The Ultimate Ranking of Unforgettable Tetris Games

32. 3D Tetris (VB)

A North American original, 3D Tetris altered the traditional dynamic by having you look down into the well as the blocks fall towards you. Needing to stack in layers rather than complete lines offers a different experience from classic Tetris, and the game features 30 unique block shapes, yet the essence of the game endures quite well.

Let’s be honest, the abundance of more easily accessible Tetris games would make searching for a Virtual Boy to experience traditional Tetris quite absurd, wouldn’t it? 3D Tetris, however, is definitely worth considering. Maybe not worth hunting down a VB for, but still very respectable.

31. Tetris Party Live (DSiWare)

If you felt competitive and had access to Nintendo WiFi Connection, Tetris Party Live — essentially a condensed, streamlined version of the other Tetris Party titles — allowed you to connect with up to four players online.

In addition to the classic Marathon mode and CPU versus modes, the game provided online play for up to four players in either Battle Mode or a Duel Arena scenario, where you attempted to place blocks to dominate the playing field. This may have seemed tacked on, but it genuinely offered a fun twist on the original format and one that could get quite intense.

You’d need to manage online opponents or connect with your friends via Friend Codes, and you could even practice while waiting for an online match to commence. Not bad for an early Nintendo handheld adventure into the competitive realm. While the absence of local multiplayer was a drawback, otherwise this was an engaging multiplayer Tetris experience on the DSi.

30. Tetris Worlds (GCN)

The first title from THQ’s Tetris series, this 2002 installment introduced an array of modes and a controversial ‘endless’ gameplay feature that allowed you to rotate a piece at the bottom of the well indefinitely. Talk about Tetris without boundaries.

Tetris Worlds also brought in little blocky aliens (Minos) sending out Tetronauts seeking other worlds to escape an approaching supernova by, naturally, playing Tetris.

Ignoring the creaky story intended to distinguish what was fundamentally the same game everyone had been playing for quite some time, one redeeming quality — well, memorable perhaps, especially for impressionable teenage ears, two decades ago (is that sufficient caveat?) — was the sultry voice of the announcer. Slip on some headphones, listen to this voice whispering “Go for a Hot Line”, and tell us you don’t feel a little…tingle.

Tetris Worlds, then. The most sensual Tetris. Unless it’s Tetris Effect.

29. Tetris Worlds (GBA)

Developed by 3d6 Games, the GBA version of Tetris Worlds was released the year prior to the home console versions and did not feature the captivating voice of the announcer that charmed us on the GameCube.

So, there you have it. 2/10 – not enough flair. Let’s move on to something better.

28. Magical Tetris Challenge (GBC)

Add Tetris to the magical collaboration of Capcom and Disney, and you can’t go too far wrong. With Capcom involved, you can expect at least a certain level of quality, and Magical Tetris Challenge excels in its artistic presentation, featuring impressive pixel art and animations worthy of its characters.

Resembling how Rare integrated some top-down, RPG-lite gameplay into Mickey’s Speedway on GBC, Capcom added a Quest mode to the portable version, where you explore and converse with other Disney characters while collecting coins and — you guessed it — playing Tetris.

We particularly enjoyed the animation of the characters manipulating levers and buttons (likely) to ‘play’ the game, and there are plenty of modes with a delightful Disney flair. However, if you’re solely after Tetris-centric gameplay, you might be better off avoiding the Disney embellishments.

27. Tetris Axis (3DS)

Tetris Axis falls somewhat short of ‘spectacular’ but isn’t a poor addition to the iconic handheld legacy, featuring expanded online capabilities and an oddly captivating Fever mode.

Hudson opted not to reinvent the Tetromino following the Tetris Party series, instead providing an updated and accessible version of Russia’s premier gaming export, although the end product felt somewhat bland and disjointed.

While many of the modes may have seemed gimmicky, the core gameplay remained as addictive and enjoyable as ever, and the overall package was intriguing enough. However, that’s not going to elevate it within the ‘Best Possible Tetris’ rankings.

