Digital Eclipse has done it again! The masters of retro gaming have delivered another incredible interactive documentary, this time focusing on the legendary puzzle game, Tetris. And let me tell you, fellow gamers, Tetris Forever is an absolute triumph.

For those unfamiliar, Tetris has a history that’s as complex and fascinating as the game itself is simple. Born in the Soviet Union in the mid-1980s, thanks to the brilliant mind of Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris‘s journey to global domination is a tale of copyright battles, secret deals, and some serious visa stretching. (Yes, there’s a movie about it, but trust me, this is way more fun.)

Unpacking the Tetris Phenomenon: More Than Just Falling Blocks

At first glance, Tetris might seem deceptively simple. Colorful blocks fall from the sky, you rotate and arrange them, lines disappear, and the cycle repeats. But beneath this seemingly straightforward exterior lies a rich and complex history. Born in the Soviet Union during the mid-1980s, thanks to the ingenuity of Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris‘s journey to global stardom is a tale filled with unexpected twists and turns. Think copyright disputes, clandestine meetings, and someone pushing the boundaries of a tourist visa to its absolute limit. (Yes, there’s a movie about it, but this interactive documentary blows it out of the water.)

Digital Eclipse has truly mastered the art of the interactive documentary. They don’t just throw a bunch of old games and bonus materials at you and call it a day. Instead, they meticulously craft a chronological timeline, allowing you to experience the evolution of a game in a way that’s both engaging and informative. You gain a deep appreciation for the context surrounding each version, understanding its significance before you even lay a finger on the controller. They’ve previously wowed us with incredible collections like Atari 50 and The Making of Karateka, and now they’ve brought that same level of passion and expertise to Tetris.

The Tetris Forever experience begins with a series of intimate interviews with Alexey Pajitnov himself. We get a glimpse into his early life, his inspirations, and the creative process that led to the birth of Tetris. We’re then transported back in time to experience the very first version of the game, rendered in simple ASCII characters on the Electronika 60, a Soviet computer that most of us have never even heard of.

From there, the collection unfolds like a captivating historical drama. We’re introduced to key figures like Henk Rogers, Pajitnov’s longtime friend and business partner, who played a pivotal role in bringing Tetris to the world stage. Digital Eclipse masterfully weaves together these personal narratives, highlighting the importance of each milestone in the game’s evolution. We even get to hear from industry luminaries like Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the visionary behind the mesmerizing Tetris Effect, who offer their unique perspectives on the game’s cultural impact.

But Tetris Forever isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a celebration of the game itself. The collection boasts a whopping 18 different versions of Tetris, including some incredibly rare gems that were never widely released. While the absence of the iconic Game Boy version might disappoint some (likely due to licensing restrictions), Digital Eclipse more than makes up for it with an incredible variety of Tetris experiences. We get to see how Pajitnov and other developers experimented with the core formula, resulting in some truly unique and innovative gameplay variations.

One standout is Magicaliss, a hidden gem bundled with Super Tetris 3. It features mind-bending puzzles and a surprisingly heavy metal-inspired fantasy aesthetic. And for those craving that Game Boy nostalgia, there’s an unofficial version that’s so faithful to the original, you’ll swear it came straight from Nintendo’s vaults.

And then there’s Tetris Time Warp, a brand-new addition that’s exclusive to this collection. It starts as a sleek, modern take on Tetris, but with a mind-bending twist. The game periodically throws you back in time, transforming the visuals and gameplay to match classic Tetris iterations. You’re presented with unique challenges that must be overcome before you’re warped back to the present. Honestly, Tetris Time Warp alone is worth the price of admission.

The Verdict: A Must-Have for Tetris Fans and Gaming History Buffs

In a world where finding a decent version of Tetris can be surprisingly challenging, Tetris Forever is an absolute godsend. But it’s much more than just a collection of games. It’s an interactive journey through gaming history, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest puzzle games ever created. Digital Eclipse has once again proven that they are the undisputed champions of retro gaming preservation.