Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Compilation of Tetris video games in one-title & interactive documentary

If someone were to ask me about one of the first games I ever played, Tetris would immediately come to mind. Its simple gameplay somehow draws you in for hours as you strive for the highest score.

Back in the early ’90s and into the 2000s, Tetris became a go-to game for adults seeking quick stress relief from their daily problems. My late grandmother had her own Game Boy and would play it every once in a while, to unwind in the evenings. My siblings and I would sit beside her, watching her skillfully clear lines of blocks, even at around the age of 60.

Fast forward to today, and Tetris is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having gone through various iterations since its release in 1984. To mark this momentous milestone, Digital Eclipse is set to release Tetris Forever, a collection of Tetris games throughout its iconic history and a documentary showcasing behind-the-scenes of the making of Tetris and the talented and inspiring people behind it.

The Big Bang

This collection is a fantastic journey through the history of Tetris, featuring five chapters that players can dive into at their own pace. It kicks off with the story of Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, and takes us all the way to the present. Each chapter includes a mini-documentary that highlights significant moments, beginning with Pajitnov’s original creation in 1984 for the Electronika 60, along with some classic games from that period for players to try out.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into Tetris, you can experience the game’s first iteration and enjoy the mini-documentaries for a deeper understanding of its evolution. One of the best parts? You can watch the episodes in any order you like! If you want to skip the mini-docs, just hit “Tab” to browse through all 18 games included. Plus, there are a couple of non-Tetris games featured, like Henk Rogers’ classic Igo: Kyu Roban Taikyoku and Pajitnov’s Hatris series, which ties into the history between Pajitnov and Rogers.

Initially, I was concerned that a collection encompassing 40 years of Tetris history—with all its included games—might feel overwhelming. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the freedom to choose which scenes to watch and which games to play. Each mini-doc is around 3 to 5 minutes long, and watching the connection between Pajitnov and Rogers grow—thanks to their love for video games—is really inspiring.

One of my favourite moments is when Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers first met in 1989— showing original footage of their meeting, along with scenes of Moscow at the time, including Henk bringing the Sharp Famicom to Moscow, where Pajitnov played Tetris on a gaming console and try sushi for the first time. It truly is a masterpiece to witness and retell those early days from the perspectives of the people involved.

Fitting in the 2024 Stage

Moving on to the highly anticipated Tetris Time Warp, an all-new Tetris game where players can experience the latest version of Tetris while also travelling through different eras of the franchise in a single gameplay session. This game features Time Warp Tetriminos, which allows players to temporarily return to classic versions of Tetris. By completing specific objectives during these time warps, players can earn bonus points.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the available modes: Time Warp Score Attack, 3-Minute Time Attack, Modern Marathon, and 1989 Marathon. Personally, my favourite among these is the 1989 Marathon, where you must clear 150 lines in a traditional Marathon before time warping into the 1989 era to score additional points. As expected from Tetris, the gameplay is simple yet timeless. Even in 2024, I find myself entranced by its addictive nature, complemented by a catchy soundtrack.

One neat feature in the new version is the shadow that shows where the block will land. It makes planning ahead super easy! Of course, as you progress, the block speed ramps up, which keeps you on your toes. Plus, if you clear special blocks, you’ll warp into different game modes and tackle new objectives for bonus points that add to your main score. At the end, you can enter your name, and your score will light up on the leaderboard!

Timeless Like No Other

If I were to nitpick the cons of this collection, I would say that the titles included are mostly throwback classics from the ’80s to early ’90s. While these might intrigue die-hard fans of Tetris, they may not appeal as much to modern audiences.

I found myself losing interest after just a few minutes and quickly moved on to Tetris Time Warp. Titles like Tetris Battle Gaiden—a cult classic spin-off featuring cute cartoon characters—lack language support beyond Japanese (except for the main menu screen showing English for certain parts). It would be more relevant for newcomers like myself who want to try out the game for the first time.

On a more positive note, the visuals and music have received a significant upgrade, making Tetris relevant in this modern era. In the words of Henk Rogers, “Tetris is the one game that’s still going to be around when all the other games are gone,” and I truly believe it.

The Tetris Forever collection is a testament to the franchise’s success and serves as a legacy tribute to the pioneers who brought us the game that changed the course of the video game industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, Tetris Forever is a must-explore addition to the franchise.

Pros

• A great collection of everything Tetris!
• Complete behind-the-scenes of the game’s journey.
• 18 games presented in one collection.
• Catchy soundtracks.

Cons

• Most games presented are classic games from the 80s and 90s.
• Certain games lack language support beyond Japanese.

Final Score: 80/100

Review copy provided by the publisher.