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

Rate It!

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

Gaming Nexus: 7 / 10 by Joseph Moorer

Tetris Forever is a pretty slick package. You learn a lot that you didn't know, and it's cool to know that Tetris will definitely be around if all other games were to go by the wayside. With so many ways to play it, and so many systems, I would've loved to see more of a variation, or versions of Tetris. "Play Tetris, My Friends" is the quote in the opening by Mr. Pajitnov himself. I would, but there's so much Bombtriss blocking the way.

Full Review

NintendoWorldReport: 9.5 / 10 by Willem Hilhorst

Not just for those who engage with games on a daily basis, but especially for people who are unaware of why games are cultural heritage and deserve to be preserved and celebrated as more than just toys. The new inclusion of Tetris Timewarp makes for a fun Tetris variant and is particularly rewarding after learning about the series' wide and wild history. So put the game on like a documentary with the family, introduce it to your colleagues and make them understand that it won't be just Tetris forever, but games forever as well.

Full Review

Siliconera: 9 / 10 by Graham Russell

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.

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.