The musical, atmospheric rendition of Tetris from Monstars and Resonair has fast become one of the more interesting games in the series. This is thanks in part to its hypnotic visuals, appealing tunes, and wealth of content. The game in question, Tetris Effect, takes players on a celestial journey. It captivates with a slew of trance-inducing backdrops and rich, thumping melodies that set the tone.
The game is a celebration of the original Tetris on the one hand, while also injecting modern-day features and flair on the other. With the new enhanced edition known as “Connected,” players can face off in a variety of online battles and even combine their efforts to take on AI bosses. With this sleek, inventive new twist on the classic puzzler, Tetris Effect Connected manages to excel over its more basic predecessors in some areas. Yet, there are some aspects that may turn off some players, particularly when it comes to retro Tetris loyalists. This list will highlight areas where this new version thrives over others in the series, along with a few that miss the mark or fall short.
10 Worse: Sensory Overload
There is merit to the mantra “less is more,” and this can be applied to Tetris; a series that thrives on a formula that’s easy to learn and tough to master. There are shades of this in TEC with a couple of classic-style modes in multiplayer.
As a whole, though, the prominent music, flashy effects, and fluid visuals in the background can prove to be a bit much for some. On top of this, you’ve got elements like tempo changes and flashing tiles that can throw you off and be somewhat overwhelming. In a game that demands focus and precision, this can be problematic at times.
9 Better: Varying Tones And Themes
One area where TEC soars is its variety of thematic elements and tones — some of which are designed to invoke distinct feelings or moods.
The aptly-named “Effects Mode” puts alternative spins on the gameplay, though it also segments these into a few categories. These include a more classic style, as well as the more serene “relaxing” and intense “focus” category. This proves a refreshing departure from the more typical, monotonous tones and styles of most Tetris romps.
8 Worse: Style Over Substance
When you hear appraisal regarding Tetris Effect Connected, usually the first things players point to are elements related to presentation; the interface, hypnotic backdrops, vibrant visuals, appealing soundtrack, etc. Meanwhile, the gameplay itself tends to be more of an afterthought in some ways. This is ironic, as Tetris was always about the gameplay first and foremost. Everything else was largely kept simple and subdued, in order to let the gameplay shine.
TEC still holds up in some areas related to gameplay, especially with its multiplayer features. Overall though, the core gameplay seems to take a backseat to a bombastic presentation that, for some, tends to dominate a bit too much.
7 Better: Appealing Soundtrack
Great music and sound design can really set the stage for a memorable journey when it comes to video games, as TEC demonstrates so nicely.
The star of the show is really this game’s terrific soundtrack. It’s brimming with catchy and deep tracks that set the mood and mesh greatly with each level’s theme. From the melodic trip “Connected (Yours Forever)” to the upbeat, thumping “Hope,” Hydelic offers a slew of rich, trance-inducing tunes to keep you in the zone. It may not have that classic nostalgic charm like the original Tetris theme, but it’s sure enjoyable to listen to.
6 Worse: Lack Of Vibrant Colors
When people think “Tetris,” it’s usually those vibrant, colorful tiles that come to mind. This array of colors has been a defining feature of this iconic puzzle series.
Yet, there’s a notable lack of these hues when it comes to TEC, which tends to favor flashy lighting and particle effects instead. The backgrounds are similarly milder, often coming in the form of a cold, dark outer-space backdrop. Of course, this makes for a visually interesting display in its own way, though it may turn off the more retro-oriented fans of the series.
5 Better: Online Gameplay
This fast-paced puzzler really lends itself to competitive online gameplay. Ironically, though, this has been a somewhat recent inclusion in the series. Monstars and Resonair’s game certainly delivers on this front. Not only are there the more typical multiplayer face-offs — complete with online rankings and leaderboards, but there are some fun new options as well.
In keeping with the theme of connectivity, this rendition offers an interesting new way to play the game — as a team. Yes, players can now play co-op Tetris, in a mode that oscillates between individual play and a combined screen that allows three players to work together to take out a boss. It’s an enjoyable new twist on the formula that’s tough to put down.
4 Worse: Controls
With a game like Tetris, solid controls are essential for a great experience. Does TEC deliver? Well, somewhat, though they don’t tend to feel as crisp or responsive as they could, especially with the bulkier D-pad of the Xbox One controller.
There’s a subtle feel of lessened precision and swiftness in the inputs at times, which is only amplified with the amount of noise and clutter on-screen. It works well enough, but diehards and retro purists seeking true, unhindered precision and speed may find TEC a bit lacking.
3 Better: Diversity Of Content
Tetris has proven to be quite the addictive experience — though many entries don’t offer much beyond the core formula. Even more modern efforts like Tetris 99 don’t go out of their way to offer many gameplay variants or different modes. This is where TEC really shines, and partly why it’s so appealing. There’s an impressive amount of diversity in the gameplay, and there’s something for most everyone. The campaign and single-player options alone offer lots of variety; from more relaxed, slow-paced themes to intense, heart-pumping grinds.
The game throws a number of conditions and parameters at you, like forcing you to get combos or playing with massive-sized tiles. You can rattle off points in an endless run or speed through with rapidly-dropping tiles. Then there are the online modes, which range from classic-style battles to epic co-op boss fights.
2 Worse: Small Gameplay Screen
One irritating aspect voiced by some TEC players is the relatively small gameplay screen throughout. It seems clear that the dazzling effects and backdrops are supposed to play a more prominent role in the presentation.
Still, it can be tough to get a good view of everything happening on the action screen, which isn’t too ideal for a game emphasizing speed and accuracy.
1 Better: Its Captivating Atmosphere
TEC makes it clear right off the bat that style and atmosphere take center stage, and it definitely nails it in this area. How many Tetris games allow for a celestial ride through outer space, a peaceful ocean trip, or an exhilarating flight through the skies?
Even the retro nods are tastefully done, with an authentic reimagining of old-school Tetris in Classic Mode. The fluid, vibrant visuals, great music, detailed particle effects set the stage for a memorable journey into the ether. It’s a unique, dynamic feel that no Tetris game has touched.
NEXT: 5 Reasons Tetris 99 Is The Better Game (& 5 Reasons It’s Tetris Effect: Connected)
