What is Tetris Forever?

A collection of a dozen or so games may not be enough to encapsulate all that is Tetris, and this is perhaps why Digital Eclipse took a different approach. Tetris Forever is not only a collection of 15+ different games, but a documentary split up into four different chapters. With each chapter being a different era of the cult classic, the chapters work as timelines and bits of the overall 90-minute documentary, split up into sections to follow particular themes. You can play the library of games by accessing a separate timeline of Tetris games arranged in release order.

This unique blend of interactive documentary and video game collection is a part of Digital Eclipse’s “Golden Master Series,” with the other entry being The Making of Karateka. I believe this structural way of formatting works very well in the case of Tetris, as the documentary puts the game’s history into perspective and almost works as a anchor that gives weight to these simple releases, adding depth and importance.

Analysis

I’ve played my fair share of video game collections, but not many have made me feel the way Tetris Forever has, and this is solely based on how it’s structured. With most collections feeling like a simple “all-in-one” deal of a couple classics, Tetris Forever feels like a celebration. With getting to watch and learn about the history of the original Tetris on the Electronika 60 (an old computer hardware) to playing the exact version right after, Tetris Forever feels more interactive than any recent museum trip I’ve been on.

The games included in the Tetris Forever collection are Tetris (1984), Tetris (Apple II), Tetris (Famicom), Hatris (Famicom), Tetris 2 (1990) all the way through Super Bombliss DX for the Game Boy (1998). The collection also includes the brand new Tetris Time Warp, which is the perfect game in which to encapsulate the entire historical experience.

Tetris Time Warp plays just as similar as any other modern Tetris game, with a very enjoyable twist of course. Periodically, a different block falls that has its colors and design change in correlation to the different eras of Tetris. Getting this block eliminated through a line transports the player to the particular era and works as a mini-game to rack up a couple thousand extra points. After playing, watching, and reading all there is about Tetris in the base game, Tetris Time Warp was the cherry on the top, bringing together all I had gleaned about the classic game.

This experience took me from the occasional Tetris player to a genuine fan that will pull out some fun facts about the series I learned thanks to Tetris Forever, and it is why I can confidently say this is a game I recommend to any one looking to get into Tetris.

Final Score

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Tetris Forever offers both an interactive journey through its iconic past and a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.

While the inclusion of the documentary elevates the collection, giving it depth and significance, the $34.99 price tag may deter some from fully appreciating its value. It feels a bit overpriced for a collection of Tetris games, especially considering how easily accessible they are. The exclusive documentary and features are well worth your money, just not worth the $34.99. However, this celebration of Tetris will leave players not only entertained but also enriched with a newfound respect for the game’s legacy.

Boss Rush Network is proud to give Tetris Forever four and a half stars out of five.

Tell us what you think! Will you be getting Tetris Forever? Are you a longtime fan of the franchise? Share your reactions in the comments below or join the conversation on Boss Rush Network’s Discord, Facebook, and Twitter.

Featured Image: Digital Eclipse