I don't know what it is, but I've been on quite the puzzle game kick lately. Not so much "games of other genres that require you to solve puzzles," but pure matching puzzle games like "Tetris" and "Dr. Mario." There's just such a huge sense of "just one more try" with puzzle games that leaves you so thrilled and so enchanted that you end up wasting your whole day just trying to get a high score...trust me, it's happened. But "Tetris" is one I've definitely gotten into; I went back and played the original Game Boy version of "Tetris" recently and had a good time with it. That reminded me that "Tetris Effect: Connected" was available on Xbox Game Pass. I remembered hearing about this during the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020, but at the time I brushed it off because, in my words, "it's Tetris." I didn't think this would be some major groundbreaking innovation on the "Tetris" formula, or something that would totally change my mind about it. With that in mind, let me be the first to apologize for assuming such a thing.
"Tetris Effect: Connected," on the surface, may just seem like another version of "Tetris." And to some, it may be, but to me, this is the best version of "Tetris" that I've experienced. Gameplay-wise, it takes the typical framework of the series, but adds some minor elements that make it a bit easier to get into and a touch more accessible without losing the trademark challenge of "Tetris." I found this mostly in things like the "Zone" feature, which lets you slow time and clear more than the usual four lines at once. It's nice to see something that breaks "Tetris" conventions smartly, but it's also a nice tactic that can help if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. The game offers plenty of multiplayer content on both the cooperative and competitive fronts, something I'm glad to see was added to the "Connected" re-release. I was also really enamored with Journey Mode's overall presentation; the visual style was striking and beautiful, and the music was stunning. Journey Mode is a fitting title because it really feels like you're going on a journey with the game's displays of oceans, cities, and even the moon. It's a game that feels deeper than you'd think in that regard, and it's a visual and auditory feast for the eyes, the ears, and the imagination. I also really love how your actions sync up with the music; it's such a subtle thing but it goes a long way in immersing you in what might just seem like another game of "Tetris."
If there's anything that holds this game back from reaching the pinnacle for me, it's that the visuals can sometimes make it hard to see where blocks are supposed to be placed. It's not the most significant thing in the world, but it did happen a few more times than I thought it would, and it was a bit inconvenient in that regard.
Overall, "Tetris Effect: Connected" is one of the purest gaming experiences I've had in a long time. It's a beautiful ode and love letter to the most iconic puzzle game of all time, and even beyond the bells and whistles, it's what I would call the definitive way to play "Tetris." I tend to think that older games like "Tetris" can't really be pushed much further or made any better, but this is a fantastic modernization of the formula that feels incredibly fresh. If you haven't gotten a chance to try it out, I highly recommend giving it a go.
Final rating: 9 out of 10 "Awesome"