Tetris-Inspired Games That Innovate on the Classic Formula

Many folks might refer to Tetris as the ideal game, and it’s quite challenging to dispute that. Debuting in 1985, Tetris has managed to remain a beloved fixture through countless generations and platforms, turning up on just about every device imaginable. Its charm is in its simplicity—players guide falling blocks like L-shaped pieces, squares, and zigzags, working to interlock them and clear horizontal rows, making space for more on the screen.

Tetris offers a variety of experiences: some enjoy it as a way to kick back and relax, while others see it as a competitive challenge. Beyond that, many spin-offs ramp up its foundational gameplay.

Take Tetris 99 on the Nintendo Switch as a prime example—a battle royale twist on the classic. Each player faces their own escalating match until only one remains standing. It can get pretty intense; while some players bow out quickly, the game remains far from easy. You’re contending with dozens of other fans who can send their unwanted blocks over to your screen at the most inconvenient times. Winning just a couple of games in Tetris 99 is a hard-won triumph for me, each victory a testament to a fierce contest.

Classic Tetris doesn’t shy away from difficulty either, as the pace can unnervingly ramp up until the blocks overwhelm you. This was aptly demonstrated in January 2024 when a mere 13-year-old astonished everyone by beating NES Tetris—a feat once deemed impossible. Its simplicity also makes it a playground for developers eager to introduce unique spins.

Take Schwerkraftprojektiongerät for instance, a tricky-to-pronounce, fan-made Tetris variant from Stephen Lavelle. Here, four simultaneous Tetris games run at various angles with gravity sending pieces cascading between them. Another developer embarked on “Terrible Tetris Tuesday,” cooking up bizarre Tetris takes weekly, including sticky blocks or a persistent fog hiding much of the playfield.

In October 2024, Reaktor entered the scene. At first glance, it appears to be another Tetris-style game, but it introduces a nifty twist: gravity turns like a windmill and you build a cube in the center rather than lines at the bottom. Watching the central cube reel out of control is initially daunting, yet reconciling and correcting your missteps becomes an intriguing puzzle.

Familiar Tetris pieces suddenly seem like strangers in Reaktor. Even the trusty L-block can throw a wrench into your plans. It’s amazing and refreshing to witness developers revisit a timeless title, crafting unfamiliar challenges from its core formula. If you enjoy pushing your cognitive boundaries against an evolution of original Tetris mechanics, diving into a game like Reaktor is a rewarding choice. Thankfully, it looks like our thirst for new Tetris experiences will continue to be quenched, whether through official releases like Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 and Tetris Effect, or indie projects that turn a comforting classic into a mental marathon.