If you're a fan of Tetris (or just like watching people talk about Tetris), then you're probably already looking forward to the release of Tetris Forever, a brand-new compilation from Digital Eclipse and the third game in their Gold Master Series. While counting down the days, I started to wonder what Electronic Gaming Monthly thought of this influential puzzle game. What was their favorite version of Tetris?
Believe it or not, EGM reviewed a total of 18 games in the Tetris franchise. That includes many versions of the classic computer game, multiple attempts to refresh the series and even a few oddball spin-offs that you might have forgotten about, like Wordtris and the Blastris game that came with the Super Scope. Unfortunately, Electronic Gaming Monthly didn't share their opinion of Hatris or the Nintendo-published Tetris game on the Nintendo Entertainment System. But even without those titles, I feel like we have a strong list that covers a surprising amount of consoles. What we're going to do today is countdown the best and worst Tetris games using nothing more than Electronic Gaming Monthly's own words and scores. There's no editorializing here. We're just going to focus on what the critics said back when these games first came out. So get ready to line things up perfectly, because this is what happens when EGM Ranks Tetris.
The Next Tetris: On-Line Edition (Dreamcast)
#18
“I love Tetris. I've logged hours upon hours of play on previous versions of it. Never been one for The Next Tetris – feels too much like one of those cheap knock-offs from the ‘80s. If I could play two-player classic Tetris online or against a friend in the same room, that'd be all I need. Instead, in this pack, Classic Tetris is limited to a one-player game and it's not online. Would it have been that hard to make this an ultimate Tetris package? Aside from the screen names, you don't know who your online opponents are. You can't chat or trash talk and the games are unbelievably short. Don't waste your money.” (3 out of 10)
The Next Tetris (Nuon)
#17
“For those of you who don't know what The Next Tetris is, a quick primer: It's Tetris, where each stage begins with a few randomly placed blocks. When you clear those, the stage ends and your rank goes up based on your speed. The pieces are the same familiar Tetris shapes, but made of different colors that can break apart and fall into slots, filling up holes to clear more lines. I'm not a big fan of The Next Tetris for any system – I prefer good ol' Tetris any day – but the Nuon version is decent, if nothing special. There's very few options and really no other play modes, unless you count marathon. Classic Tetris is also included – thank god – and while it looks fine and controls OK using the Nuon D-pad, it's also inexcusably bare boned. The music is forgettable, there are absolutely no settings or options for difficulty or anything else, and worst of all, no two-player mode. Yeah, it's Tetris and it's free with the Toshiba SD2300, but it's not quite as good as even your average version of the game.” (8.1 out of 10)
Tetris Worlds (GameCube)
#16
“The owners of the Tetris license have got to stop whoring it out. Yes, Worlds includes the original Tetris. Whoopee. You can get that anywhere. What you're paying for are the new modes, and unfortunately, most of them mesh with the classic Tetris formula like a square puzzle piece in a round hole. Square Tetris, for example, has you trying to create 4x4 squares. Hot line Tetris wants you to clear lines at certain points. Fun? No. Stupid? Yup.” (4.5 out of 10)
Super Scop 6 (Super NES)
#15
“While the Super Scope looks cool and works very accurately, I just don't believe that many companies will support this bazooka. The game that come with it get boring very quickly. Also, I don't trust Nintendo. How long did they support their Power Pad? When did they bring out their last light gun game? Remember R.O.B.?” (4.75 out of 10)
Tetris 2 (Nintendo Entertainment System)
#14
“I liked Tetris a lot, and this cart tries hard to improve upon the theme. But, it doesn't have the addictive fun the first one had. The new two-player mode is nice, but something seems missing. The colors don't seem all that good. What Tetris 2 does have going for it is that it is a nice change of pace. I would recommend this game for puzzle players. Good, but not much better than the first Tetris.” (6 out of 10)
Wordtris (Super NES)
#13
“Come on now! I liked Tetris, but isn't this taking it a bit too far? Sure, the gameplay is similar, but it just isn't the same. The backgrounds are interesting and the playing concept is different than 90% of the Super NES carts out there. A change of pace that will stimulate your mind as well as your reflexes.” (6.25 out of 10)
Magical Tetris Challenge (Nintendo 64)
#12
“If you're an N64 owner who's been itching for a good version of Tetris to come along, Magical Tetris Challenge is definitely for you. The differences between Magical Tetris and classic Tetris are subtle, but they make for an interesting (and fun) twist on the classic theme. The combo system adds a new level of strategy to the game, while the instant drop and TLS features make for even tighter control. Watch out for the cheesy story, though.” (8.6 out of 10)
Tetris Plus (Saturn)
#11
