Tetris Forever Review – Dropping Into Gaming History

Tetris Forever Review

Digital Eclipse’s Gold Master Series has set a new standard in preserving and celebrating classic titles. With their hybrid approach, the team weaves together interviews and gameplay to create an interactive documentary that tells the story behind each project and its evolution. Following the incredible work on Atari 50, The Making of Karateka, and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, these talented developers now take on one of gaming’s most iconic titles: Tetris. Given its turbulent history and numerous editions, could this be the ultimate treasure in the vault of video game history?

Split across five timelines spanning 40 years, Tetris Forever takes players on a journey through the complex history of the iconic franchise. Featuring candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this peek behind the curtain is both insightful and informative, offering fans an engaging look at the series. While the story has been captured in films and books, this interactive format brings something uniquely special to the table. Hearing firsthand accounts from Henk Rogers and Alexey Pajitnov feels especially meaningful, allowing the game to delve into the product’s origins, explore rare artifacts, and deliver a truly authentic experience.

Tell Me a Story

Being the most ported game in history, it’s clear that Digital Eclipse had a mammoth task with its selection. While key releases are not included, the collection available features important releases that document the history of the franchise. As you progress through each timeline, you’ll learn about the creation of titles through clips, images and more before being able to play the product. This adds the much-needed context to each experience which creates meaningful interactions with the array of games. As the premise remains the same, the background information gives further insight, highlighting changes that allow you to appreciate minor differences.

Each version of the block-based puzzler includes era-accurate mechanics, visuals and sounds. Digital Eclipse has gone to great lengths to faithfully capture these elements which helps to create an authentic exploration of the the franchise. Seeing how the mechanics evolve is a highlight of the experience. Although the notion remains the same, the fluidity improves with each release and small alterations that add variety to various editions. In addition to this, the visuals and sound progressively develop to echo the platform. The developers manage to perfectly capture the period in time so that you can experience the differences between the Electronika 60 to the Super Famicom.

More Than a Block

The collection also features releases that were previously only available in Japan and spin-offs. Bombliss, also known as Tetris Blast in other parts of the world, includes exploding blocks that drastically alter your build. Another interesting addition is Hatris. An overlooked, strange but addictive puzzler, you must organize falling hats into piles. When you manage to collect five consecutive hats then that type will disappear. It’s a great twist on the formula and further accentuates the genius and philosophy behind Pajitnov’s approach to game design.

Like other titles in the Gold Master Series, the collection also includes an original game that celebrates the topic. Tetris Time Warp is a wonderful example of this and an essential iteration. What starts as a typical experience soon evolves into a time-hopping adventure that sees you leap through iterations of the classic block builder. Placing a special Time Warp Tetromino sends you to a different point in history. When in a new era, you are given a quick challenge that adds an additional objective to your run. This will reward you and send you on to a different era to continue your quantum leap through the history of Tetris. The mode also includes multiplayer options where you can send your opponent back in time in fun and frantic matches. In addition to this are the score, time-attack, modern marathon and 1989 marathon modes which considerably flesh out this experience.

Perfect Preservation

Tetris Forever is a fitting monument to a legendary franchise. With over 90 minutes of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this virtual museum beautifully captures the unique journey of Tetris—from Alexey Pajitnov’s workstation in the USSR to the hearts of millions around the world. Although some classic iterations are absent, the selection of key titles and diverse versions provides a solid representation of the series’ evolution. The experience is enriched by Tetris Time Warp, which celebrates the game’s legacy through its innovative, era-shifting mechanic. As a whole, Tetris Forever tells a captivating story about one of gaming’s most iconic titles.

***A Nintendo Switch code was provided by the publisher***