Some versions, like Wood Block Puzzle , allow clearing blocks by completing 3x3 squares.
Games like Sokoban (1982) introduced the concept of pushing blocks into specific locations, laying the groundwork for spatial reasoning in games.
Alexey Pajitnov’s Tetris (1984) remains the most influential block puzzle game, defining the mechanics of falling blocks and line-clearing.
As mobile gaming grew, the genre shifted from falling-block mechanics to "drag-and-drop" styles suitable for touchscreens. This evolution led to current hits like Block Blast (2021), which has reached over 216 million installs as of 2024. Core Mechanics: How to Play