isn't due to a fault in the design but due to the limitations of the Internet. Even a little lag in a TetriFAST 1:1 game will make serious playing almost impossible. This makes the time-honored 2:1 game stand out as a valid option, and I think that 3:1 and 4:1 games could be well suited for the client.

Conclusion
TetriFAST is the greatest news in the TetriNET world for a long time. Most importantly, this could represent a revitalization of the league and ladder scenes. It is still possible to cheat both in pure and in specs with this client, but at least in a pure game it will be impossible for an elite player to be beaten by a cheating lamer. And, well, specials always sucked, didn't it? (:

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