Category: Enhance Games

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Tetris Effect: Connected Multiplayer Update & Steam Launch Pushed to August

Tetris Effect: Connected

A month ago Enhance Games announced that Tetris Effect: Connected would be bringing its multiplayer gameplay to all currently supported devices, as well as a Steam edition this month. Having conducted beta tests over the past few weeks, it seems that the July launch was a bit ambitious with the release for all editions pushed back to August.

Tetris Effect: Connected

It’s going to be quite the epic launch by the looks of it. First, you’ve got the Steam edition’s arrival which will include support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive (no mention of Valve Index or WMR). The Steam debut will come with a 25% discount and a bunch of extra goodies including a seven-track soundtrack sampler by Hydelic, eleven Tetris Effect-themed 4k PC desktop wallpapers and seven Tetris Effect profile avatars; only in the first couple of weeks.

And then there’s the free multiplayer update – the “Connected” part if you hadn’t guessed – for Oculus Quest, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, and the Epic Games Store. This will facilitate full cross-platform gameplay between all the versions so VR and non-VR players can go head to head. The update isn’t just about connecting players either. Remote Play will be unlocked for Playstation 4, bonus features will include a new Spectator Mode, as well as PAL and “Slow” speed modes; plus Oculus Quest 2 owners will get improved performance to boost the graphical fidelity.

And that’s just the bonus stuff. Originally rolled out last year for Xbox and PC via the Microsoft Store, Tetris Effect: Connected adds a multitude of different competitive modes for fans of the iconic puzzle title. These include ‘Connected’ a co-op mode where three players team up and connect their Matrix playfields in an effort to beat AI-controlled bosses. You also have ‘Zone Battle’, a PvP match using standard Tetris rules. The twist being a time-stopping Zone mechanic to easily build up lines to attack your opponent.

Tetris Effect: Connected

All of this should make the original Tetris Effect even better, quite a leap considering VRFocus gave the PC VR edition of a full five-star review, saying: “Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike.”

Enhance Games will be launching all of this on 18th August 2021, so be prepared for some puzzle mayhem this summer. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

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Tetris Effect: Connected Finally Supports Oculus Quest, PSVR and SteamVR in July

Tetris Effect: Connected

Eight months ago Enhance Games announced Tetris Effect: Connected, a multiplayer version of the videogame where you could compete across five new modes which feature co-op and PvP gameplay. At the time it was only for Xbox and PC via the Microsoft Store. Next month that all changes as all versions of Tetris Effect will get the multiplayer update, plus there’s going to be a Steam edition.

Tetris Effect: Connected

With the rollout of Tetris Effect: Connected in July PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, Oculus Quest and the Epic Games Store will be fully cross-platform compatible with each other. Whilst the Steam version will include support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Friend Match players will be able to invite players from other platforms via a shareable 4-digit alphanumeric “Room ID” code alongside their platform’s own invite system. This cross-platform should help maximize the player base for Ranked Matches.

Plus there are a bunch of bonus features coming in the update. Spectator Mode (Friend Matches Only) will allow between 4 and 6 additional players, depending on the mode, to join a match as spectators. PAL Speed (Classic Score Attack Mode, Friend and Local Matches Only) has been designed to replicate the feeling of the European PAL format of the Tetris game from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). And Slow Speed (Zone Battle Mode, Friend and Local Matches Only) is great for beginners with a longer entry delay for new Tetriminos and slower horizontal movement.

But before Tetris Effect: Connected arrives, Enhance Games and the development teams will hosting a beta test period starting this week. Depending on the platform Tetris Effect (Owner’s Beta) will be a free download for current owners or a Closed Beta which is only accessible via a code from Enhance.

Tetris Effect: Connected

Tetris Effect Best Test dates:

  • PlayStation 4:
    • CLOSED INVITE ONLY: June 17 – June 23 – Apply here.
    • OPEN TO TETRIS EFFECT OWNERS: June 23 – July 5
  • Epic Games Store:
    • CLOSED INVITE ONLY: June 17 – June 23 – Apply here.
    • OPEN TO TETRIS EFFECT OWNERS: June 23 – July 5 
  •  Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Microsoft Store PC (including Xbox Game Pass):
    • CLOSED INVITE ONLY: June 17 – June 23 – Apply here.
    • OPEN TO TETRIS EFFECT OWNERS: June 23 – July 5  
  •  Steam: 
    • CLOSED INVITE ONLY: June 17 – July 5 – Apply here.
  •  Oculus Quest: 
    • CLOSED INVITE ONLY: June 23 – July 5 – Apply here.

