The tile-matching game Tetris was first introduced in 1984. The game was rudimentary at its inception, but the game began to show much promise. It wasn't until Tetris relaunched on the Nintendo Game Boy, a handheld gaming device, that Tetris grew to prominence. With the Game Boy as its platform, both the system and Tetris saw explosive popularity in the late '80s and early '90s.
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Did you know that Tetris is the best-selling video game of all time? It's been ported countless times and received numerous spinoffs. This raises the question, what is the best Tetris game of all time? Let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the best the franchise has to offer.
Updated January 30th, 2021 by Stephen LaGioia: Despite dating back decades, the classic puzzler Tetris is still going strong. This is thanks in large part to releases like Tetris 99's "Big Block" DLC, the celestial Tetris Effect: Connected, and the sequel to the hybrid puzzle game Puyo Puyo Tetris. Thus, it seemed like an ideal time to update and flesh out this list with even more memorable Tetris romps.
13 Tetrisphere
When it comes to this blocky puzzler, spheres are about the last thing that comes to mind. But with this N64 romp, Nintendo and H20 Entertainment set out to prove that this classic formula can be successfully shaken up with a spherical twist. Tetrisphere throws the player a curveball with its 3D perspective and its round, multi-layered layout.
Rather than simply eliminating blocks, the goal is generally to wipe out the onion-like layers of tetromino shells and gun for the field's inner core. Though not all Tetris purists were convinced by this obscure take on the established franchise, critics generally regarded it for its innovation and slew of gameplay modes.
12 Tetris 99
As a free-to-play game for Nintendo Switch Online members, it isn't the first time Nintendo published a Tetris game. Tetris 99 takes a spin on the classic by breathing new life into the retro game. Tetris 99 introduces 99-player clashes, hence the name "Tetris 99." Strategy and speed are much a part of Tetris 99. You might prefer the original, but it's hard to ignore that Tetris 99 is a fun warp on the antiquated game.
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What's more - players that prefer a more classic-style solo Tetris can now enjoy a separate, purchasable DLC pack called Big Block, which comes loaded with offline and single-player content.
11 Tetris Twist
As you may have expected, Tetris Twist is a twist on the classic game. You adventure through different major cities as you complete over 100 levels. Don't make the mistake of thinking Tetris Twist is just another Tetris game. You'll be pleasantly surprised by this game's addictive puzzle-solving.
This game was released in 2016 and is one of the best variants of the popular classic. Tetris Twist can be played on websites such as miniclip.com, classicgame.com, and crazygames.com.
10 Tetris (Original)
The original Tetris deserves recognition, more than any other game on this listicle. When Russian software engineer Alexey Pajitnov created this simple tile-matching game, he did not know that it would become an enormous success. Alexey Pajitnov developed several puzzle games during his time as a video game developer, but none came close to Tetris's explosive popularity.
The addictive qualities of this game drew inspiration for later versions of Tetris. You might have trouble locating this game, which was played on an Electronika 60 computer.
9 Tetris: The Grand Master 3 – Terror-Instinct
Tetris: The Grand Master 3 – Terror-Instinct is Tetris almost at its finest. The game has thrown in a few variables such as explosives and x-rays, but the gameplay is Tetris at its core. This is the third game in the Tetris: The Grand Master series, and it's undoubtedly the best version.
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Progression through Tetris: The Grand Master 3 – Terror-Instinct is considered difficult. You can reach levels exceeding level 999, and the game even features a mode with standard rules.
8 Tetris Battle Gaiden
This variant of Tetris was released for the Super Famicom only in Japan. If you manage to get your hands on this highly addictive variant of Tetris, you will be pleasantly surprised by its puzzle-fighter gameplay.
It contains a multiplayer mode in which one can play against friends. With a wide array of characters to choose from, the game has more to offer than the standard Tetris game. Characters have special abilities, adding to Tetris Battle Gaiden's appeal.
7 Tetris (Game Boy)
Although technically not the first Tetris game to be released, Tetris for the Nintendo Game Boy propelled the system to a new plateau. It did wonders for the series due to being a polished, portable version of the highly acclaimed game. According to ign.com, Tetris is the best-selling game of all time.
If it weren't for Tetris for the Nintendo Game Boy, the IP would not be as famous today. Carefully placing blocks to complete rows as you accumulate points is highly addicting.
6 Tetris (iOS & Android)
Now that Electronic Arts had their Tetris game removed from the Google Play store and the App Store, there is room for a new Tetris game. Days later, a new Tetris game popped up on cell phone application stores.
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Tetris is available for iOS and Android users, and this game is quite different than its predecessor. For starters, it's developed by N3twork, and it supports 100-players online. Think of it as like a battle royale game but for Tetris. It also offers multiple skins for your playing field. This is a step-up for the tile-matching video game.
5 Puyo Puyo Tetris
Puyo Puyo Tetris is Sega's attempt at the global phenomenon we know colloquially as "Tetris." The game isn't Sega themed like some of Nintendo's versions of Tetris, yet the game offers so much more than the average Tetris game.
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Try a single-play adventure where you earn in-game credits or take a stab at the competitive multiplayer modes. Multiplayer allows up to four local players, both online and offline. This feature-rich game is admired for its polish; it's a must-play for Tetris enthusiasts.
4 Tetris Effect
Tetris Effect is a PlayStation 4 version of Tetris. You will venture to places like outer space and the ocean's deepest depths while playing a profoundly mesmerizing tile-matching game. The game can be played in 4K 60 frames per second for those with a PlayStation 4 Pro. This highly acclaimed game is undoubtedly one of the best Tetris games released thus far.
This serenading Tetris trip has recently been fleshed out even further with the release of Tetris Effect: Connected for Microsoft's platforms. This version celebrates both the old and novel; featuring a brand new co-op twist on the game, along with a neat classic mode that's sure to induce nostalgia.
3 Tetris DS
Tetris DS was a thrilling game when it came out in 2006. Years later, the gameplay still holds up. We can say with certainty that Tetris DS is an objectively good game. The portability of the Nintendo DS, combined with intuitive controls, indicates that Nintendo is the definitive Tetris developer.
One feature that could have been a hit or miss is its top screen gameplay footage. Nintendo gameplay from games such as Metroid and Donkey Kong loop on the top screen while you are busy tile-matching. The playing field is themed after games like Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, and The Legend of Zelda. Ultimately, the gameplay is fun, making this one Tetris game you can't miss!
2 * Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Following their enjoyable fusion of two classic puzzlers known as Puyo Puyo Tetris, Sonic Team shines once again with this even more refined and robust sequel. The game offers more of that fast-paced, satisfying Tetris and Puyo gameplay - along with options to blend the two into a medley of puzzle insanity.
In addition to some solid local and online multiplayer, and a surprisingly deep campaign mode, this 2020 sequel introduces some new features and content. Most notably, there's the entertaining Skill Battle, which tosses in various items and skills to mix things up, as well as the RPG-esque Adventure Mode.
1 * Tetris (NES)
While Tetris had a number of variants before Nintendo picked up this unique project from Russia, it was this home console version that really helped cement its legacy as a classic puzzler - and helped the Big N rise to gaming stardom in the process. The game was just that good.
With its memorable melodies, solid controls, and addictive gameplay, Tetris for the NES shines through as one of the console's most entertaining and timeless multiplayer games - and arguably the best way to experience the game today.
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