Digital Eclipse has truly showcased their remarkable talent with Tetris Forever, a standout feature in their Gold Master Series. This time, they’ve breathed life into the historical saga of video games through an interactive documentary format, making it a brilliant homage to the much-loved Tetris created by Alexey Pajitnov. I’ve been a fan since its NES days, yet this release has taught me so much more about its past, and I’ve had a blast along the way.
Being the third title in the series, or the fourth if you include Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, the use of a timeline narrative is becoming a familiar and adored approach for fans. And if there’s any entry that’ll completely captivate them, Tetris is likely the one. With its significant popularity, Digital Eclipse tackles this iconic game with nearly 20 variations available for play. However, it’s the comprehensive five-chapter historical presentation that truly steals the show. From reading the perfect book to engaging with the right puzzle toys during his formative years, Alexey’s journey laid the groundwork for Tetris, epitomizing video game sustainability.
There’s a wealth of stories that come alive here, and part of the allure is savoring each piece of the timeline and watching every snippet of video. I was fascinated to discover Henk Rogers’ story, especially knowing that his daughter, Maya, now leads Tetris Inc. Witnessing his ’80s home movies and his bold attempts in the Soviet Union to secure Tetris rights while on a tourist visa was thrilling. His perseverance ultimately paid off in ways he may have only dreamed of.
Of course, discussing some of the games is necessary, though it’s impossible to examine each one in detail here. There’s a delightful recreation of the 1984 original, which serves more as a nostalgic curiosity than a frequently replayed gem. This speaks volumes about the timeless refinement Tetris has undergone. Among the originals, the Famicom version holds interest due to its “early control scheme.” Thankfully, the option to adjust controls acknowledges modern muscle memory. It’s a shame the best-selling NES version isn’t included, held back by Nintendo for Switch Online’s benefit. Yet the dynamic backgrounds of the computer versions are a nice touch.
Tetris sequels, up until 1999, follow, each offering a unique twist that makes them worth exploring. It’s not a case of “seen one, seen them all.” The adventure continues with Tetris Time Warp, a fresh game that lets players experience various classic graphic styles and play mechanics from different eras in real-time. This brings both variety and replayability to the table, enhanced by local leaderboards. It cleverly mixes nostalgia with innovation, creating arguably the most exciting game in the collection. Although the selection of games feels a bit unconventional, likely due to licensing hurdles, Tetris Forever, despite missing some beloved versions, is still a worthwhile experience.
Interestingly, the collection includes more than just your typical Tetris iterations. There’s an early version of Go that ignited Tetris’ wider appeal, details of which can be found amongst the engaging timeline videos. But what I’d really like to highlight is Hatris, an undervalued puzzle game that didn’t land on my radar as a kid, despite its intriguing ads. It’s a fantastic game, reminiscent of Yoshi’s puzzle style, yet predating it. With versions available for Famicom, Game Boy, and NES, it stands out as the most addictively rewarding game here, complete with outstanding chiptunes.
Reflecting on some earlier discussions about Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, it’s crucial for Digital Eclipse to be strategic with their Gold Series marketing. While Tetris Forever has a nice ring to it, perhaps a title like Tetris: The Early Years Volume 1 might better convey the depth and focus of the collection. Even so, at $34.99, each game in the bundle is a bargain. Though not every title embodies Tetris’ quintessential allure, there’s definite value in the convenience of exploring these versions and imports. It’s unfortunate we don’t get a soundtrack player with this release because many of these games have memorable music, including Tetris’ 1990 Japanese soundtrack—a missed opportunity for sure. The CD-i version’s brief mention without a visual seems like another minor oversight.
While some might see this compilation as more of an introductory mix, lacking due to the absence of some iconic Tetris versions, there’s ample content to relish. Hatris’ charm, the compelling new Tetris Time Warp, and the nostalgic stories of a beloved gaming legend make this a collection worth owning. This Digital Eclipse release beautifully satisfies any Tetris enthusiast’s craving, genuinely capturing the spirit of a game “from Russia with love.”