Due to the beta tests Enhance Games has yet to confirm when in July the Tetris Effect: Connected update will launch. When that does happen VRFocus. will let you know.

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Rez Infinite Creator Working on Next-Gen Followup

Rez Infinite AreaX 02

Known for its ‘synesthesia experiences’ like Child of Eden or Rez Infinite, Japanese developer Enhance Games recently brought the latter to Oculus Quest. Now the studio has confirmed its working on a next-gen project, expanding upon Rez Infinite’s Area X level.

Rez Infinite AreaX 07

Famitsu interviewed Enhance Games’ Tetsuya Mizuguchi – spotted by Video Games Chronicle – with a big focus on the recent launch of Oculus Quest 2. Early on he notes that Tetris Effect has seen monthly active users triple, similar to a lot of other developers recently.

Mizuguchi went onto discuss that work has begun on a new project for next-gen devices like PlayStation 5, looking to explore 3D spatial audio and haptics: “Of course, next-generation consoles were available at the end of last year, so I would like to develop the next game with a new generation, and the project is actually starting to move,” he said.

Interestingly, he notes that the dedicated VR level Area X was designed as a prologue to this upcoming videogame. “We hope to use that concept in the next generation of games. With the concept and XR technology, we’d like to increase the overall resolution and create a more detailed game.”

Rez Infinite - Area X

So while he might be exploring what these new consoles can do it seems Mizuguchi is still firmly focused on where XR is headed and its future potential: “In order to achieve this, the evolution of VR technology is very important, and resolution is also important. In other words, there are various levels of granularity, aren’t there? I’d like to see that improve.”

As the project is in the early stages of development his comments certainly look to support future headsets rather than any currently available. There could be plenty to choose from in the next couple of years, whether that’s unconfirmed devices like PlayStation VR 2 or Apple’s headset, or Facebook’s Oculus Quest 2 followup. Whatever happens, VRFocus will bring you the latest news from Enhance Games.

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Five All-New Multiplayer Modes Revealed for Tetris Effect: Connected

Tetris Effect: Connected

By itself, the single-player Tetris Effect is a very good videogame but the upcoming multiplayer addition will help to give the title that competitive edge. Initially revealed this past summer, today, Enhance Games and The Tetris Company have announced the five all-new multiplayer modes due to be released.

Tetris Effect: Connected

The first is called ‘Connected’ – a nod to the title – introducing a co-op mode where three players are able to team up and connect their Matrix playfields in an effort to beat AI-controlled bosses. These bosses each have their own particular attacks called ‘Blitzes’ which have an array of effects from removing the hold piece to halting rotations and even adding blocks which need to be cleared twice. A variation of this mode is ‘Connect Vs’ where a fourth player can join in as the boss.

Then there’s ‘Zone Battle’, a PvP match using standard Tetris rules. But there is a twist, the time-stopping Zone mechanic which Tetris Effect’s single-player introduced. So that means once a player can activate the ‘Zone’ they’ll have the chance to build up to 22 lines before they get sent their opponents way.

The third mode is ‘Score Attack’ where two players compete separately to see who can get the best score. A variation of this mode comes in the form of ‘Classic Score Attack’ which rolls the aesthetics and gameplay back 30 years. Paying homage to pro-Tetris competitions the mode removes the Hard Drop and Hold Queue abilities, Tetriminos lockdown immediately when they touch a surface and Tetrimino’s generate randomly.

Tetris Effect: Connected

VRFocus gave the PC VR edition of Tetris Effect a full five-star review, saying: “Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike.”

Tetris Effect: Connected will get an exclusive timed launched for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PC (Microsoft Store), as well as Game Pass on 10th November 2020. The multiplayer expansion will then hit PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, PC on Epic Games Store and Oculus Quest during summer 2021.

For further updates on Tetris Effect: Connected, keep reading VRFocus.

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Tetris Effect: Connected Multiplayer Expansion Includes Full VR Support

During the Xbox Series X Showcase from Microsoft today, Enhance unveiled an upcoming multiplayer edition of Tetris Effect called Tetris Effect: Connected.

We confirmed this new version of the game will also include VR support on all relevant platforms, but it’s coming first to Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC this year.

This new edition, Tetris Effect: Connected, is releasing first on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC via the Windows Store this holiday — plus it’ll be on Game Pass, includes cross-play on all three Microsoft platforms, and is a Smart Delivery title between Xbox One and Xbox Series X.

