Tetris Forever, released last year, is an impressive interactive exploration of the classic Tetris game and its history. It has recently expanded with a significant update, adding two more games from the franchise’s past.
For those unfamiliar with Tetris Forever, it is developed by Digital Eclipse and follows a similar format to their previous successful interactive documentaries, such as Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story. This unique blend of archival footage, fresh interviews, and playable games gives players a comprehensive look at the evolution of Tetris.
When it was first launched, Tetris Forever featured 15 different versions of Tetris, which included everything from a recreation of the very first Tetris on the Electronika 60 to a new version called Tetris Time Warp. Since its initial release, more versions have been added, including Welltris. The latest update introduces two new games: the MS-DOS versions of Super Tetris from 1991 and Tetris (AcademySoft) version 3.12, released in 1988.
Digital Eclipse describes Super Tetris as an early attempt to create a sequel to the original Tetris. In this game, players need to collect bombs and clear a board that is already partially filled at the beginning. Conversely, Tetris (AcademySoft) v. 3.12 represents the last version of Tetris that was developed in the Soviet Union, introducing a unique Phantom mode where players face invisible O-Tetriminos.
Along with these two new games, the update to Tetris Forever brings some exciting enhancements to the existing Tetris Time Warp mode. In single-player mode, players can now advance through 30 levels instead of just 15. The multiplayer mode has also received an upgrade, with Time Warp Tetriminos now featuring a new Shield power.
For those who enjoy single-player experiences, the 1989 Mode has been adjusted. Players can now turn off “modern gameplay” for a more authentic experience and have the option to cut the number of rows in the play area from 20 down to 18. There is also a new challenge where players must clear 40 lines as fast as they can. Furthermore, Tetris Time Warp has an improved options mode, allowing players much greater control over the visuals, sounds, and gameplay elements.
In addition to these main updates, there have been further tweaks to the Electronika 60 version of Tetris to enhance its historical accuracy, along with many bug fixes and minor improvements. This latest update of Tetris Forever is available for free on all platforms.
If you are interested in the history and impact of Tetris, Digital Eclipse’s Tetris Forever is definitely worth checking out. In a review, Christian Donlan praised it as a “gorgeous documentary compilation,” highlighting its value for both fans of the game and those curious about its legacy.