Tetris Forever
- November 12, 2024
- Digital Eclipse
The latest Gold Master goes above and beyond to tell the complete Tetris story.
Tetris Forever is a 2024 video game compilation and interactive documentary developed by Digital Eclipse. Released in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Tetris, the compilation is set to include over fifteen different versions of Tetris, including the new game Tetris Time Warp.
Reviews
- The documentary content is well-produced and offers a fascinating look at the history of Tetris, including interviews with key figures like Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers.
- Tetris Time Warp introduces a unique gameplay mechanic that allows players to experience different eras of Tetris, providing a fun twist on the classic formula.
- The collection includes a variety of lesser-known Tetris titles, making it a valuable resource for fans interested in the evolution of the franchise.
- The collection lacks many iconic Tetris games, particularly those published by Nintendo, which leaves a significant gap in the experience for long-time fans.
- Controls are inconsistent across different games, with many lacking the ability to be remapped, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience.
- The absence of online multiplayer and limited gameplay modes in Tetris Time Warp make the collection feel incomplete and less engaging compared to modern Tetris titles.
- story17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is centered around the fascinating and complex history of Tetris, particularly focusing on the licensing battles and the contributions of key figures like Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers. While the documentary format provides valuable insights, some reviewers feel it lacks interactivity and omits significant parts of Tetris's broader narrative, limiting the experience to a narrower subset of its history. Overall, the storytelling is engaging but could benefit from a more comprehensive approach and interactive elements.
“I am one of the few people I know who doesn't much care for Tetris itself, and even I have found myself deeply invested in its story as I go through this game.”
“The story of Tetris' publication and the pinballing of the rights all around is fascinating, and a highlight for me.”
“The documentary itself is the same story we've heard time and time again, but it's nice to have Alexey Pajitnov, Henk Rogers, and Gilman Louie give firsthand accounts of what happened.”
“Sure, the documentary is good, but if they made a 'game section with story mode' of those 'chapters' instead of just watch and read, it would've gotten more interaction at least.”
“Also, the story told is not the story of Tetris as advertised: it's a subset of the story of Tetris.”
“I understand focusing on the legal battle for the rights to Tetris, since that's the 'exciting' part of the story, but so many important parts of the games get a single mention, like TGM and the Guideline.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as engaging and capable of providing hours of entertainment, though some users note critical input delays at higher levels and a lack of mechanical variety in the new Tetris Timewarp. While the control mechanics and versus mode offer some excitement, many feel that the collection lacks the depth and innovation found in other Tetris versions, leading to disappointment in its gameplay focus. Overall, there is a desire for more historically significant or interesting games to enhance the gameplay experience.
“Its engaging gameplay keeps me hooked for hours, and each session feels like a new adventure that I can't get enough of.”
“I like the control mechanics changing based on what's being played, and the versus mode feels a bit more exciting with the twist of using the time warp as a replacement for items or piece garbage.”
“It uses all the modern rule sets and the time warp mechanic is awesome.”
“Steam remote is an option, but input delay is very critical on higher levels of gameplay.”
“I forgive the older games for being clunky and lackluster, since they are part of history, but the 'new' game should have been more gameplay-focused.”
“Meanwhile, the new Tetris Timewarp is incredibly lackluster with a mediocre gimmick, thanks to the lack of mechanical variety represented in this collection and the lack of an endless mode.”
- music5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in this Tetris collection has been criticized for lacking the iconic "Korobeiniki" theme, with only "Tetris Time Warp" featuring it, while other games in the collection offer inferior soundtracks. Reviewers note that there are superior alternatives available, such as "Tetris Effect: Connected," which boasts better gameplay and music. Overall, the music aspect is seen as a significant drawback compared to other versions.
“There are far better versions of Tetris available, including Tetris Effect: Connected, which is already on Steam and has better gameplay and music than any of the games in this collection.”
“Not only do none of these games have the iconic Tetris song (Korobeiniki) as an in-game background song (except for Tetris Time Warp), but even the Game Boy version of Bombliss has a different (and vastly inferior) song for the fight mode.”
“Korobeiniki went from a Russian folk song to the Tetris theme because of the Game Boy version.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The Tetris Time Warp offers limited replayability due to its minimal content, featuring only three challenges, which many players feel is insufficient for sustained engagement. While the game can be enjoyable initially, its lack of varied challenges suggests that it may not justify its price for those seeking long-term replay value.
“The Tetris time warp was fun for a bit, but I feel like they really could've added more challenges; there are only 3 challenges, which doesn't leave much room for replayability.”
“It has no replay value.”
“That's not to say that games that have no replay value are bad; it's just that the game needs to be priced accordingly.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marred by significant visual glitches that make certain titles unplayable, particularly on Linux, while other versions function properly. Additionally, control issues, including limited rebinding options for both PC and console versions, further detract from the overall experience.
“Its lack of online multiplayer and challenging modes, on top of several visual glitches flashing on the screen throughout the game, are also disappointing by today's standards.”
“At the current state of the game, even with Steam Play compatibility, Electronika 60 and Tetris Time Warp experience horrible graphical glitches that render the game unplayable. All other versions work just fine, which is strange because it's only the two games they developed that cause issues under Linux; the others, which I assume are running on older code and emulated, run just fine.”
“The main issues are with the controls: using a keyboard for these games is below subpar. The PC games cannot be rebound at all, and there are some rebinding restrictions on the console games that can be rebound, some of which I assume are glitches.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Users report significant graphical glitches in the games "Electronika 60" and "Tetris Time Warp" under Linux, making them unplayable, while other versions function properly. However, all Tetris games offer fully customizable controls and various aesthetic settings, enhancing the visual experience where the graphics are stable.
“Each Tetris game has fully customizable controls, and you can change many aesthetic settings for each game.”
“At the current state of the game, even with Steam Play compatibility, Electronika 60 and Tetris Time Warp have horrible graphical glitches that render the game unplayable. All other versions work just fine, which is strange because it's only these two games they developed that cause any issues under Linux. The others, which I assume are running on older code and emulated, run just fine.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is described as deeply heartbreaking, evoking strong feelings and resonating with players on a profound level.
“Heartbreaking.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as a cash grab, primarily aimed at capitalizing on the nostalgia of Tetris players.
“This game feels like a cash grab designed to exploit the nostalgia of Tetris players.”
“The monetization strategy is overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending money.”
“I feel like I'm being pushed to spend more than I should just to keep up with the gameplay.”
Critic Reviews
Tetris Forever Review – Step through history
Tetris Forever is best approached as a tribute to the cultural legacy of Tetris. It’s not the definitive way to play the game, but it’s an essential experience for anyone interested in gaming history. Just don’t go in expecting the perfect Tetris fix—this is a museum exhibit, not an arcade.
75%Tetris Forever Is Documentary First, Battle Gaiden Second
Tetris Forever showcases the game's rich 40-year history through five interactive timelines. Journey through the decades with playable versions of the classic title, video featurettes, and digital artifacts. PS5 version reviewed. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes.Tetris Forever is, ultimately, a well-crafted educational documentary about the franchise that’s a joy to work your way through, at which point it becomes a vessel for Tetris Battle Gaiden.
90%Tetris Forever Review
Tetris Forever is a great way to play through the history of the franchise with some awesome titles that were never released outside of Japan.
80%