We emailed Enhance to confirm that it’ll have VR support on PC via the Windows Store and they said that it indeed would: “Windows 10 PC will include all the features of the existing PC version, including VR support.”

Furthermore, Tetris Effect: Connected is also coming to all other current platforms in summer 2021 as a free update if you own the existing game already. When asked, Enhance listed off these platforms specifically as, “PS4/PSVR, Oculus Quest, Epic Games PC.” It’s unclear if those versions will include cross-play as well.

Notably, Tetris Effect: Connected introduces all-new game modes like Zone Battle and the co-op Connected mode. In Zone Battle you’ll battle players in a shakeup of 1-on-1 matches mixed with the Zone mechanic from Tetris Effect.

In the cooperative Connected mode up to three players can “connect” their play fields together and play one large board, as shown at the end of the trailer and in the image above, while working to take down CPU bosses.

You can get Tetris Effect: Connected on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC via the Windows Store (includes VR on PC) this holiday season. It’s also coming to PS4/PSVR, Oculus Quest, and the Epic Games Store on PC in summer 2021 as a free update to the existing game.

Let us know what you think down in the comments below!

The post Tetris Effect: Connected Multiplayer Expansion Includes Full VR Support appeared first on UploadVR.

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Tetris Effect has now Finally Made it to Oculus Quest

Tetris Effect

There’s no doubt that Tetris is one of the most iconic videogame franchises, ported to most platforms over the years in some form or another whilst inspiring countless more copies. The latest and one of the best versions was 2018’s Tetris Effect for PlayStation VR which added a whole new visual and audible dynamic. Today, it’s the turn of Oculus Quest to offer this absorbing experience.

Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect offers the same core, addictive gameplay experience the series is known for, fitting waves of tetriminos to make lines across the game board and score as many points as possible.

What Tetris Effect does is up the wow factor to give you a stunning puzzle experience. A combined effort between Enhance Games, Resonair and Monstars Inc., completing lines and particular stages will affect the music and visuals around you, becoming more elaborate and intense as you progress.

For such a simple title Tetris Effect features plenty of content, incorporating 30+ stages and over 10 challenging modes to tackle. From Journey Mode which is the main campaign to Marathon Mode which tasks you with getting the best score you can within a 150-line limit. Additionally, a special ‘Weekend Ritual’ event will take place each weekend for 24 hours. Participating players have to earn points towards a collective goal, if that’s reached then they’ll be rewarded with a special in-game avatar.

Tetris Effect

It also includes new features like the ‘Zone’ mechanic. Using this​ you can stop time and Tetriminos falling, helping you get out of a possible game over situation or just rack up extra Line Clears for bonus scoring rewards.

VRFocus gave the PC VR edition of Tetris Effect a full five-star review, saying: “Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike.”

Tetris Effect will provide hours and hours of entertainment for Oculus Quest owners stuck indoors. For further updates on the title, keep reading VRFocus.

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Humanity is Enhance Games’ Next VR Supported Videogame

Kicking off today’s State of Play broadcast by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) was Humanity, the next title to be published by Tetris Effect studio Enhance Games. Being developed by tha Ltd, Humanity’s short video showcased a rather stark looking visual style for an experience designed for both virtual reality (VR) and non-VR gameplay.

Humanity

A concept created by tha Ltd’s founder Yugo Nakamura just over three years ago, Humanity looks to have gameplay elements reminiscent of classic puzzler Lemmings. The time there are massive crowds of people all walking, climbing, jumping and falling as they wander around. These groups can even fight, shooting at one another as if protecting a location.

The video doesn’t detail any specific gameplay elements, only alluding to some, with further details to be released in the new year. Enhance Games joined the project in early 2018 to take on publishing duties, as well as contribute to level design and general gameplay consulting.

“From the first early demo I saw, I couldn’t get Humanity out of my head,” says Enhance Founder and CEO Tetsuya Mizuguchi in a statement. “The whole look and feel of it—manipulating these teeming masses of people—was mesmerizing, especially in VR. I knew right away it could be something special, which is why I couldn’t be more excited to help a visionary like Yugo-san realize its full potential.”

Humanity

“I’ve long admired the work of Mizuguchi-san and his team; it feels like the perfect fit to be working with the people who made games like Rez and Tetris Effect,” says tha Founder and Creative Director Yugo Nakamura. “Everyone at tha is working hard to make Humanity something that likewise engages all your senses—a fun, challenging game, but also something more meaningful than that. Rest assured we have lots more to show and talk about…”

Humanity is coming to PlayStation 4 with optional PlayStation VR support sometime in 2020. When Enhance Games release further details on this interesting looking experience, VRFocus will let you know. Also shown during the State of Play broadcast was Digital Lode’s stealth experience Espire 1: VR Operative, given a September 2019 launch date.

