Tetris, the famous video game that has fascinated its audience since the 1980s, is making a comeback in a new drama that promises to captivate both old and new fans.
Named after the game itself, the movie is an engaging retelling of its origins and the individuals who brought it to life, highlighting their challenges and achievements in crafting one of the most cherished and long-lasting video games ever made.
Continue reading to discover why this fresh take on Tetris is a must-see for anyone with a passion for video games, 80s culture, or simply great storytelling.
The rise of the game Tetris
In the present era of gaming, where players have a plethora of options ranging from the multiplayer Call of Duty to free online slots, Tetris may seem unexciting in comparison.
However, during the 1980s, Nintendo’s Game Boy made a massive impact worldwide, to the extent that a game centered around falling shapes could captivate the minds of millions of gamers.
Tetris’ immense addictiveness was undoubtedly a contributing factor. The game consisted of a straightforward gameplay mechanic, where players had to arrange different shapes to form horizontal lines without any gaps. This made it easy to understand but tough to master, as the shapes became more intricate, and the game speed increased as the levels progressed.
Moreover, Tetris provided instant feedback and gratification. Every time a player completed a line, it vanished, and they earned points, instilling a sense of accomplishment. The game was fast-paced, with non-stop action that kept players engaged and attentive.
Naturally, there was a competitive aspect involved as well, as players strived to outdo their friends by scoring higher and lasting longer during simultaneous or turn-based gameplay.
All of these factors culminated in an impressive global sales figure of over 500 million units, solidifying its position as the top-selling video game in history.
The movie plot
The remarkable triumph of Tetris serves as the perfect foundation for a captivating film depicting the game’s impact on the gaming industry worldwide. Prior to Tetris, video games were primarily limited to basic platform or arcade-style games.
The movie Tetris delves into the legacy of this iconic game through the story of Henk Rogers, the founder of Bullet-Proof Software. Rogers strives to obtain the rights to sell Tetris beyond Japan, where Alexey Pajitnov, the game’s creator, had already achieved incredible success.
However, the formidable Maxwell family obstructs Rogers’ path as they attempt to profit from the game’s popularity. Consequently, Rogers must navigate the intricate world of business and politics, including the Cold War tensions between Russia and the US.
Oleg Shtefanko delivers a powerful performance as Nikolai, a Russian cog in the machine who recognizes the significance of Tetris. The film also boasts an entertaining plot that chronicles Rogers’ journey to turn Tetris into a sensation in the US and Europe.
A warm reception
After premiering at SXSW and Apple TV+ in March 2023, the film received a respectable 81% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with one reviewer describing it as a “fun and lively take on the backstory of the 8-bit classic.” Fans of 80s gaming have been flocking to theaters to witness the beloved game come to life on the big screen.
Despite its promising start, it remains to be seen whether this movie will reach the same level of success as other gaming-based films, such as Mortal Kombat (1995), which featured iconic characters, martial arts action, and memorable one-liners, or Resident Evil (2002), which skillfully captured the game’s eerie atmosphere through well-choreographed action sequences.
However, with other gaming-inspired movies in development, this film serves as a prime example of a popular movie genre that will likely feature more of today’s beloved video game characters in theaters around the world in the near future.