The first advantage of Tetris 99 is undoubtedly its free, or almost free. Online game requires, you must actually be a subscriber to Nintendo Switch Online to be able to enjoy it. Nintendo is obviously using this new version of the original and ultimate puzzle game to encourage as many players as possible to join its service. It's fair game, especially since this loss leader does not lack qualities. Note, for example, that the game does not offer any micro-transaction, that it runs like a charm, or that it is fully translated into French (texts and robotic voice announcements of the “let's go” type). So far nothing extraordinary, let's agree. By the way, we will not insult you by explaining the basic rules of Tetris, which have been part of the general culture for many years. The real good idea of Tetris 99, as you certainly know, is to include game principles inherited from Battle Royale. Thus, we find ourselves in competition with almost a hundred, all the game areas being represented on the screen. Your area obviously takes center stage, while the other ninety-eight are represented in thumbnails and updated in real time. Who says multiplayer Tetris obviously says penalty lines to send to opponents when you make nice moves. It is possible to select a particular victim using the left stick, but the embarrassment of choice means that it is better to reserve this refinement for the end of the game, once most of the opponents have been eliminated. Most of the time, we will rely on one of the four predefined tactics (Random, easy KO, Chevrons, Riposte), which can be selected instantly with a flick of the right stick.
TETRIS NOT SAD
The first of these tactics is called "Random" and therefore selects a victim at random. Much more interesting, "easy knockouts" automatically targets players who are already in the most difficulty. Eliminating competitors earns chevrons, which increase the future penalties you send to your opponents. But this bonus to aggressiveness is not necessarily synonymous with a vicious circle of victory. Because the more chevrons you accumulate, the more likely you are to fall victim to the eponymous tactic. This third option makes it possible to target the fittest players, in order to recover their chevrons. Finally, "Riposte" simultaneously sends a penalty to all players who are currently targeting you. It is therefore important to constantly keep an eye on who is targeting whom, the game being very clear on this subject. A target is superimposed over the area you are currently aiming for, while thin lines are drawn from the areas that are targeting you to an alert message at the bottom of the screen. Even in the heat of the action, everything remains permanently very readable, and the most advanced parts require as much reflexes as reflection. The tactic is enriched by the presence of a reserve, which makes it possible to set aside a specific piece. Ideally, we will always try to keep a precious vertical bar under our elbow, but this reserve also simply allows us to temporarily set aside a troublesome piece.
Even in the heat of the action, everything remains permanently very readable, and the most advanced parts require as much reflexes as reflection. The tactic is enriched by the presence of a reserve, which makes it possible to set aside a specific piece.
Finally, a buffer zone for the received penalty lines is also present. This avoids being overwhelmed too quickly, since you have a few seconds to make solid lines on the main screen and thus reduce the penalty to come. Don't expect to be able to rest for very long though, because the pace of the games is very steady. The final victory occurs in less than ten minutes and everything is done to increase the stress of the player, starting with the music (the famous main theme of Tetris) which accelerates when there are only 50 players left, and gives way to a downright frenetic loop once the Top 10 is reached. In short, the games are short and intense, which really allows you to play on the go. Perfect for handheld console mode! The game also offers a statistics screen (which will allow the pros to count the number of T-spins they have made) as well as a level up for the player, without effect for the moment. This useless experience gain suggests that updates will be made in the future to enrich the game even more. something to blame him for. A little tutorial wouldn't have hurt, in particular to explain to players the four predefined tactics. But since we have just done it in this test, you actually have no excuse to shun the most Battle Royale of Tetris!
