cuyo

Start a new game

$ cuyo

$ [<a>|<d>|<ArrowLeft>|<ArrowRight>]

$ [<w>|<ArrowUp>]

$ [<s>|<ArrowDown>]

cuyo [OPTION...] [LEVELSET]

-h, --help
    Show help message and exit

-v, --version
    Show version information

-f, --fullscreen
    Attempt fullscreen mode (X11 only)

-s, --sound
    Enable sound effects (if available)

-n, --nosound
    Disable sound

--list-themes
    List available visual themes

--list-levelsets
    List available levelsets

--theme=THEME
    Select theme (default: cuyo)

--levelset=LEVELSET
    Select levelset (default: cuyo)

Cuyo is an engaging ncurses-based puzzle game for Linux terminals, inspired by Tetris but with a distinct mechanic: players arrange falling blocks to form connected groups of 4 or more same-colored blocks, causing them to disappear. Successful clears slow the descent temporarily, but the field fills faster over time, demanding quick thinking and strategy.

Featuring multiple levelsets with unique layouts and difficulties, from simple grids to complex mazes, Cuyo offers replayability. Customizable themes alter visuals and sounds for personalization. It supports fullscreen in X11, optional audio, and runs smoothly over SSH due to its text-mode design.

Lightweight and open-source (GPL), Cuyo is perfect for console gamers seeking addictive, skill-based challenges without graphical bloat. Install via package managers like apt install cuyo.

Fullscreen requires X11/Wayland compatibility; sound needs SDL_mixer library. Needs color-supporting terminal (256 colors recommended). May not work well in very small windows.

Arrow keys or h,j,k,l: move/rotate; Space: drop; Enter: pause; q: quit.
Rotate with Up or k.

Larger groups score more. Combos from chain reactions multiply points. Level advances with score thresholds.

Created by Simon Walther; first release 1.0 in 2004. Peaked at version 1.4.1 (2008), with sporadic updates. Popular in early Linux distros for ncurses gaming.

tetris(6), pacman4console(6), ninvaders(6)