Exploring Different Types of Tetris

The game has been around long enough now that exploring different types of Tetris can take you through a journey of diverse iterations for different platforms, sequels, or reimagined iterations. This guide will showcase the most popular variations of Tetris, highlighting the features and options that make them unique.

Classic Tetris

Original Gameplay

The classic rendition of Tetris consists of falling tetrominoes that need to be rotated and placed in such a way that they will create and/or eliminate lines of cells across the matrix. Scores per line increased with each additional line removed in one move, up to the highest scoring move, the Tetris, which removed four lines simultaneously. The pieces would fall faster down the matrix, increasing Tetris’s difficulty.

Platform History

Classic Tetris was extremely popular, available on the NES and Gameboy, and was a popular arcade game.

Competitive Play

In 2010, the Tetris Masters was founded, creating the Classic Tetris World Championship (CTWC) that continues hosting competitions to this day.

Modern Tetris

Guiding Features

In addition to the Classic Tetris rules and features, Modern Tetris has adopted features such as ghost and hold pieces and the next piece window.

Modern Platforms

Popular platforms where you can find Modern Tetris are Tetris 99, Tetris Friends, and Tetris Effect.

Gameplay Enhancements

Rather than bulking on features, this version polishes things like piece rotation, more fluent speed changes, and overall smoother gameplay & control.

Tetris 99

Battle Royale Format

Tetris 99 is built for competition. Its unique multiplayer mode allows 99 players to compete until the last man stands with the highest score.

Attack Mechanics

This version has an attack mechanic, allowing players to discard trash into a competitor’s matrix if they clear two or more lines simultaneously.

Winning Strategies

One strategy is to get familiar with the hold feature, particularly for straight pieces, and use it when it’s most advantageous. Targeting other players who are either attacking you or are almost out is also a good way to stay in the game.

Tetris Effect

Visual and Audio Experience

Tetris Effect maintains the traditional aspects of the game but adds enhanced graphics and music. The goal is to create a unique audio-visual experience while being able to enjoy the gameplay.

Journey Mode

Rather than only speeding up the game, it has levels that players can play through, experiencing various themes along the way.

VR Compatibility

VR Compatibility has been included to create an even more immersive gaming experience.

Tetris DS

Nintendo-Themed Variations

Tetris DS incorporates popular Nintendo game themes and characters into the game of Tetris.

Multiplayer Options

There are several ways to play the multiplayer option. Single-card, multi-card, and Nintendo Wi-Fi are the most popular.

Puzzle and Mission Modes

Puzzle mode contains 200 puzzles that vary in difficulty, and mission mode (or catch mode), where the player tries to catch falling pieces before they land.

Tetris Party

Party Game Elements

Tetris Party is played as single or multiplayer, with fifteen single-player mini-games and four multiplayer modes.

Balance Board Integration

Incorporated into the game is the Wii Balance Board, which injects a unique way to play the game.

Cooperative and Competitive Play

Multiplayer includes co-op and competitive modes, such as VS Battle, VS Hot Lines, Duel Spaces, and Co-Op.

Tetris Blitz

Time-Limited Gameplay

Tetris Blitz is played with a two-minute time limit. It’s a more fast-paced version of the game.

Power-Ups and Combos

Power-ups (like magnets, lasers, and quakes) and combos help players get better scores within the time limit.

Mobile Platform

Due to its faster gameplay and timely sessions, Tetris Blitz has found its home among mobile games.

Tetris Plus

Puzzle Mode

The puzzle mode of Tetris Plus is one of the things that makes this game unique. It involves a professor who needs to escape different levels, and it’s up to the player to carve out a path for him.

Traditional Tetris

Although Tetris Plus concentrates more on its Puzzle mode, it also includes Classic Tetris as a game mode.

Unique Challenges

Players must use every trick they can muster when playing through puzzle mode as each level grows more intense. There are five zones to get through: Egypt, Angkor Wat, Maya, Knossos, and Atlantis.