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Review: Tetris Effect

There are certain videogames almost everyone the world over is likely to have played at least once, Snake is one while Tetris would also make that list. The puzzle title has been around for over 30 years, supporting practically every platform imaginable, receiving a virtual reality (VR) makeover in 2018 for PlayStation VR by Enhance Games, Resonair and Monstars Inc. called Tetris Effect. The version kept the classic gameplay and gave it a visual and audio overhaul which instantly impressed. VRFocus didn’t review that version at the time, so with the launch on PC via the Epic Games store supporting Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, it was time to dive back in.

Tetris Effect

Just like the PlayStation version, the PC edition is designed for 2D monitor gameplay with optional VR support for those that have the hardware. The PC version comes with a bunch of enhancements over the console version, with a lot of them concentrating on the visuals. So if you have the right kit, on a monitor you can enjoy 4k resolution among the very fancy features.

So before heading into VR, it’s worth checking the videogame out in 2D – whether you have a 4k monitor or not – as it’ll make you appreciate the VR experience even more. This opinion might sound a little biased towards VR but while Tetris Effect does look pretty on a flat screen and sound alright, grabbing a headset and heading into its virtual world is like night and day.

Whenever the words ‘compatible with…’ or ‘also supports…’ appear alongside a VR title it conjures up thoughts of a tacked-on experience. A videogame designed for flat monitors and then the developer thought about VR at the end. However, with Tetris Effect, this almost feels reversed. As if the developers thought ‘this would be awesome in VR’ and then thought about overall sales and made it suitable for those yet to embrace VR tech.

Tetris Effect

This is all down to what else has been done to modernise the experience. This is still Tetris after all. The same seven Tetrimino pieces fall, and you have to interlock them to make a scoring line, with the goal being as big a high score as possible. As you progress the pieces fall faster and should they make it to the top then its game over. There are new features to play with, such as storing a vital piece – generally the long straight on – for when it’s needed most. Plus you have the ‘Zone’ mechanic to stop time, highly useful for getting out of tricky situations or simply use it to improve the score.

Not only that, but there are modes galore depending on how you want the gameplay altered. Journey Mode is the core 30+ campaign which is a good starting point. Delving deeper there are the ‘Effect Modes’, first split into four, Classic, Relax, Focus and Adventurous, all of which have further sub-modes to play with. Plenty to keep most players busy. Then there’s the rather cool world map which shows you everyone else playing.

But why is the VR version the best? Well, it all comes down to how the audio and visuals work together. All the levels start with a little subtle imagery, a swimming dolphin here or the twinkling of lights there. As you move the pieces, spinning them around and dropping them into place, you’ll notice little audible cues that intertwine each and every action with the virtual world developing around you. Then as you start to clear lines – especially in groups of four – all of this begins to build into a giant crescendo of light, colour and sound. Not in a distracting way that it’ll put you off your game – although sometimes the urge to stop and just take it all in is irresistible – more of an uplifting, adrenaline-inducing occurrence, heightening the whole experience. None of which resonates from the 2D version, it’s a feeling only VR can provide (which the screenshots don’t do justice to).

Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike. The former get hours of engrossing gameplay while the latter get to see why VR is worth getting into. Just remember to take the headset off once in a while.

100%

Awesome

  • Verdict
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Epic Games Store to Exclusively Sell Tetris Effect for PC, VR Support Will be Available

The PlayStation VR has had its fair few virtual reality (VR) exclusives, with one of the biggest in 2018 being Enhance Games’ Tetris Effect. Now the studio has announced that the title will be coming to PC via the Epic Games Store next week, with additional support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

Tetris Effect

In a move that will likely annoy a few PC and VR gamers alike, Tetris Effect will be an Epic Games Store exclusive. To tempt PC players this will be the ultimate version with a few additional bells and whistles attached. For instance, the PC version is capable of running at resolutions of 4K or more with an uncapped framerate (with Vsync disabled) and includes ultra-wide monitor support.

Plus there are expanded gameplay and graphical options not found in the console release for both 2D and VR, such as adjustable particle volume and size, texture filtering, and more.

