Tetris Forever, published by Digital Eclipse for the PlayStation 5, is an homage to four decades of near-legendary block-dropping, gathering a comprehensive lineup of classic Tetris games into one collection and adding a unique twist with Tetris Time Warp, an all-new mode. The title aims to be a celebration of the Tetris legacy, offering something for fans both old and new, with nods to Tetris’ roots and a variety of spins on its core mechanics.
The main draw here is the sheer volume of content: Tetris Forever includes over 15 classic Tetris games, spanning many eras and styles. Players get to experience versions like Super Bombliss, with its explosive take on the formula, and Tetris Battle Gaiden, a multiplayer favorite with a cult following. There’s even a meticulously recreated version of the 1984 original, a nice nod for enthusiasts eager to see where it all began. But while this collection is exciting for long-time fans, some newer players might find that not all modes have aged equally, as some of the classic versions feel more dated than others. At the same time, there are some titles missing in action – most likely including a quite a few you grew up playing (such as Nintendo’s Game Boy version).
The Tetris Time Warp mode is an interesting addition, allowing up to four players to battle it out while warping between different Tetris eras, each with its own visual style and mechanics. It’s a chaotic yet fun twist, although some may feel the rapid changes disrupt the focus that makes regular Tetris so engaging. Still, it’s an inventive feature that adds replay value for players looking for a fresh take on competitive Tetris gameplay.
Digital Eclipse has also added a wealth of historical extras in the form of documentary content. These featurettes dive into the stories of Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of Tetris, and Henk Rogers, who helped Tetris reach a global audience. This behind-the-scenes perspective enriches the experience and will likely appeal to players who enjoy learning about gaming history. However, players purely interested in gameplay may find themselves skipping these videos, as they don’t impact the gaming experience directly. However, if you enjoyed the somewhat recent Tetris film like we did, we recommend not skipping over these little gems.
The game’s visuals are a mixture of nostalgic throwbacks and modern polish. Each mode and era is accurately presented, from the minimalist styling of the original to the more colorful, detailed designs of later versions. However, while the mix of styles is visually interesting, it can sometimes feel cluttered, especially in Tetris Time Warp, where players are quickly pulled between drastically different styles. This may make it hard to focus on strategies, which could be off-putting to fans who prefer Tetris’ clean, straightforward aesthetic – though we found it fun to embrace the chaos for a bit as well.
In terms of gameplay, Tetris Forever nails the responsive controls and smooth mechanics that are essential to any good Tetris experience. Whether in single-player mode or during a multiplayer face-off, the game handles well, maintaining the sense of precision that Tetris demands. The collection also includes accessibility options, which is a nice touch for a game with such wide appeal.
Overall, Tetris Forever is a fitting tribute to one of gaming’s most beloved and enduring franchises. It offers a treasure trove of nostalgia with a satisfying selection of games and a new multiplayer twist, even if it doesn’t take many risks in terms of innovation. Long-time fans will likely find plenty to appreciate here, though some may wish it had included more substantial modern updates. Tetris Forever is a testament to the enduring appeal of Tetris, solidly reinforcing that, in a gaming world filled with fleeting trends, Tetris is actually one of those games with a ‘forever’ appeal.
Score: 8.1/10
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