
Some modes give players special Tetris puzzles to solve. The traditional Tetriminos (falling blocks) and line-clearing strategy remain the staples of the game, but the touch screen adds a new element of interactivity. Each of the six modes of play features a theme based on a classic Nintendo game, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda or Metroid. ġ0 DS players can battle with only one Tetris DS card.

Players also can interact wirelessly with their friends' Nintendogs – they can set their DS to bark whenever another puppy is within wireless range. Over time, the pup's stamina will increase so players can explore farther and farther. Trips to the park and gym offer valuable training time to prepare for agility trials and disc competitions. Players can socialize their pups by walking them around the town, where they will meet neighborhood dogs, and maybe even find new toys. When players earn enough cash, they can buy even more puppies to live with their original pup. If players train it well enough, they will excel in obedience and agility trials and disc competitions, which will earn money that they can use to buy other supplies and puppy breeds. They throw flying discs and balls to improve the pup’s agility, bathe it when it gets dirty and use their own personal voice commands to train the dog to do tricks.

Players purchase one of several breeds available at the beginning, then start spending time with their pup. The pups will vary in gender, coloration and personality. As a puppy competes in obedience and agility trials, owners can win money to purchase other puppy breeds. Players care for and train their puppy by petting it, walking it and buying it supplies to play with.
