TETRIS EFFECT

Virtually the same game

The Tetris effect: a psychological phenomenon whereby people visualise the shapes, colours, and patterns of the perennial block-building game to help create a sense of geometric order in the real world. It’s a fitting name then, for a PS VR title that makes Tetris fill your entire visible reality.

Not that Tetris Effect envelops you in tetrominoes, or sends you on a nauseating first-person plummet from a block’s perspective. It’s still ‘classic Tetris’. There are a couple of new mechanics, such as the time-freezing Zone meter, but that shouldn’t stop anyone slotting right in.

The game’s director, Tetsuya Mizuguchi (of Rez and Lumines fame), makes his mark with vocalised electronic music and sparkly visuals that sprinkle down after each placed block and completed line. On the levels we play, this gives the Tetris Effect a satisfying sense of impact and rhythm. The areas surrounding the relatively small Tetris column in front of us range from endless astral fields to abstract geometries. As we play on, experiencing a second level, these pretty visuals get distracting at times, but for the most part they heighten the meditative nature of the timeless task at hand.

After removing the PS VR headset, we feel zenned-out: this is the most immersive variation yet on one of gaming’s most familiar experiences.

“AFTER REMOVING THE PS VR HEADSET WE FEEL ZENNED-OUT.”

When you clear lines, prepare for a beautiful, sometimes distracting shower of visuals. Above The natural immersion of PS VR, paired with a smooth soundtrack, makes Tetris Effect feels like a cerebral massage.