Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect is a puzzle video game developed by Monstars and Resonair, and published by Enhance Games for the PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay
As in the original Tetris game, the player needs to place tetrominoes into a playfield to create complete lines. Tetris Effect adds themes and music to blend in with the stages proving that it does have new features.

Why It's All Connected

 * 1) The graphics here are considered to be eye-candy and beautiful to look at. With many different themes and special effects the game has, you know that this game can be satisfying with its art style. No matter what kind of theme you're going to get, all you can expect will be nothing but gorgeous effects.
 * 2) The idea of a game is based on a phenomenon called The Tetris Effect where it consists of players seeing falling Tetris blocks after playing Tetris for a long time sounds like an interesting concept. As silly as the game sounds at first, the execution and realization make the game look unique for a Tetris game.
 * 3) Amazing soundtrack that fits well with the theme of the game. The OST just makes you want to daydream with abstract art being used as a source of imagination while other songs make you want to dance. Because of both the soundtrack and visuals, it can be compared to that of a music video or even Disney's Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000.
 * 4) Introduces a new feature called the Zone mechanic which can allow players to stop time. The mechanic is useful for those who want to clear more than 4 lines at once.
 * 5) On November 10, 2020, the game got a re-release called Tetris Effect: Connected which includes an all-new co-op multiplayer mode as well as a new competitive mode that pays homage to the earlier Tetris games due to its simple visual style and stricter rules similar to that of the Classic Tetris World Championship.
 * 6) * To makes things interesting, the multiplayer expansion appears to be a free update for the PS4, PSVR, Epic Games, and Oculus Quest. You heard that right, free!
 * 7) Much like how Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse serves as a love letter to Spider-Man, or how Sonic Generations and Sonic Mania serve as love letters to Sonic the Hedgehog, this game serves as a love letter to Tetris as a whole and shows respect to the franchise's roots such as the typical gameplay.
 * 8) For a puzzle game, this is one of those games that can make you feel emotional. Yes, the main idea is just basically a typical Tetris game, the tone and execution of the game however can have some moving and powerful feelings for you thanks to the number of visuals the game has. Yes, we are pretty much talking about Pixar levels of emotional moments despite abstract art style.
 * 9) The game has effect modes that are divided into four categories.
 * 10) * Classic: Just includes many of the original modes in a typical Tetris game
 * 11) * Relax: Topping out will reset the playfield and score counter instead of getting an instant game over
 * 12) * Focus: Has specific goals that can allow players to solve puzzles with Tetris blocks
 * 13) * Adventure: Twists and bends the rules of Tetris in a fun way
 * 14) You can unlock two additional stages based on the original GameBoy game itself or even the Electronika 60 version. You can unlock the latter simply by entering a code in the title screen.
 * 15) * Speaking of unlockable, you can participate in the Weekend Ritual and reaching a score before the event ends can let you unlock avatars. The GameBoy stage can be unlocked temporarily during the Ritual period by participating and reaching the 100% community goal
 * 16) Has a mode called Journey Mode. This is a series of levels that will allow players to get a line goal depending on the difficulty. The last level Metamorphosis allows players to clear 90 lines regardless of difficulty so there is a challenge.
 * 17) * Practice mode is also available for Journey mode.
 * 18) * After completing Journey mode, you can get Theatre mode which is just players looking at the visuals.
 * 19) Good camera. Players can set up the game's camera and still can see the blocks without hesitation.
 * 20) The game has proven to be a therapy for those who are anxious. Thanks to its deep and inspiring style, this game proves to be more than just a Tetris game. Tetris has been the source for those kinds of minds, this game however also knows how to tackle such concepts.
 * 21) On the Steam version, you can the Digital Deluxe DLC and discount because it just got released on Steam. It comes with a 7-track sampler by Hydelic (it was previously released for a limited time only on PS4 and Epic Games as pre-order bonuses), Tetris Effect profile avatars, and 10 4K wallpapers for PC.
 * 22) Good controls that still stay true to Tetris. Just as what you expect with good game developers.
 * 23) Each stage is based on a different theme and the themes fit the tone of the game. You can get a stage based on The Deep (as in the ocean), Jellyfish, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jazz, Yin & Yang, Mermaids, The desert, Dolphins, just to name some.
 * 24) The developers of the game can take criticism in regards to some possible bugs that could occur in the game somehow. This page stated that the developers have gotten feedback about the bugs. Turns out that it works well.
 * 25) Has a meta-game leveling system that leads to new challenges for players as they progress.
 * 26) Like Super Mario Odyssey, the game's references to the older titles are not used as nostalgia baiting in a way as it wants to be a new installment without having to stay away from the Tetris formula.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) Though the visuals are nice, they can be a distraction to some players. This can lead to players putting the blocks in the wrong place.
 * 2) The game does have effects that might trigger dizziness or seizure. Even the game did mention that.
 * 3) The Zone mechanic isn't available outside of Journey mode.
 * 4) Sometimes it can be difficult like some stages would have a speed that can range from too fast to going fast without any warning.

Reception
Tetris Effect has received positive reviews. It was praised for its new game modes, the soundtrack, the visuals, and VR integration, with some critics calling it a fitting love letter to Tetris. Destructoid gave the game a 9.5/10, Game Informer gave it a 9/10, Giant Bomb gave the game 5 stars.