My Tetris 99 Nintendo Switch Review

Version reviewed: 1.1.0 (the latest version available at time of publication)

*This game requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to download and play*

I have been looking for a solid Tetris experience for a long time.

And if you are anything like me, you would love a great new Tetris experience (made by Nintendo) on the Nintendo Switch.

I am happy to say Tetris 99, Spring 2019’s best surprise game announcement, is the game we puzzle and Tetris fans have been waiting for.

So, what more is there to say? Plenty!

**My Tetris 99 review will answer these 3 questions:**

Is Tetris 99 for Nintendo Switch Fun?
Does Tetris 99 accomplish what it sets out to do?
Should you play Tetris 99?

Succinctly, Tetris 99 is a fun online puzzle game with classic Tetris gameplay married with modern audio and visuals that everyone with a Nintendo Switch should absolutely try.

Let’s take a detailed look at everything Tetris 99 has to offer!

**What is Tetris 99?**

Tetris 99 is an online, multiplayer battle royale game for Nintendo Switch.

A battle royale game pits you, a single player, against many other real-life players from around the globe in an online-only mode to see who will come out the winner.

In Tetris 99 specifically, the game pits you against 98 other players from around the world to see who can be the last puzzle master standing. Hence the name of the game, Tetris 99.

Tetris 99 is the classic puzzle game but with a modern online twist available to subscribers of Nintendo Switch Online.

Let’s take a closer look at Tetris 99, shall we.

Graphics

Tetris 99’s visuals are bright and colorful.

I appreciate how each block has its own unique color which helps identify it immediately by its color alone. Being able to identify each block in milliseconds is vital during intense matches, so a consistent color scheme is a plus for me.

The visuals are nice and sleek which also extends to the user interface and menus. Everything here looks modern and crafted with purpose, aesthetically speaking.

Sound

Tetris 99’s music is upbeat in the lobby, familiar during the start of a match, frantic towards the end of a match, and satisfying when you win a match.

All songs included are a blast to hear. My personal favorite Tetris 99 tune is the awesome “club” song that plays while visiting the menu screen.

Outside of the music selection, well-crafted sound effects accompany everything from rotating blocks and clearing lines to selecting menus.

Control

Tetris 99 plays well, and every button press does what it is supposed to do when pressed.

Controlling blocks have never been simpler: the game requires a direction and a button press to control your movements. That is it.

Additionally, there are 2 control types for you to sample and try out which maps game controls to various buttons depending on the control type you end up choosing.

I prefer control type “Pattern A”, the default control type.

Game Modes, Options, and Settings

The game as it is only has one mode: the online-only Tetris 99 battle royale.

Outside of that, the game has a statistics menu that allows you to check a variety of your gameplay stats and an options menu that allows you to change 3 settings–Hard Drop, Vibration, and Control Type.

Now let’s look at who the ideal Tetris 99 player is and what you will be doing during the majority of your time spent on this addicting game.

**Who is Tetris 99 for?**

Tetris 99 is for any Tetris, puzzle, or falling-block puzzle game fanatic looking to play the timeless classic game online against 98 other players for world domination.

This game will provide hours of addicting, adrenaline inducing gameplay that fans of the gameplay style will thoroughly enjoy.

If this sounds like you, you will experience a solid online Tetris battle game on your Nintendo Switch.

As for myself, Tetris 99 speaks directly to me.

My Tetris Journey

I have always played Tetris and it has been a big part of my family for my entire life. My mother passed her love for the series to me ever since Tetris launched on the Nintendo Entertainment Systems many years ago.

I have continued playing Tetris on various consoles throughout the years, but realized I hadn’t played a Tetris game in ages.

Tetris Games I Played, Enjoyed, and Sunk Hundreds of Hours Into:

Tetris (NES)
Tetris 2 (NES)
Tetris and Dr. Mario (SNES)
Tetris Attack (SNES)
The New Tetris (Nintendo 64)
Tetris DS (Nintendo DS)

I purchased Puyo Puyo Tetris for Nintendo Switch the moment it came out. Sadly, I did not have much time to sink into that gem of a crossover game.

Fast forward to Tetris 99: my life was no longer as hectic as it once was which gave me the opportunity to download Tetris 99 the moment it released.

And I have played it just about daily ever since.

**What will you primarily be doing in Tetris 99?**

Tetris 99’s addicting tried-and-true gameplay is what you will be experiencing from the majority of your play sessions.

If you are not familiar with Tetris gameplay, I am more than happy to explain it to you.

Tetris is a falling block puzzle game set within a vertical chamber with the goal of stacking blocks in a uniform manner to “clear” or delete them from your chamber before they stack to the top.

