Welcome to the Underrated Gems, a brand-new review series for underrated games. Every other week, along with College Football, I will be reviewing a game I consider to be Underrated between all the games that are released. These games would be considered not that well known in the mainstream media, hidden gems, and most importantly: just Underrated. All these games will be reviewed on my Steam account unless otherwise stated. This week, we got ourselves a visual twist on the beloved classic puzzle game, Tetris

Tetris has been one of the most successful puzzle games of all time, selling over 520 million copies of the beloved game. Developed originally by Alexey Pajitonov, players would try to match shapes, known as tetrominoes, into a completed line so it disappears. It would keep constantly coming down, getting faster every time, with the goal clearing the most lines in one singular combo. Since then, many different versions of the classic game have been released. The one I’m reviewing today can only be described as a visual and audio masterpiece. Developed by japanese studios MonStars and Resonair in 2018, the title known as Tetris Effect would be released, with the Connected version released in 2020

Gameplay

The gameplay is, well, just playing Tetris. But what makes this so unique from different titles is how sound, audio, and design are incorporated into each level. There are a total of 30+ different stages, each with its own features and designs. From an exploration into the ocean, to a mythical rainforest, each one is so special from each other. Each different stage also includes its own soundtrack that affects the level itself, by providing visual elements that change periodically. What is also added into the main game is a new mechanic, known as the “Zone” effect. When clearing lines, a meter will fill up, allowing the user to use the effect whenever needed. When used, it allows the player to slow down the game and get a bonus score by clearing the most lines in a given time. It’s also handy enough to prevent any sudden deaths, so a good survival tool whenever you get stuck and the lines are starting to pile up.

Modes

There are a total of three modes, two for single player, and one for multiplayer. Each one still contains the original stages, and the stages themselves can be used for each mode once unlocked

• Journey Mode-This is the “Story” mode of the game. You would select a difficulty, and play through the journey mode, playing through all the stages. After each completion of the stage, it would be unlocked in the next mode listed, so you can play through it as much as you want there. Playing through all 30+ stages is a bit of a grind, but it’s a rewarding experience that allows you to see the different designs and audio/visual effects and how they affect each other. After completing the entirety of Journey, you would unlock the “Theater”, which will allow you to see the backgrounds and designs of each stage without playing. 
• Effect Mode- This is where the bulk of the game is played. Within this mode, there are four different sub modes that you can play through. Each submode has about four different level designs, in which some of them can use the stage designs that you unlocked through the Journey mode. The following submodes are as followed:
  • Classic: Classic Mode allows you to play through mostly the classic game types from the Tetris series, such as marathon mode.
  • Relax: Relax mode is what it implies, a more relaxed version of the game,  at your own pace, setting the amount of lines to clear, and the speed you want when playing a level.
  • Focus- Focus mode is also what it implies, with each level making you focus more than playing it regularly. 
  • Adventurous- Adventurous Mode has different levels that have its own unique circumstances that separate it from others. 

• Multiplayer Mode- Multiplayer mode allows you to play through different levels that were featured in the Effect modes, just with other people. There are ranked modes where it can affect standings, such as boss fights, or playing head to head. Or, you are just able to play any level with others without consequence while still getting a great experience.

Overall

Tetris Effect Connected is a gorgeous reinvention of the once classic, beloved game. Even if it retains the original gameplay of it, the sound, audio, and designs of each separate stage make the game a visual masterpiece to play through. With its unique game modes, it offers something for each different type of player. From each submode within the effects mode, to a dazzling journey mode that takes players on an experience, it makes the player feel in awe after each playthrough. Just seeing the designs and how the soundtrack affects the levels themselves provides a beautiful and alluring experience that new and existing players can both enjoy.