Since its creation in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, the puzzle game, Tetris, has been a phenomenal success, and many legal disputes to keep the rights. With its very simple principle, which consists of aligning bricks composed of combinations of 4 blocks (tetraminos), in order to form lines that eliminate each other, Tetris has conquered millions of players around the world.
It has therefore been declined and adapted on virtually all formats and consoles. On the eve of the release of a film telling the story of its creators, we look back at the versions of Tetris available on current consoles and computers.
The word Tetris is the combination of the words Tetra (the number four in Greek) and Tennis.
The article is subject to updates based on releases and availability of the games concerned.
All the versions of Tetris described below are perfectly suited to all audiences and generally require little or no reading.
Arcade Archives TETRIS THE GRAND MASTER
It is a reproduction of the arcade version of TETRIS THE GRAND MASTER. As the name suggests, it is intended for the most expert Tetris competitors. Everything is done to simplify their task, buttons, controls, everything goes very quickly. If you have seen videos on the Internet of expert Tetris players playing at full speed, it happens on this game.
But beware, this is episode 1 released in 1998. There is an episode 2, 3 and Ace. Maybe they will come out in the future.
For the most experienced players only who are not already playing on the latest versions.
Playable from 1 to 2 players locally.
Available on Playstation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 1
Puyo Puyo is a famous series of puzzles. It involves connecting horizontally or vertically 4 or more beans of the same color in order to eliminate them. The more complex combinations we make to eliminate at once, the more our score increases and we send debris on the opponent’s screen.
Puyo Puyo Tetris is the combination of the two puzzles in one game! You can focus on one but multiple modes offer to combine the 2, either by changing puzzles after a few seconds, or by completing lines of Tetris
For those who want to play with others, in cooperation or competition, there is a lot of content here. There is even a story mode featuring the illustrious characters of the Puyo Puyo saga.
There are also tutorials to understand either of the principles.
Ideal for those who wish to push their understanding of the 2 puzzles further and improve. A version 2 is however available and often on sale also, prefer this one.
Playable from 1 to 4 players locally and online.
Online mode limited to players playing on the same platform (console, computer) as you.
Attention this game requires to know how to read to understand the instructions.
Available on Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Steam PC.
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Same as above but better, more modes, more variants, more characters, the ability to customize your team and improve it to defeat the new story mode, Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 will push you to improve in the 2 puzzles.
Playable from 1 to 4 players locally and online.
Online mode limited to players playing on the same platform (console, computer) as you.
Attention this game requires to know how to read to understand the instructions.
Available on Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Steam PC.
Tetris (GameBoy)
Nintendo’s best-known adaptation of Tetris is available in all its monochromatic glory on Nintendo Switch. To access it, you must pay for the Nintendo Switch Online subscription and download the GameBoy app on your Nintendo Switch. Note that the game is now playable with 2 players online with your friends only. The Gameboy application simulates the fact that 2 Gameboys are connected as in 1989.
Entertaining to play occasionally.
Free as long as you pay for the Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Available on Nintendo Switch only
Tetris.com (browser)
If you visit Tetris.com, you will be able to play a version of Tetris directly and for free in your browser. This version is even playable with a mouse! In this case, the blocks automatically rotate in the destination position.
Entertaining to play occasionally.
Free.
Available in your Internet browser.
Tetris 99
Imagine playing Tetris against 98 other players.
Frightening?
Stirring?
This is what Tetris 99 offers. You try to play and be the last to survive without filling your screen. The more lines you eliminate at the same time, the more debris you can send on other players’ screens, and vice versa. Playable only online by default when downloading the free app, there are nevertheless some classic offline modes available for purchase such as Marathon. There are also cosmetic items that are available for purchase, but the main mode is the Battle Royale mode where you face the 98 opponents online.
In general, when a major Nintendo game is released, Tetris 99 is updated so that the visuals promote the game of the moment.
Ideal for the most competitive among us.
Free as long as you pay for the Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Available on Nintendo Switch only
Tetris Effect
Reimagine Tetris ! Imagine that during a game of Tetris, you are totally focused, and that all your senses are stimulated. You then enter a state of Flow and enjoy the experience fully. This is the challenge of Tetris Effect, a game made by Tetsuya Mizuguchi (Rez, Space Channel 5, Child of Eden, Meteos, Lumines), a Japanese creator specialized in the search for synaesthesia for decades, the connection of several senses.
Tetris Effect is a different experience, you always have to stack bricks and eliminate lines, however everything takes place in an alternate universe with a beautiful artistic and sound direction. Block placements and disappearing lines cause sounds that synchronize with the constant rhythm of the soundtrack. The visuals change according to the levels.
Just describing it, makes me want to go back and play it.
For those who want thrills of pleasure when he/she plays. Highly recommended in its Connected version (see below).
Playable with 1 player.
Available on Playstation 4
Tetris Effect Connected
A better version of Tetris Effect (see above) that offers to … connect to the Internet and other players. On the menu, many game modes, and especially online modes playable up to 8 players simultaneously.
If you have as many players with similar abilities as you at Tetris, you’re going to have a lot of fun.
It is now the default version of Tetris Effect. And in addition, it is playable in VR (virtual reality)!
For those who want thrills of pleasure when he/she plays. Highly recommended.
Playable from 1 to 4 players locally and from 2 to 8 online.
Online mode limited to players playing on the same platform (console, computer) as you.
Available on Playstation 4 (if you buy Tetris Effect and the Connected expansion), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Steam and Epic Games Store on PC.
Which Tetris game to choose?
Tetris Effect Connected and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 are definitely my favorites, and for 2 different experiences.
I like what Tetris Effect Connected offers alternative in the video game landscape.
And I love the colorful madness of Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 and its multitude of options, modes, characters.