26. Tetris 2 (NES)

The tremendous success of the original game made a sequel unavoidable, but when you’ve crafted a puzzle game as uniquely intricate as Tetris, how exactly do you conceive a fresh version that innovates while preserving the core mechanics?

“`but compromise the initial recreation’s clarity of expression? Sequels are intended to excel and bring innovative and enhanced mechanics — how can this be achieved with Tetris?

Tetris 2 essentially has you playing Dr. Mario using tetrominoes. While it’s not terrible, by any means, it is certainly not superior to Tetris, which makes it difficult to engage without thinking you could be enjoying something better.

25. Magical Tetris Challenge (N64)

Tetris adorned with all the Disney features, the console edition of Magical Tetris Challenge showcases all the delightful animations you would expect, and — Capcom rarely falters in the artistry department — although the blend of classic pixel-art characters manning the Tetris machines, the morphing pre-rendered heads of the machines above, the static backgrounds, and the Tetrominoes themselves don’t entirely mesh, aesthetically speaking.

The added graphical space allows you to view your opponent’s board in this instance, and the storyline mode, while simple, is quite enjoyable. Overall, it’s yet another superfluous Tetris spin-off with a plethora of quirky (ha!) modes that performs adequately.

24. Tetris 2 (GB)

This time around, it’s more personal. A sequel to the system-selling puzzle phenomenon was an absolute certainty, needless to say, and looking back at Tetris 2 all these years later, it’s quite striking how much it diverged from the original classic.

Known as Tetris Flash in Japan, it retains the quintessential falling-blocks gameplay but introduces a match-three component with uniquely shaped tetrominoes. It may feel disorienting at first if you’ve got the image of disappearing horizontal lines ingrained in your mind, but with patience, you’ll discover a highly addictive puzzle game in its own right.

23. Tetris Ultimate (3DS)

Tetris Ultimate lives up to its name; it offers a comprehensive collection of Tetris gameplay options with a variety of minor tweaks and robust online and local multiplayer features.

However, it must be stated that aside from the new Challenge modes, there’s nothing here that any Tetris veteran hasn’t already experienced, and it all feels rather uninspired. The Challenge modes seem to be geared towards seasoned Tetris enthusiasts, but the long-term appeal isn’t as strong as the original Marathon mode, which still stands out as the most entertaining way to enjoy Tetris solo.

To put it simply, at the end of the day, it’s just Tetris. If that’s what you’re looking for and if you still find yourself using a 3DS for some reason, that’s perfectly fine. Nevertheless, if you have the option to enjoy Tetris DS instead, there isn’t much reason to choose this.

22. Tetrisphere (N64)

Created by H2O Entertainment (The New Tetris, Aidyn Chronicles), with input from Alexey Pajitnov and guidance from NOA’s Ken Lobb, Tetrisphere’s main strength lay in its truly unique twist on the block-dropping gameplay formula.

The objective is to drop pieces onto the outer layer of a sphere to create clusters of identical pieces that disappear, allowing you to reach the core. A variety of power-ups, including missiles, can also be used to eliminate large sections of the sphere, clearing a path to rescue the robot trapped inside.

Add in a solid multiplayer option and some excellent techno tracks, and you have a game we sincerely hope makes its way to Nintendo Switch Online for another chance to shine. A VR version could certainly be exciting, too.

The complexity of this additional dimension isn’t for everyone, of course. “I enjoyed playing Tetrisphere […] but the game should be simple,” Pajitnov told us in 2019. “That game was too complicated.”

21. Tetris Party Deluxe (DS)

The DS version of Tetris Party Deluxe isn’t bad — far from it — but given that it has to compete with one of the all-time great Tetris iterations on the platform (one that literally has the platform’s name in the title), it’s always going to feel like the secondary option.

It offers plenty of entertaining modes here, including Bombliss and an engaging Shadow mode, but if you are a fan of classic block-dropping action after two-screen thrills, your Tetris experience lies elsewhere.

