An Overview of the Game

Released in 1985, Shades is a puzzle video game that combines elements of classic block-stacking gameplay with a unique color-matching twist. The game challenges players to strategically arrange falling blocks of different shades in order to clear levels and achieve high scores.

Gameplay Mechanics

In the game, players control falling blocks composed of different shades of the same color. The objective is to stack these blocks strategically to create solid lines of uniform shade, which then disappear from the screen. Unlike traditional puzzle games where blocks vary in shape, this game introduces complexity by requiring attention to color shades, adding a layer of strategy in managing the stack and planning moves ahead.

Legacy and Influence

While Shades did not achieve the mainstream popularity of other puzzle games from the era, it is remembered for its innovative approach to the puzzle genre. By focusing on color-matching rather than solely on shapes, it provided a fresh challenge for players and paved the way for more sophisticated color-based puzzles in future games.

Trivia

The development of the game reportedly involved experimenting with various color palettes to ensure clear discernibility between shades, which was crucial for gameplay. Additionally, anecdotes from the development suggest that the idea stemmed from a fascination with color theory and its applications in interactive media.