Tetris Forever

Release Date: November 12, 2024

Puzzle, tetris, 2D, package, for 2 players, remasters/remakes, experimental/artistic, historical, splitscreen, 80s, 90s, multiplayer, singleplayer

8.0

OpenCritic

67%

Steam

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Tetris Forever is a compilation of over 15 different titles from the classic logic games series. It also features documentary videos, allowing to learn about the "fathers" of the brand - Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers (founder of The Tetris Company).

Videos and Screens

[1:28] Tetris Forever Launch Trailer

[1:01] Tetris Forever Gameplay Trailer

8.0

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 83% of Critics. There are 44 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Gamer Escape: 9 / 10 by Aaron Botts

This compilation is easily one of the best I’ve played and experienced in quite a while. Which makes for an easy reccommendation for anyone interested in doing a deep dive into one of the premier lynchpins of the industry.

Full Review

WayTooManyGames: 8.5 / 10 by Leonardo Faria

It doesn’t surprise me that Tetris Forever is so good. This is the fourth playable documentary by Digital Eclipse, and those guys take gaming history and preservation to an outstanding degree of love and care. The interviews are great (Alexey is just the most huggable uncle), the documents are neat, the easter eggs are a nice addition, and the sheer amount of versions of Tetris included in the package will please each and every single fan of the franchise.

Full Review

Metro GameCentral: 7 / 10

Another immaculately researched and presented interactive museum by Digital Eclipse, but one that is missing too many important versions of the game to function in quite the way it's intended.

Full Review

67%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mixed (162)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Interactive Documentary: The documentary content is praised for its depth and quality, providing insights into the history of Tetris, including interviews with key figures like Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers. Many users found this aspect to be the highlight of the game.
Nostalgic Value: The collection includes a variety of Tetris games from different eras, allowing players to experience the evolution of the game. Some users appreciated the inclusion of rare or obscure titles that are not easily accessible elsewhere.
New Game Mode: The new "Tetris Time Warp" mode is mentioned positively for its innovative concept, allowing players to experience different eras of Tetris gameplay.
Customization Options: After updates, the ability to customize controls for different games has been well-received, enhancing the overall user experience.

The main cons of the game

Lack of Popular Titles: Many users expressed disappointment over the absence of iconic Tetris games, particularly those from Nintendo (e.g., Game Boy Tetris, NES Tetris), which many consider the definitive versions.
Limited Game Selection: The collection is criticized for its small number of unique games (often noted as only 6 unique Tetris experiences), with many titles being variations or ports of the same games.
Control Issues: Initial complaints about non-uniform control schemes across games and inability to rebind controls for certain titles have been a significant point of frustration for users.
No Online Multiplayer: The absence of online multiplayer features is a major drawback, especially compared to modern Tetris games that offer robust online play.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

More Game Variants: Users lamented the lack of many beloved Tetris variants, especially those that have defined the franchise over the years, such as Tetris Plus, Tetris DS, and other notable entries.
Improved Gameplay Mechanics: Suggestions for better gameplay mechanics in the new Tetris Time Warp mode, including more varied challenges and higher speed levels, indicate a desire for a more engaging experience.
Local and Online Multiplayer Options: Many users expected more multiplayer options, including online play, which is seen as a standard in modern gaming.
Enhanced Documentation: While the documentary is appreciated, some users felt it could have included more detailed discussions about game design and the history of Tetris beyond the legal battles.

Summary

Overall, while Tetris Forever offers a nostalgic and educational experience for Tetris enthusiasts, many users feel it falls short as a comprehensive collection of Tetris games, particularly given its price point.

Summary generated on: December 9, 2024

Tetris Forever is the third part of a series of interactive documentaries from 2023, describing the history of video games. This project was created by Digital Eclipse studio. It takes on the Tetris brand and was released to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the creation of the first logic game under this brand.

Gameplay

Tetris Forever consists of two main elements. The first one is a compilation of over 15 installments from the series, starting with the first Tetris from 1984 (created by Alexey Pajitnov and released for Elektronika 60 computers), through the multiplayer-focused Tetris Battle Gaiden, ending with the "explosive" Super Bombliss. The novelty is Tetris Time Warp, a special game that allows us to jump in real time between different eras of Tetris.

Each game introduces some nuances, but the core of the gameplay in them is the same - arranging blocks of various shapes falling from the top of the screen. We need to do this in such a way that they fill the horizontal line, causing it to disappear. The more lines we manage to "erase" in this way, the better result we will achieve. On the other hand, we cannot allow the blocks we arrange to reach the top edge of the game field, because then the game ends with our loss.

The second component of Tetris Forever is over an hour of documentary films presenting the profiles of Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers - the founder of The Tetris Company. Video materials allow us to get to know these characters better and take a look behind the scenes of their works.