Tetris Forever Reviews
Tetris Forever is a package of two halves of varying quality. Even though it hasn't been discussed much in this review, the documentary portion maintains the level of quality seen in the previous Gold Master Series titles from Digital Eclipse. There's an extensive amount of information about the game's lifetime. On the other hand, the games are fine, and some are outright brilliant, but the package can feel disappointing for many. The game selection doesn't contain many of the more memorable iterations in the series, and other versions of the same game could've been excluded. This may not be anyone's first choice when it comes to playing a few rounds of Tetris, but it's a good way to chronicle the history of this influential title.
A true puzzle classic is explored in this gorgeous documentary compilation.
While notable absentees and a glaring lack of 21st century representation are hard to miss, Digital Eclipse's third entry in the Gold Master Series with Tetris Forever still stands as a welcome, at times eye-opening, look-back on the legacy of one of gaming's greatest IPs. A staunch reminder as to the simplicity, addiction and clever, mechanical wit at the heart of the falling-block premise. A premise whose game selection, while flawed, still carries with it an interesting look back on the many ways, good and bad, Tetris aimed to evolve and refine itself over the many years. Though it may retread old ground in parts, it's the wealth of material as much the care for the smaller details, where Digital Eclipse's reverence is most strongly felt. Not as complete or as comprehensive as one might've liked, Tetris Forever is still nonetheless a pleasant, worthwhile look back on one of gaming's and indeed all of culture's most-prized creations.
Tetris Forever might not be the final word on the complete history of Tetris, but it's certainly the best breakdown of the franchise's creation and evolution so far. Digital Eclipse has truly mastered the art of the interactive documentary, and this one is absolutely filled to the brim with interesting videos, interviews, and archival material. The playable games don't necessarily represent the most varied selection across the Tetris franchise, but it's a comprehensive bunch of titles, nonetheless, and newcomer Tetris Time Warp is a fantastic new addition to a back catalogue that seemingly just won't stop growing.
Tetris Forever is a superbly put together package, and an eye opening documentary with some genuinely footage on show.
Another immaculately researched and presented interactive museum by Digital Eclipse, but one that is missing too many important versions of the game to function in quite the way it's intended.
If you’ve read the biographical comic book from Box Brown, watched YouTube documentaries or the recent movie and think you’ve seen the best parts of the Tetris story, turns out there was plenty of compelling ground left to cover. Tetris Forever tells a complete story, from the origins to the current Tetris Company, 40 years later. The new interview footage, filmic editing, curated game placement, and supplemental materials are arranged with tremendous skill and care. I can’t gush enough about how Tetris Forever takes the concept and structure of Gold Master and nails it, showing that weaving the “museum” content and gameplay together to tell a singular story leads to something that’s fun and intellectually gratifying at the same time.
Tetris Forever is an exceptional celebration of one of the most important series in video game history. Although factors outside of the developer's control means some of the most iconic versions of the game aren't available here, everything else – including the references to those games and one cheeky recreation – is handled with such attention to detail that this has to be considered the definitive telling of the Tetris story.
Digital Eclipse continues to do the Lord’s work with these Gold Master collections. Being able to learn the stories behind them from the people that made them is the best form of preservation. I want them to do all the games, which is unfathomable, but I will be there for each entry into this series and every developer should be banging down their door to get one made for their game. Highly recommended.
Second is Tetris Time Warp, a new title that sends players through each era of the franchise via special warp blocks. This 2024 version should be played after absorbing all this collection has to offer; only then can you fully appreciate where the Time Warp Tetriminos will take you.
Tetris Forever is a fitting monument to a legendary franchise. With over 90 minutes of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, this virtual museum beautifully captures the unique journey of Tetris—from Alexey Pajitnov’s workstation in the USSR to the hearts of millions around the world. Although some classic iterations are absent, the selection of key titles and diverse versions provides a solid representation of the series’ evolution. The experience is enriched by Tetris Time Warp, which celebrates the game’s legacy through its innovative, era-shifting mechanic. As a whole, Tetris Forever tells a captivating story about one of gaming’s most iconic titles.
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.
On the one hand, you could reasonably argue this compilation feels closer to a starter pack. Many favorite, more defined versions of Tetris are absent. Some odd choices aside, there's a good amount of content for fans to enjoy, even those who doubtless already own multiple versions of Tetris. The greatness of Hatris, the excitement of the all-new Tetris Time warp, and the nostalgic '80s and '90s stories of a gaming icon make it a must. This Digital Eclipse release satisfies your Tetris craving and makes for a great package "from Russia with love."
Don’t let these criticisms or that number at the top of this page dissuade you. They come from a place of experience with and deep love for Digital Eclipse’s work; this particular installment might not be our favorite, but it’s still excellent. If this is your first Gold Master Series, you’ll be really impressed at the reliably great work Digital Eclipse does here. If you’ve somehow never played Tetris, or at least not enough to fall in love with a specific version, and have never heard the story of how it was created and introduced to the world, you might hang on Rogers’ and Pajitnov’s every word. If you’ve read Ackerman’s or Brown’s books, or seen the movie, you’re just going to hear the same history but in the words of the men who lived it. And if you were hoping to play the same exact game you became obsessed with on the Game Boy or NES at the dawn of the ‘90s, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
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.
Tetris Forever is the most joyful and wondrous experience I’ve had with a video game all year and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Its only crime is that it does such an intensely good job of getting you keen to consume every weird version of Tetris that’s out there that it can’t help but bring a twang of disappointment at its inability to deliver most of them as playable builds within itself. The folks at Digital Eclipse are doing remarkable and important work with these collections and I hope we continue to see many more of them.
Tetris Forever used a time travel theme to send you back into the past 40 years of the franchise; however, if you grew up playing Tetris in the West, you won't find the titles you're familiar with. Japanese versions of the games here are abundant and very fun but there are some duplicates which showed laziness in the selection.
The documentary footage is very interesting and if you think of the game as being kind of an interactive documentary/museum display that might be the best way to look at it. If you are looking at the collection as a way to collect all the variations of Tetris that have been released then you will be disappointed. It is a pretty hefty price for the somewhat limited number of Tetris games available (I mean there are a few here… but the difference between them is not huge and there are some stand out titles missing)… so perhaps wait for a sale? Good to grab for the history of Tetris and if you are happy to have a playable documentary then you should be happy.
Once again, the Gold Master Series proves to be the gold standard in game preservation, documentation, and celebration.