Klax is a classic arcade puzzle and strategy game, first released in 1990. The core gameplay loop requires you to catch falling, colored blocks from a conveyor belt and quickly arrange them into matching rows of three or more, either horizontally or vertically, to clear them and score points. Its distinctive feature is the active sorting mechanic upon catching pieces, demanding spatial awareness as the block fall speed increases, leading to game over if the belt overflows. This title is available across numerous platforms, including Arcade, NES, and Amiga.
The primary objective involves catching falling, colored blocks as they descend onto a conveyor belt. Players must then sort these blocks, aiming to arrange them into horizontal or vertical rows consisting of three or more blocks of the same color. Successfully forming these matches causes the blocks to disappear from the playing field, earning points.
The challenge escalates as the speed of the falling blocks increases, requiring players to manage the limited space on the conveyor belt effectively. Mismanagement leads to the belt overflowing, resulting in the end of the game. Success hinges on anticipating the flow of blocks and executing timely placements to maintain clear space.
While sharing similarities with other falling-block puzzle games, this title emphasizes the immediate sorting and matching process upon catching the blocks, rather than solely relying on placing them within a fixed grid structure. The mechanic of catching and then actively sorting the pieces provides a distinct tactical layer to the standard matching formula.
The game presents a pure arcade atmosphere, focusing entirely on the mechanics of the puzzle itself rather than a deep narrative or complex setting. The experience is driven by high scores and the escalating difficulty curve inherent in the arcade genre.
This title has seen extensive release across numerous platforms since its debut. It is available on systems including the Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, Amiga, DOS, and various other 8-bit and 16-bit home computers and consoles.
As a main game title, there are currently no officially released downloadable content (DLC) packs or expansions associated with this version of the game.

KLAX - It's simple in concept and easy to play. Catch the colored tiles with the paddle and flip them into bins to make same colored stacks, diagonals and rows of three. Sounds easy? It is. The hard part is pulling yourself away from this fun and addictive game!

A Game Boy port of Klax by Mindscape.

A Sega Genesis port of Klax by Tengen.

A Game Boy port of Klax by Hudson Soft only released in Japan.

A Sega Mega Drive port of Klax by Namco only released in Japan. Features a 2-player versus mode not seen in other versions of Klax.

A port of Klax for Atari 2600. It was one of the final official releases for Atari 2600.