Tetris Forever is a love letter to the cultural phenomenon. Developed by Digital Eclipse as part of their Gold Master Series, this experience delves into the game’s rich history, its creation by Alexey Pajitnov, and its journey from the Soviet Union to becoming a global icon. At first glance, the package appears to cater to die-hard Tetris fans, but its ambitions go beyond nostalgia.

Story behind the blocks

Now, this is an interesting “game” to review. Rather than being a straightforward collection of our favourite puzzle game, Tetris Forever positions itself as a digital museum, or more appropriately an interactive documentary. As such, the heart of Tetris Forever lies in its approach to storytelling.

The experience is a tribute to the development, history, and cultural impact of Tetris told through the perspectives of its original creators, Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers, and the key figures who helped bring it to the world. As with other Digital Eclipse historical games, it offers a deeply informative experience that allows you to explore how you’d like.

“Tetris Forever is a superb case in preserving and celebrating video game history.”

The main menu immediately sets the tone. Instead of presenting a simple list of games, you’re greeted with five distinct chapters exploring different eras of Tetris history. Each chapter is a timeline featuring playable games, documentary videos, high-resolution scans, photos, advertisements, and key memorabilia that provide meaningful context.

This museum-like approach is an incredible way to contextualise Tetris. It’s one thing to watch the 2023 film or read individual conversations over the decades online, but Tetris Forever provides the perfect collection of “how” and “why” behind each iteration. Interviews with Pajitnov and Rogers add depth and authenticity. Their recounting of licensing battles and the game’s journey out of the Soviet Union is riveting, giving a sense of the sheer effort it took to make Tetris a worldwide sensation.

Additionally, the two have built such a close friendship out of their business partnership and it’s sweet to watch them coexist and talk about each other with such admiration. These moments make you realise how real the journey of Tetris has been and continues to be, despite its mammoth recognition across the world.

As part of Digital Eclipse’s Gold Master Series, Tetris Forever is a superb case in preserving and celebrating video game history. By elevating these stories and presenting them in a dynamic, engaging format available in your home rather than a museum on the other side of the world, the Gold Master Series continues to redefine how players experience the history and evolution of video games.

Tetris Forever Review – Step through history

Faithful gameplay with a few misses

When it comes to gameplay, Tetris Forever is a mixed bag. The collection includes 18 playable games, ranging from the first Electronika 60 version to the all-new Tetris Time Warp. However, about half of these can truly be considered classic Tetris experiences. The others include curiosities like Hatris (a bizarre spin-off involving stacking hats) and even a version of Go, a traditional Chinese board game that feels out of place. While these additions might appeal to completionists or demonstrate the influence of the game, they lack the universal appeal of traditional Tetris.

The standout addition is Tetris Time Warp. This inventive new game blends modern Tetris mechanics with a time-travel twist: every ten lines you clear, a special block appears. Clearing it sends you back to an earlier version of Tetris, where you’re tasked with completing specific challenges before returning to the main game. It’s a clever homage to the franchise’s history and the most replayable aspect of the collection. The seamless integration of past and present makes Time Warp a refreshing take on the classic formula.

“The glaring gap in the collection are most Nintendo-licensed Tetris games… it’s understandable but deeply disappointing.”

Playing Tetris Time Warp in multiplayer mode transforms the traditionally solitary puzzle game into an intense, fast-paced competition. Squaring off against a friend on the couch is a dynamic test of speed, strategy, and adaptability. Time Warp also uses its time travel feature as a disadvantage, sending your opponent back in time where fewer innovations and mechanics are available which makes it harder for them to keep up. Still, the lack of online multiplayer or leaderboards does diminish the experience for those hoping to compete with friends or climb global rankings.

The games included in this collection are still a joy to play, with near-flawless emulation that captures even the original versions’ quirks, such as their characteristic slowdown. Witnessing the subtle gameplay tweaks in each successive iteration highlights the series’ evolution and gives you a deeper appreciation for how Tetris has refined itself over the decades.

The glaring gap in the collection is most Nintendo-licensed Tetris games, including the iconic Game Boy version. Due to licensing constraints, these beloved titles, which played a crucial role in shaping Tetris’ legacy, are not part of the package. Imagine visiting an exhibit on impressionism and finding no Monet—it’s understandable but deeply disappointing. Despite this, the interactive documentary succeeds in offering a thoughtful, engaging experience that highlights the cultural and historical significance of Tetris.

Preserving the legacy of Tetris

Digital Eclipse deserves high praise for the preservation and presentation of Tetris Forever, seamlessly blending nostalgic authenticity with modern accessibility. The games are faithfully recreated, offering display options to suit both retro purists and those who prefer a contemporary look. For example, the green-on-black Russian charm of the Elektronika 60 version remains intact, while newer entries incorporate more colour and updated visuals.

“…the care taken to maintain each title’s authenticity ultimately enriches the historical value of the experience.”

The documentary elements are equally compelling. Thoughtfully designed menus, timelines, and interactive features create the feel of a curated gallery exhibit. High-quality interviews with key figures combined with archival footage vividly bring the history of Tetris to life. With the press of a button, you’re able to turn off and on subtitles, zoom in, and control playback as you’d expect.

The audio design is another highlight. Each game’s sound is faithfully preserved, offering a nostalgic treat for longtime fans. Meanwhile, Tetris Time Warp elevates this with music that evolves to match the era being referenced, creating an audio journey through the game’s history. They also thankfully throw in the original Tetris theme, without any remixing or changes, just as you know and love.

Yet, the collection’s dedication to preserving each game in its original form does create inconsistencies. The differing control schemes and sound designs, while true to their time, can feel disjointed when viewed as a single collection. Despite this, the care taken to maintain each title’s authenticity ultimately enriches the historical value of the experience.

7.5

Good

Positive:

Deep dive into Tetris history
Engaging documentary format
Faithful game preservation and emulation
High-quality assets and interviews

Negative:

Missing iconic Tetris games
No online multiplayer or leaderboards
Inconsistent controls may be confusing

Tetris Forever is best approached as a tribute to the cultural legacy of Tetris. It’s not the definitive way to play the game, but it’s an essential experience for anyone interested in gaming history. Just don’t go in expecting the perfect Tetris fix—this is a museum exhibit, not an arcade.