HaCKeR

HaCKeR (download it here) is a block stacking game.

The game puts you (the hacker) against the worlds most advanced computer system!
You will have to stack your way through a range of levels, increasing in dificulty, to finally face that special challenge at the end.

Originally released in 2000, it was re-released in 2010 with updated graphics to celebrate it's 10 year anniversary.

It features multiple levels and smooth falling blocks.
Classic (no levels), Single player, HaCKMaTCH (against each other) and CoOp mode.
All multiplayer modes can be played on one PC or over network/internet.

The object of the game is stack the blocks at the bottom of the screen.
When a row is filled, it dissapears and the level moves down.
The more rows you fill at once, the higher the score for clearing the rows.
You also score extra points for instantly dropping the block down.

On each side of the level is a progress indicator bar.
The blue bar (on the left) indicates the progress towards unlocking the second next block display.
The bar has several obstructions on it, which you remove by creating a row at the same height.
After all obstructions are cleared, the second next block display will turn on.

The red bar (on the right) indicates the progress towards completing the level.
When the bar reaches the top, the level is finished and the next level will load.

During "Classic" game mode, the functionality of the bars changes.
Since there are no obstructors on the blue bar, it will instead rise according to the number of blocks in the level.
Once more then 50% of the level is filled with blocks, the second next block display will turn on.

And because you can't finish the level, the red bar will display the progress towards a speed increase instead.
When the bar reaches the top, the block speed will increase and the bar will drop back to zero.

     
       

Screenshot archive 
(click screens to enlarge them)

                                       
My very first DX screen ever.           it's final state in 2000             re-touched 2010 version

       
The progress stages the initial game went through...

       
A colleague's 3D Studio Max render of my draft, resulted in this style/look.

    
Unique (in 2000) CoOperative block stacking action... It's a marvelous experience.

 
In HaCKMaTCH mode, 2 players battle it out against one another.