Tetris Forever

A true puzzle classic is explored in this gorgeous documentary compilation.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

A captivating trawl through four decades of Tetris, with a stack of archive footage and other interesting tidbits, Tetris Forever is also a superlative collection of games and curios that will satisfy all but the most demanding of Tetris fans. Essential stuff.

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.

Tetris Forever brings all the magic of Tetris into one collection.

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.