How do you talk about video games in 2019 without mentioning the “Battle Royale” genre? While players have been fighting to be the last one standing since the early 90s, it’s obvious that games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and Fortnite have transformed how people play multiplayer games.
But it was only a matter of time until Nintendo entered the fray and shook up the “Battle Royale” genre with their own take. The consolemaker has never been quick to react to gaming’s biggest trends, but their unique style has been moving the conversation around games in wildly divergent directions for decades. They zig where others zag, and we’re all better off for it.
Which brings us to Tetris 99, a 99-player variant of the popular puzzle game that’s now available to download through the Nintendo eShop.
Platforms: Switch
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Arika
Genre: Tetris Battle Royale
Release Date: February 13, 2019
ESRB Rating: Not Rated
After launching Tetris 99, players will be greeted by the game’s familiar well and a short lineup of “Next” pieces. But either side of the play area is flanked by thumbnail images for 98 other players, all of whom vying for victory. From here it’s possible to play Tetris 99 in the traditional way. Clearing lines from the well will send garbage lines to your foes (one for a “Double,” two for a “Triple,” and four for a “Tetris”), but the only way to become Tetris 99 royale-ity is to master the game’s unique rules.
Pushing another player’s stack to the top of the well with garbage lines will score you a Knockout, as well as a Badge Bit. Collecting Badge Bits will increase a multiplier connected to your garbage output, so KOing the competition will give your Tetris prowess a more powerful punch, but how do you decide who to target in this 99-player scrum?
Mapped to the Right Stick is four targeting options: Random, Badges, KOs, and Attackers. Random is completely useless, but strategicly switching between Badges, KOs, and Attackers will help give you the upper hand. You can also earn extra garbage lines by completing lines with back-to-back pieces or when other players are targeting you.
Unfortunately, Tetris 99’s presentation is currently so bare-bones that none of this information is available to players outside of online walkthroughs (like this excellent one from Kotaku). The basic mechanics of Tetris are practically self-explanatory at this point, but it would have been nice to include a short tutorial to introduce players to the rule changes found in Tetris 99.
Multiplayer Tetris has existed for decades, and Nintendo previously produced a 10-player variant in 2006 known as Tetris DS, and increasing the number of competitors to 99 truly elevates Tetris to a different plane. Tetris 99 might not be as visually impressive as last year’s Tetris Effect, but it is still one of the most graphically interesting versions of Tetris available. The lively background is full of flashing lights that visualize the garbage lines passed between players, and the reddish tint added to the well when you’re in danger of attack from other players is a terrifying sight.
It’s that feeling of terror that’ll make you keep coming back to Tetris 99 again and again. Terror as you see the growing thin bar on the left side of the well that represents garbage lines coming your way. Terror at a string of S and Z pieces in your “Next” queue. Terror at two, three, or four players targeting you at the same time (though gleeful about how many garbage lines you can fire back in return).
It’s a good thing I like being scared, because the absolute chaos swirling around you at all times in Tetris 99 is thrilling. And while the game is clearly unfinished, it’s the most fun I’ve had playing Tetris in a long time.
Though Nintendo has poured decades of experience with the Tetris franchise into Tetris 99, the puzzle game is still a bit rough around the edges. Pressing Up on the Control Pad initiates a Hard Drop of the current piece, and it is much too sensitive on the Pro Controller. The targeting lines also have a nasty habit of covering up your well, making it a bit tricky to manage your stack. This vision problem also happens when the red tint invades your screen, and it seems harder than it should be to spot the edges of the well.
But don’t forget, Tetris 99 is still a work-in-progress and these minor problems will hopefully be ironed out in the future.
As a free download for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, Tetris 99 might be the best reason yet to subscribe to Nintendo’s online service. Online play might be massively important for superfans of Splatoon 2 and Smash Bros. Ultimate, and the NES games are a welcome bonus, but Tetris 99 has already become an essential part of my Switch’s Home Screen.
Nintendo has promised that updates to the game are forthcoming, and I can’t wait to see how Tetris 99 evolves throughout the months and years ahead.
Review Disclosure: Tetris 99 is a free download from the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.
