Communication around the game was a bit confusing, but things are now clear: Tetris Effect Connected is simply Tetris Effect supplemented by the presence of several multiplayer modes. Moreover, this Microsoft exclusivity is only temporary since a free update will be available in the summer of 2021 for owners of the PS4, Epic Games, and Oculus Quest versions. On this occasion, a version of the game will also be released on Steam. In the meantime, it is therefore imperative to turn to the side of the Xbox consoles (Xbox One and Xbox Series) or the Game Pass (including PC) to take advantage of the new features of this version of Tetris Effect, finally complete. All of the solo content answers the call, and we enjoy finding the game's Journey mode, which gives pride of place to the Zone function. As a reminder, completing lines fills a special gauge that maximizes the time spent in the Zone. Once this option is triggered, Tetriminos no longer drop, while completed rows drop down the matrix instead of disappearing. When you leave the Zone, for lack of time or because you have filled the screen, you get valuable bonus points. Another gateway to soloing is available through Effects mode. This menu gives access to different variants, classified according to your "mood" (classic, relaxed, focused, adventurous). This original classification goes hand in hand with the general dressing of the game, with Zen and cosmic tendencies.
The menus show us a real galaxy, while the scenario offers us to reach an obelisk called Tetrimidion located in its center. As far as the soundtrack is concerned, the synthetic strings and the electro-pop melodies of the different tracks have lost none of their strength. In short, Tetris Effect is still just as effective! But this time, we can now enjoy it together, thanks to online ranked games, private games and local games. Note that the progression in multiplayer allows you to unlock 84 different avatars, made of elegant light points and slightly animated. We are entitled to four main modes, three of which revolve around the two-player competition. Zone Battle uses the standard rules of Tetris Effect and allows you to throw disabling lines at the opponent. Score Attack revolves more or less around the same principles but asks us to achieve the best score. Finally, Classic Score Attack takes up the rules of older Tetris (no Zone, no reserve, no instant drop of pieces, and next line limited to a single Tetrimino).
IF YOU'RE SAD, PLAY TETRIS! (SORRY.…)
But the real star of the show is obviously the Connected mode which gives its name to the game. This time it is a cooperative mode with three players which offers us to face twelve "zodiac bosses", grouped into four difficulty levels: Easy for Pisces, Sagittarius and Taurus, Normal for Libra, Cancer and Scorpio, Hard for Aries, Gemini and Virgo, and Very Hard for Capricorn, Leo and Aquarius (better known as "the best sign"). ..). Each of these bosses fills its own Tetris matrix, and throws special attacks at the three human players. Thus, we sometimes find ourselves having to place "double pieces" glued to each other, Tetriminos four times larger than normal, non-Orthodox pieces made up of only three squares, or others made up of five squares. That's not all, the bosses sometimes block the rotation, the brutal fall or the possibility of using the reserve. But their most evil move is certainly the one that consists of making invisible the pieces already placed on our grid! Fortunately, the three players have a special advantage to retaliate. Completing lines allows you to fill a common gauge which, once full, triggers a transformation of the game screen. The three matrices then merge into a giant playing field, where everyone can place their Tetriminos as they wish. You can see the pieces of the other players on the screen, and therefore take them into account to optimize the completion of horizontal lines (which, you will have understood, are no longer ten squares wide, but thirty!).
After a while, the giant matrix again splits into three distinct areas, and handicap lines are sent to the boss depending on how many lines you just completed. This recipe works perfectly well and totally renews the Tetris Effect experience. That said, we would not have spat on the presence of a competitive mode on a larger scale, of the Tetrinet type (memories, souvenirs, etc.). The game also makes some mistakes in terms of ergonomics since we are forced to leave a game we have created if we want to change modes (which forces us to say goodbye to our current partners and restart matchmaking). We also regret the absence of an integrated tool to communicate with other players. Tetris Effect Connected apparently allows itself to replace players with bots, transparently, when a participant leaves the game unexpectedly. The intention is commendable (not to impose an unfair game over) but suddenly, you can find yourself playing alone when you think you are still accompanied. These small inconveniences do not detract from the general success of the title, which is based on the Tetris Effect of 2018 to offer us a very pleasant multiplayer experience.