20. Arcade Archives TETRIS THE ABSOLUTE THE GRAND MASTER 2 PLUS (Switch eShop)

This ‘Plus’ edition of the first sequel to Arika’s Big Master series was released on Switch by Hamster in 2023, but the original debuted in arcades in 2000.

Featuring a ranking system that peaks with the title ‘Big Master’ if you are skilled enough, these versions cater to connoisseurs and absolute purists, challenging your abilities with intense speed and treacherous requirements that utterly perplex mere mortals for whom simply seeing the shuttle launch in the Game Boy version is a significant achievement.

19. Tetris Blast (GB)

Having gained the rights to Tetris, Nintendo didn’t hesitate to develop or leverage the concept — or merely the name — across a variety of other puzzle games.

Known as Super Bombliss in Japan and effectively the BomBliss from the Japan-exclusive Tetris 2 + BomBliss released on its own, Tetris Blast features all the falling blocks (this time mixing two and three-block shapes with the traditional tetrominoes) just as certainly.“`html
1 bomb. Terminating a line results in any bombs in that line detonating within a blast radius. If you intend to eradicate your entire board, you proceed to the subsequent level.

It’s a unique and enticing twist on the original game, equipped with a password system and a Combat mode where you engage in battles against entertaining bosses who shape the narrative cleverly. Now also available as part of Tetris Forever, making it convenient to check out.

18. Arcade Archives TETRIS THE GRAND MASTER (Switch eShop)

The Grand Master series is Tetris for the most dedicated fans. Arika’s 1998 arcade version of the classic puzzle game that many people learned on handheld devices made competition a key element, with ranks awarded based on performance and skill displayed, and a nail-biting experience that ensured only the best of the best earned the titular title.

Hamster’s Arcade Archives Switch port makes it accessible to the general public, so you can easily access it, but mastering this game demands immense dedication. If you are a Tetris enthusiast seeking to achieve greatness, step right up.

17. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (Switch)

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 may never hope to have the same impact as the original game, but it certainly remains a solid puzzle title nonetheless. While some might argue that it isn’t quite different enough from its predecessor, the new single-player mode is just as engaging as the previous one, and the Ability Fight mode introduces exciting mechanics to the mix.

It’s still packed with content; it’s just that the first game was as well, so the impact is somewhat diminished.

16. Tetris Attack (GB)

Known as Panel de Pon in Japan, Tetris Attack was released on Game Boy and Super Nintendo, although it’s Tetris in name only – the actual game bears little resemblance to Alexey Pajitnov’s creation. The Western versions also incorporated characters from Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island to attract an audience to this Bright Systems title.

Despite this overt marketing tactic, Tetris Attack is an excellent block-swapping puzzle game in its own right and well worth checking out alongside its more famous Russian counterpart.

15. Puyo Puyo Tetris (Switch)

What occurs when you blend arguably the two most iconic falling block puzzle games? It’s a wonder that the resulting mix isn’t a terrible, terrible disaster, but Puyo Puyo Tetris combines the two so seamlessly that it’s hard to imagine how disastrous this hybrid could have been.

Sonic Team honors the fundamentals of each franchise and provides a solid game for both, but isn’t afraid to have fun blending them together. There are numerous multiplayer options for up to four players, and everything is presented with an energy and enthusiasm that belies the long history behind both puzzle genre titans.

The Story mode is… well, it’s somewhat crazy, but it’s there if you can handle it (we were grateful for the skip button). More importantly, the wealth of modes available means that fans of either series will find plenty to keep themselves engaged. Of course, it’s possible to primarily disregard your least favorite, but that would be a real shame; this is a marvelous crossover, uniting puzzle enthusiasts from all backgrounds, and it shines brightly on Switch.

14. Tetris Forever (Switch eShop)

Tetris Forever may not be the ultimate showcase for the entire history of Tetris — it lacks several of the best versions — but it certainly serves as a fantastic summary of the franchise’s development up to now. Digital Eclipse has truly mastered the art of the interactive documentary, and this one is loaded with engaging videos, interviews, and archival material – not to mention Tetris games.