The core videogame still features over 30 stages, each with its own music, sound effects, graphical style and background that all evolve and change as you play through them. Also, there’s the new ‘Zone’ mechanic where you can stop time to either change tack to avoid losing or rack up bonus scoring rewards by clearing more lines.

Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect for PC will launch via Epic Games Store next Tuesday, 23rd July, offering a 20% launch promotion discount. That reduces the price from £31.99 GBP down to £25.59. Additionally, whether you pre-order the video or buy it before 6th August you’ll get all of Tetris Effect’s Digital Deluxe DLC bundle of extra bonus content for free (10 Tetris Effect themed 4K Desktop Wallpapers and an Original Soundtrack Sampler with 7 tracks).

Enhance Games’ was founder by legendary videogame designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi in 2014, whose renown for combining music and gameplay. Mizuguchi has previously created titles such as Child of Eden, Lumines and REZ. He then went on to create REZ Infinite a multiplatform VR videogame VRFocus called a: ‘mesmerizing experience’.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Enhance Games and Teris Effect, reporting back with any further announcements or updates.

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New Tetris Effect Game Mode Details Released

Earlier today VRFocus reported on Enhance Games revealing a demo of upcoming puzzler Tetris Effect would be released prior to launch. Now, the studio has gone into greater detail on what the demo contains as well as several new modes in the main version.

Tetris Effect

The Tetris Effect: Weekend Trial Demo consists of three stages from the main “Journey Mode” campaign – there are 27 total Journey Mode stages in the final version –  plus two “Effect Modes” – 10+ in the final videogame – Marathon Mode and Mystery Mode.

It’ll be available to download for free from 1st November until 5th November only, once deactivated the demo will no longer be playable or available for download. As an additional treat, a special “Weekend Ritual” event will run for 24 hours over the demo weekend starting 12pm UTC on Saturday, 3rd November. Players can earn points towards a Community Goal. If 100 percent of that Community Goal is reached in the 24 hour period, a special in-game avatar will unlock for all players who participated in the event, which is only usable in the demo

Once the full Tetris Effect title launches on 9th November, a Weekend Ritual event like this will run every weekend spotlighting different Effect Modes each week.

Tetris Effect

As for the modes that’ll be present in Tetris Effect from launch, Journey Mode is the heart of the experience with three difficulty modes, and a series of stages, each with their own theme, graphics, music and sound effects. The Effect Modes are a collection of varying setups and rules designed to evoke different moods.

  • 1. EFFECT MODE CATEGORY: CLASSIC
    • MARATHON MODE
      Get the best score you can within a 150-Line limit.
    • ULTRA MODE
      Get the best score you can within three minutes.
    • SPRINT MODE
      Clear 40 lines as fast as you can.
    • MASTER MODE
      Insanely fast Tetris. Not for the faint of heart.
  • 2.  EFFECT MODE CATEGORY: RELAX
    • CHILL MARATHON MODE
      A more relaxed version of Marathon with no Game Over. If the Tetriminos reach the top of the Matrix (play field), they are removed from the board, leaving it empty again.
    • QUICK PLAY MODE
      Play through any single stage you choose with no Game Over.
    • PLAYLIST MODE: SEA
      Submerge yourself in four aquatic stages with a new, continuous track of specially designed relaxing ambient music.
    • PLAYLIST MODE: WIND
      Glide through four windy stages with a new, continuous track of specially designed relaxing ambient music.
    • PLAYLIST MODE: WORLD
      Explore four diverse stages with a new, continuous track of specially designed relaxing ambient music.
  • 3. EFFECT MODE CATEGORY: FOCUS
    • ALL CLEAR MODE
      Earn as many All Clears as you can before time runs out. Each All Clear will return some time back to the clock.
    • COMBO MODE
      Earn as many Combos as you can before time runs out. Each successful Combo run will return some time back to the clock.
    • TARGET MODE
      Clear as many Target Blocks as you can before time runs out. Each set of Target Blocks cleared will return some time back to the clock.
  • 4. EFFECT MODE CATEGORY: ADVENTUROUS
    • COUNTDOWN MODE
      Use automatically-falling I-Tetriminos to score line clears and bonus points.
    • PURIFY MODE
      Clear as many Dark Blocks as you can within three minutes. You can clear Dark Blocks by clearing the line that they are on, and / or by scoring multiple line clears, combos, etc.
    • MYSTERY MODE
      Try to survive a Marathon session as random effects (some good, most bad) keep popping up.

Tetris Effect will be available from the PlayStation Store on 9th November, retailing for $39.99 USD / €39.99 EUR. For further updates keep reading VRFocus.