“Like Michael Jackson, Tetris knows how to make a comeback, but a lot of us are tired of it by now. Tetris is a classic, absolutely no doubt. If defined one of my favorite genres – the puzzle game. I still remember having dreams about falling blocks from too many hours of the game. This version is the best way to get this game. It has a two-player competitive mode which is not like the originals; this time you can customize your own levels, too! This would almost be perfect, if I hadn't played the hell out of the original. Still, it's a good package for even a part-time Tetris fan.” (7.5 out of 10)
The New Tetris (Nintendo 64)
#10
“Don't let the word ‘new' fool you, The New Tetris is old-school Tetris through and through. Added into the mix are an excellent soundtrack, a good multiplayer mode and an educational way of building up historic monuments. But keeping this from being the definitive Tetris is that you can't customize it to your style. It's a great game without that, but would've been a classic with it.” (7.5 out of 10)
The Next Tetris (PlayStation)
#9
“I thought I'd played enough variations of Tetris, thank you very much, but The Next Tetris surprised me with its simple twist on the classic block-dropping formula. The new splitting blocks demand just enough extra brainpower to keep Puzzle Fighter fans interested, and you can always switch to the original mode if you like your Tetris the old-fashioned way. Graphics are simple, but I especially like being able to pop in any music CD I want.” (7.75 out of 10)
Tetris (Game Boy)
#8
“A fascinating game for puzzle lovers. One of the best for Game Boy. The two-player version is outstanding and the second 25-line mode makes it easy to play quick games by yourself. With nine speed settings and five handicaps, Tetris is a perfect match for anyone.” (7.75 out of 10)
Tetris DS (Nintendo DS)
#7
“In Soviet Russia, you play Tetris alone on monochrome Elektronika 60 computer. In America, you play with nine comrades over WiFi on color handheld. What a country.” Oh, it's funny because it's true, Cold War-era comedian Yakov Smirnoff: Tetris has changed in the 20 years since both you and it left the motherland. But it hasn't evolved quite enough to be worth your rubles if you already own a portable incarnation. Still, playing it with friends is a Chernobyl-size blast, and the remixed tunes from your favorite made-in-Japan Nintendo franchises will have you pointing to that Far East island nation and hollering, ‘What a country!'” (7.8 out of 10)
Tetris Blast (Game Boy)
#6
“This is yet another sequel which fails to inspire the addiction of the original. The game is really playable, but the small Game Boy screen makes things harder to see. Use the Super Game Boy instead. The blocks don't rotate; instead they automatically change their angle. This causes a few problems when placing blocks quickly. The gameplay is simple enough. Making horizontal rows may sound easy, but it does get tough around level 20. Fun but monotonous.” (7.9 out of 10)
Tetris 2 (Super NES)
#5
“You've all played the 8-bit (and every other possible) version, now here comes more of the same on the 16-bit platform. If you were a fan of the first one, then this one will definitely please. This time there are more backgrounds. The two player is an absolute addictive blast and will keep a pair playing all night!” (8 out of 10)
Tetris Attack (Super NES)
#4
“As I've stated before, puzzle games are the best titles for gamers of all ages. There is no exception with Nintendo's latest release, Tetris Attack. It gives the player a solid foundation to build a fun one-player game and an outstanding two-player head-to-head title. I found the block-switching style of play really imaginative. It allows players to set up the best combos ever seen on the screen to smash their opponent. The play speed is also exciting, giving players the feeling that they are never moving fast enough. I'm sure this title has caused many players' heart rates to soar from the excitement.” (9 out of 10)
Tetrisphere (Nintendo 64)
#3
“Wow was the only word that came out when I first played this one. Everything from the graphics to the gameplay was perfect. What's nice is that you can be a novice and still have fun (since the game can be one of luck or skill). On top of this, the funky, sometimes ambient, sounds fit the game well. My gripe is that luck often plays too much of a part.” (8.25 out of 10)
Tetris DX (Game Boy Color)
#2
“I've always thought that, when it comes to pure gameplay and replay value, nothing beats Tetris. And the original Game Boy versions has always been my favorite. I mean, c'mon – you can play the most addicting game ever on the crapper. So, of course I'm mucho pleased with this sharp color update. The new play modes are cool, sure, but I really like being able to save high scores. Someday I'll beat [John] Ricciardi's record.” (8.6 out of 10)
Tengen's Tetris (Nintendo Entertainment System)
#1
“While Tetris won't win any awards for being a hard shooter or riveting adventure, it does capture the multitude of the play mechanics that make these types of games so appealing. Simple but original gameplay make Tetris an addictive alternative to an endless supply of shoot ‘em ups, kick ‘em ups and bash ‘em ups, and very worthy of the U.S. National Video Game Team's coveted Players Seal of Approval.” (Direct Hit)
