Tetris, a game that has captured hearts worldwide, still holds its status as the epitome of pick-up-and-play gaming. In Digital Eclipse’s latest endeavor, Tetris Forever, the beloved game’s journey is explored in detail, tracing its roots from the mind of Alexey Pajitnov and onto its meteoric rise as a Game Boy staple and beyond. Steering clear of the dramatics seen in the 2023 Tetris film, this piece offers an authentic dive into a pivotal era of the gaming industry we cherish.
Following in the footsteps of The Making of Karateka and Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, Tetris Forever is the third installment in the developer’s Gold Master series. More than just a nostalgia trip, this digital museum immerses users in the evolution of the franchise via interactive timelines. Each historical checkpoint presents high-definition images of vital documents, software, and hardware. With a blend of fresh interviews and archival clips, the collection offers intriguing insights into the game’s development and the complexities of its licensing.
The story of Tetris mirrors the innovative spirit and challenges of the 1980s gaming scene, particularly the intricate quest for the next big thing. Through the lens of co-founder Henk Rogers, we uncover the emergence of Japanese RPGs. Rogers’ expertise in the board game Go, even featured in this collection’s Famicom adaptation, played a key role in building connections with Nintendo’s elite and securing Tetris’ handheld rights in Moscow. These engaging tales, among countless others, enrich this comprehensive compilation.
Amidst these rich narratives, it’s important not to forget that the Gold Master series also brings a selection of games in pristine, adjustable emulation. While a few notable entries, such as the classic Game Boy version, are only briefly touched upon, the collection offers a fantastic array of NES and Game Boy Color games, along with numerous PC and console versions. It’s a treat to see some lesser-known renditions, such as the catchy Hatris and the Japanese sequel, Bombliss.
Among the games featured, two titles distinctly stand out. The first is a beautifully recreated version of Pajitnov’s original Electronika 60 prototype. Its wireframe design and simple beep sounds exude a strangely soothing charm.
Then there’s Tetris Time Warp, a fresh take that transports players through the franchise’s eras using special warp blocks. To truly appreciate where these Time Warp Tetriminos lead, immerse yourself in this anthology’s depth first; only then will the magic of each era reveal itself.
