Test Zoo Tetris Effect: Connected – Nintendo Switch – Endeavor

The Tetris Effect first appeared on the PlayStation 4 in late 2018 and focused on the then-classic Fussler’s fantastic audiovisual visualization – above all the use of the in-wheel headset. However, with the exception of the hypnotic adventure mode and the choice of various online leaderboards, the game does not offer much. Tetris effect: Connected, environmentally sensitive sound travel provided in addition by a lush multiplayer component. Initially PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | Available only for S, Oculus Quest and PC, a modern interpretation of the cult title on the Nintendo Switch was released earlier this month. You can see in our test below whether the concept in Nintendo’s hybrid console also works.

The classic game meets the audiovisual scene

As already mentioned at the beginning, Tetris Effect: offers all the game modes of the original version attached and is supplemented with a comprehensive multiplayer component that includes co-op and competitive game genres. However, there is still the classic Tetris under the head. Before we get into the individual parts, here is a brief summary of the timeless classic game dynamics.

A random array called a tetrominos must be placed inside a rectangle that is placed vertically. There are seven different types. Its purpose is to create complete horizontal lines with individual building blocks. If you succeed in this, the finished series will be dissolved. In the usual way, a maximum of four lines can be solved simultaneously. You get points depending on how many rows you complete in a row and how many times you do it in a row. As the amount of difficulty increases, the speed of fall of individual stones increases until it rains on your construction like lead. So it is better to keep the surface as flat as possible, because if you pile up too many blocks the current game will be over.

In later versions of the iconic puzzle the game policy was expanded to include the option to save a tetromino later at the touch of a button. At that time, the Tetris effect, also known as zonal mechanics, was introduced, which allowed the bar to stop for a short time so that the blocks could be kept as compressed as possible. Completed sequences are added within the time limit, which means they can accumulate a relatively large number, which is crucial in competitive multiplayer games.

Adventure mode of the Tetris effect: Connected you have to solve a certain number of horizontal lines in a series of different levels. Game divisions differ only in their visual environment, background music and design of individual tetrominos. Aside from the expert level, there is less focus on your skills here than on audiovisual interactions. It works well outside of the PSVR headset – especially with the sound of high quality headphones. Individual scenes stand out happily with each other, each offering its own charm. If you have a passion for music, you can play trance with Tetris Effect: Connect.

Once you complete a level sequence, your performance will be evaluated and the reward will be in the form of experience points. You need it to increase your player ranking, which gives you new animated avatars and pieces of music. In general, the Tetris effect: Writes detailed player stats for all provided modes connected and always provides a detailed insight into your previous history.

In effect modes you can play classic games and wipe out your results in the global online rankings. Additionally, temporary group events take place there, giving you unique avatars if you add up a certain number of points within a given time. You complement this collectively by playing the correctly marked modes. The score you personally achieve will be added to the global value. In different methods you have to partially dismantle the pre-made constructions completely, remove some stones from the playground or dissolve as many rows as possible without gaps one after the other. Besides, you can prove your skill in the classic marathon or prove your brain in tricky puzzles.

The newly added multiplayer mode runs independently of the other two modes, so it has its own player profile. Here you can compete against other players or fight with a boss whose control will be taken over by AI or a human enemy. In a fight, the Tetris effect: without the zonal dynamics described above – combines the choice of whether you want to compete in modern zonal warfare or classic Tetris.

As with adventure mode, winnings will increase your player quality. The choice of opponents to avoid disappointing encounters with experts in the beginning is always based on your personal size. Unfortunately, there are some black sheep here that will not allow you to win and finish the fight prematurely – but these are only rare personal cases. All available methods can be optionally run offline with one or more consoles.

Mixed technology spoils the fun on TV

Tetris effect: The portable mode of the connected Nintendo Switch does not show any technical weakness and can play better, the performance on the TV is not guaranteed. There are significant fluctuations in frame rates, which makes the precise placement of tetrominos very difficult – especially at high levels of difficulty. In terms of sound, the whole thing is flawless, especially with a decent sound system or matching headphones. Even if the music selection is varied and consistent, and it is regular – do not expect any grindcore breaks or other genres outside the norm. Eco-sensitive sound effects and beat-controlled vibration ensure a certain interactivity and feel like a small part of the larger soundscape. Combined with the optics, a hypnotic interplay was created, the colorful appearance of which seems to have been made for the bright display of the new OLED model of the Nintendo Switch.