These Tetris-Inspired Games Offer a Unique Spin on the Classic Formula

Is there any game more universally adored than Tetris? Many would argue it’s the perfect one, and it’s easy to see why. Originating in 1985, Tetris has accompanied countless players across different ages and platforms, almost ubiquitous in how it shows up on any digital device you can name. Its straightforward design and age-defying charm come down to a single block falling at a time. The game revolves around a few iconic shapes—think L-blocks, squares, and zigzagging squiggles—requiring players to fit them together neatly. As they line up across the screen, rows vanish, making way for new blocks and new opportunities.

Enjoying Tetris can be a personal journey; for some, it’s a way to relax, while others dive into it for the thrill of competition. Then, there are versions of Tetris that take its familiar formula and kick it up a notch.

Take Tetris 99 as a prime example—a battle royale twist exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. Here, players face off in their individual games, but they must outlast others as the pace quickens to fever pitch. While early eliminations might thin the herd, the challenge persists, with players throwing their excess blocks into your game just as you think you’re getting comfortable. I’ve only managed to clinch a couple of victories in Tetris 99, each one a hard-won triumph.

Classic Tetris ups the ante by simply increasing speed until the inevitable crash and burn. In January 2024, a remarkable milestone was reached when a 13-year-old became the first player ever to conquer NES Tetris, achieving what many deemed impossible. The game’s bare-bone simplicity allows developers to stretch its limits and craft new intricacies.

Consider the ingenious Schwerkraftprojektiongerät, a fan creation by Stephen Lavelle. Pronouncing it might be a challenge, but playing it is an even greater feat. This version juggles four separate Tetris grids, each tilted at different angles, with blocks cascading between them like a topsy-turvy dance. Another creative mind ran with an idea dubbed Terrible Tetris Tuesday, crafting chaotic versions weekly, from sticky blocks to fog-shrouded screens.

Then comes Reaktor, hitting the scene in October 2024, masquerading as a Tetris-like experience initially. The twist? Gravity takes on a windmill-esque motion with every turn, requiring players to construct a central cube, departing from the traditional bottom line. At first, the way the central cube spins out of control might seem daunting. Still, deciphering a method to stabilize your construction brings about a curious kind of thrill.

I always considered Tetris pieces like old friends, but Reaktor forced me to reevaluate each move. Who would have thought the trusty L-block could throw such a wrench in my plans? Developers returning to reinvent Tetris, adding layers to its classic setup, never cease to amaze me. If putting a twist on Tetris is your game, Reaktor’s a worthy find. With no shortage of new Tetris iterations, from Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 to Tetris Effect and beyond, we’re in no danger of running short of innovative, brain-busting puzzles anytime soon.