Tetris is not just a game; it is a masterpiece. It is not only a significant video game but also one of the most remarkable creations of the past fifty years. With its global impact, one could even argue that Tetris is the final major piece of Soviet art. It represents the epitome of interactive artistic design.
Tetris revolves around a simple vocabulary of seven differently shaped blocks, each consisting of four units, and a basic grammar: blocks fall one unit at a time, stack at the bottom of the screen, and vanish when you complete a row. From this straightforward premise emerges captivating displays and endless variations of symbols in motion. While there have been countless versions of Tetris released for various gaming platforms, the core essence remains unchanged from Alexey Pajitnov’s original concept.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Tetris, and to celebrate this milestone, developer Digital Eclipse launched Tetris Forever. This tribute game is part of the Gold Master Series and incorporates 17 different versions of Tetris. It features an interactive timeline where players can explore primary documents, such as photos and advertising, along with interviews with key figures like Pajitnov and Henk Rogers.
Tetris Forever, however, faces challenges similar to those of a traditional linear documentary, particularly in terms of access. While the game delves into the process of bringing Tetris to consoles like the NES and Game Boy, these versions are not playable within the game due to rights issues. Despite these limitations, Tetris Forever succeeds as a documentary game by allowing players to navigate Tetris’s development history and play various game variations discussed in interviews.
One of the standout features of Tetris Forever is the new Tetris variant, Tetris Time Warp. This version offers a traditional Tetris experience but occasionally transports players to earlier versions of the game, presenting unique challenges before returning to the modern era. This iteration showcases the adaptability of Tetris while maintaining its core identity as a timeless classic in interactive art.
Tetris Forever (2024) is now available on multiple platforms. Whether you’re a longtime Tetris fan or a newcomer to the game, this immersive experience offers a deep dive into the history and evolution of one of the most iconic video games of all time.