The playable titles don’t necessarily represent the most extensive range from the Tetris franchise, but it certainly includes a collection of titles, featuring a version of the original Electronika 60 model, various Famicom and Super Famicom versions, and spin-offs (many making their first official appearances outside Japan), along with a few MS-DOS entries, including Welltris.

Additionally, newcomer Tetris Time Warp is a fantastic addition to a back catalog that seems improbable to stop growing. All in all, a vibrant and nearly comprehensive roundup of one of gaming’s most significant franchises.

13. Tetris Party Deluxe (Wii)

Essentially the retail version of the non-Deluxe WiiWare release with extras, Tetris Party Deluxe features a wealth of multiplayer modes, including 2v2 co-op and Wii Balance Board support carried over from the original version, along with a variety of modes. Yes, the Wii Balance Board: the most appropriate way to play Tetris. Or are DK Bongos more iconic?

As party games go, a falling block puzzler might not be your first choice. However, Hudson made a compelling case for a few rounds of Tetris to kick off the festivities.

12. The New Tetris (N64)

The New Tetris is closely related to The Classic Tetris, although the introduction of a new square block-based mechanic, an EDM soundtrack, and a four-player mode gives it a uniquely appealing (and addictive) flavor.

It originated from H20 Entertainment, the same team that brought us the equally entertaining Tetrisphere, and is worth investigating if you can’t get enough variations of the king of puzzle games.

“`block-fallers.

11. Tetris Party (WiiWare)

If you’re feeling a bit deprived of Tetris—even though it’s hard to understand how anyone could be—you can’t go wrong with Tetris Party, although locating the WiiWare version may prove challenging today. As the name suggests, the game was specifically designed for local multiplayer and incorporated Miis along with the Wii Balance Board for that extra Nintendo vibe.

Competing against friends is incredibly enjoyable, but if you can’t gather anyone to play with, it loses its appeal. Yes, the traditional single-player mode remains solid as ever, but in terms of the various modes available, there’s truly limited enjoyment to be found with AI opponents.

The online feature was great in its time, but that moment has long since passed, and you won’t be finding it on WiiWare anymore—you might need to search for a copy of the enhanced Deluxe retail version. Sadly, this particular Party has concluded.

10. Tetris Plus (GB)

This version developed by Jaleco made its way to multiple platforms (PlayStation, Saturn, and arcade) and combines your familiar Tetris gameplay with an additional twist—a separate puzzle mode featuring a world-traveling professor and his assistant exploring unique locations.

The adventurous professor often finds himself in deep wells with spikes looming from above. It’s up to you to clear lines in the classic manner to create a path for him to escape.

Tetris Plus isn’t revolutionary, but it certainly offers an enjoyable twist on the established formula and is fondly remembered.

9. Tetris Attack (SNES)

The Tetris label is a bit misleading here, serving purely as a marketing tactic to give this delightful puzzler a boost in the West. Panel de Pon is an excellent puzzle game that bears little resemblance to Tetris—blocks rise instead of falling, for starters—and if you’ve never played it, you’re in for a genuine treat.

If by any chance you’ve misplaced your original cartridge (how careless!), you can easily experience it on the Switch, although you may not find Tetris Attack directly in the menu screen of your Nintendo Switch Online NES app; it’s listed under its Japanese title, likely because Nintendo wishes to avoid paying The Tetris Company to use the name again.

It’s so addictive that Capcom’s Shinji Mikami had to prohibit the game while his team was developing the original Resident Evil. It’s not a bad decision considering its charm! While it’s not Tetris, it’s absolutely brilliant in its own right.

8. Tetris (Tengen) (NES)

While the success of Tetris on the Game Boy and NES platforms is widely celebrated, this NES version fell victim to a complicated mess of licensing, sub-licensing, and confusion over which companies held which rights in agreement with Russian government-owned ELORG, the sole steward of Tetris rights until the mid-90s.

Atari Games’ 1989 release (issued under the Tengen brand) featured a two-player mode that Nintendo lacked, but various issues led to it being removed from store shelves after just a month. Th