Category: Monstars Inc.

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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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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 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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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