Tetris Forever

Tetris Forever isn't just for Tetris fans: it's for anyone interested in preserving the history of video games. Digital Eclipse is going from strength to strength with its Gold Master series, and Tetris Forever might just be the best yet — not least because of the brilliant new game, Tetris Time Warp, bundled within it.

Tetris Forever is, ultimately, a well-crafted educational documentary about the franchise that’s a joy to work your way through, at which point it becomes a vessel for Tetris Battle Gaiden. The rest of the game library doesn’t offer much to modern players who could instead play Tetris Effect, Tetris 99 or Puyo Puyo Tetris! But the preservation aspect of the release is nice for its own sake.

Tetris Forever is far more of a historical exhibit than video game and that's all it needs to be to be a vital pick up for anybody even curious in the origins of the puzzler. The history of Tetris is laid out in an engaging and approachable way that balances information and engagement, as well as allowing people to share in that history with the exhaustive catalogue of games on offer here. The commitment to preserving the old is commendable, and this is a landmark in what has become quite a saturated market for publishers. All compilations should strive to be as comprehensive as this.

Two titles in particular shine above the rest. The first is a gorgeous recreation of Pajitnov’s original Electronika 60 prototype, a game that represents the true simplicity of the idea. Its wireframe look and minimalist beeps are strangely calming. 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.

Even if the revelations are few and far between here, Tetris Forever always has the game to fall back on – you’re never more than a couple of button presses away from losing hours to another pleasurable round of shape-shifting shenanigans.

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.

Odd assortment of games aside, Tetris Forever is a wonderful document for an iconic series that fans will definitely appreciate.

The story of Tetris might actually be more engaging than the game itself but this interactive documentary gives you plenty of both.