Tetris 99

Challenge the world in a whole new way to play one of the most popular video games ever created in Tetris 99. It's you against 99 other players locked in an intense Tetris match where anything goes, as you try to eliminate other competitors while keeping a close eye on your own Tetriminos.

This new take on an all-favorite might be one of the greatest online multiplayer games ever conceived. Whoever considered the possibility of Tetris being one of the most engaging battle royale games out there? Well, thanks to Tetris 99, we no longer have to imagine what it would be like if Fortnite played like Tetris.

Intense Puzzle Action

The core gameplay of Tetris 99 remains untouched from the original game. Players have to assemble their Tetriminos to form Tetris lines while avoiding reaching the top of their gameplay area. It's a simple concept that has endured the test of time, but Tetris 99 takes it to the next level.

Not only will players challenge each other in an online race for Tetris supremacy, but they can also sabotage their rivals by sending them garbage lines. Every time you clear a line, you'll be sending garbage to other players, essentially filling up their screens.

With a mere flick of the analog stick, players can choose which players they'd want to send garbage to. Would you rather target your attackers, or would you choose to target whoever's in the lead? These tactical decisions add an extra layer of complexity to an already-addicting title.

Looking Great

Tetris is one of those games that has to reinvent itself visually every generation to keep looking fresh. The gameplay might be the same as it was decades ago, but the look feels decidedly modern here.

While it never reaches the levels of out-of-this-world design as Tetris Effect: Connected does, Tetris 99 still offers a good variety of themes that change the look of the game significantly.

From elegant pieces to retro nostalgia, every player is free to make Tetris 99 their own, personalized playground. There are even some rather elusive themes that are only available for a limited time.

Other than the aforementioned online modes, Tetris 99 also includes some additional goodies that will keep offline players entertained for a good while. Things like Tetris 99 battles against the AI and customizable challenges help the game feel fresh even after you've played a couple of hundred online matches.

Tetris lovers will find that Tetris 99 might be the closest we've ever got to a perfect Tetris title. Its focus on online competitive matches and its exceptional selection of customizable themes are perfect for any long-time fan of the franchise to experience a powerful rush of nostalgia.

That said, I'd loved to see a single-player campaign that follows a similar structure to that of Tetris Effect: Connected. That's just a minor nitpick, though, as the replay value of Tetris 99 and its online component trumps anything we've ever seen from the franchise before.

Pros

• Intense multiplayer action that rewards practice
• A colorful collection of themes to choose from
• Tons of diverse gameplay modes

Cons

• Could use a campaign mode
• Not as visually impressive as other games in the series