Falling blocks: Tetris blocks fall from the top of the chamber to the bottom.
Clearing blocks: Stacking Tetris blocks neatly in a row without an empty space will delete the row.

If you do not clear rows fast enough, if you mismanage your placement of blocks, or if enemy players continue to send blocks to your chamber, your blocks will stack to the top and you will lose the match.

Yes. You did read that correctly: opposing players will often send blocks your way during a match. This is because Tetris 99 is an online competitive Tetris experience.

This means that whenever an opponent clears blocks, they will send what are known as “garbage” blocks to you.

I know. This might sound overwhelming since there are 98 other players: how will you ever endure garbage blocks from that many players?!?

Do not fret, puzzle fan.

For most of a match, you will only ever have maybe 1 to 3 players targeting you on average.

Players targeting you will be designated by visual cues–golden yellow lines that point to your chamber from the sides of the screen.

Additionally, you will always be able to tell not only when a player is targeting you, but how many rows of garbage blocks are being sent your way.

There is a garbage block meter to the left of your chamber that fills up when an opponent sends junk your way. And you will always have time to contend with it before the blocks actually arrive.

As long as you continue clearing blocks when there are garbage blocks in your garbage meter, you will clear the junk from your meter and prevent them from gunking up you Tetris chamber.

You will experience standard, competitive Tetris gameplay and more during your time with Tetris 99.

**Is Tetris 99 a good puzzle/Tetris game?**

Yes.

Tetris 99 is a great puzzle game and a great Tetris games.

Puzzle fans will enjoy the strategy and mind-power it requires in figuring out where to place blocks next to each other second-to-second for the best results.

Tetris is great for beginners and is complex enough for advanced and competitive players to master.

Also, Tetris players will enjoy Tetris 99’s faithfulness to the classic gameplay formula and online battle mode crafted additions.

This version of Tetris is an online battle mode focused game that takes competitive Tetris play and adds new gameplay tweaks: players can now grow stronger during a match and can also target specific categories of players.
Targeting specific players is a core mechanic to Tetris 99 and is new to this game.
You can switch who you want to send your garbage blocks to anytime during a match.

You can send your garbage blocks to

Players who are about to be eliminated
Players targeting you
Random players
And players with the most eliminations (also known as the strongest players)

Learning this new battle system, and using it to your advantage during a match, is sure to please die-hard Tetris fans of all ages.

There is something here to be loved by new and classic Tetris fans alike.

**Is Tetris 99 fun?**

But more importantly than anything else, is Tetris 99 fun?

Absolutely yes!!!

I have played over 150 matches and I still cannot get enough.

Games are easy to get into and require little matchmaking time, controls are responsive and I never felt like I moved a piece on accident,
The thrill of victory (I have won 12 matches so far . . . and counting) or the determination to win after each defeat fills me with adrenaline, while the eagerness to learn Tetris 99’s new battle mechanics makes me want to keep playing until the sun sets.

The game is really addicting. Really.

In fact, I have been playing matches in between writing paragraphs of this review. I have placed 1st, 2nd, and 11th so far and I am about to start my fourth game. That is how much fun I am having with this game.

Matches do not take long and last between a minute or two to around 10 minutes maximum, more or less depending on how competitive the other 98 players are. This has made the game quite addicting for me, as it is very easy to start a new match.

The versatility of the Nintendo Switch also bolsters Tetris 99’s appeal. You can play it wherever there is stable and strong internet.

At home, I play it in bed and throughout the house for quick, pick-up-and play handheld Tetris sessions.

Other times, I will play Tetris 99 on my large television set for when I want to play competitively or for when I want to show the game to my mother, spouse, or friends.

I even played it while waiting for my food at Olive Garden by connecting to the free wi-fi with my spouse watching over my shoulder.

The game looks and feels great no matter the situation, and I have never been hampered by how I play it (in handheld or television mode) or by what controller I use.

I primarily use the Joy-Con controllers which feel perfect for this type of game. The direction buttons are just the correct size and allow precise movement of Tetris blocks.

Alternatively, the game supports the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and third party controllers with a traditional directional pad for those looking for more traditional input methods.

No matter what controller I use or play-mode I select, I always have fun playing a quick round of Tetris 99.

I am ecstatic every time I think of playing (I just finished a match and placed 6th–that just makes me want to play another match to hopefully get the number one position).

And thankfully, Tetris 99 supports the Nintendo Switch video and picture capture features which has allowed me to share my very few wins with the rest of the world via social networks.

You will enjoy the capture features if you are similar to me in wanting to share your awesome moments–or funny screw-ups–to the rest of the world.

Tetris 99 is truly a fun experience. There are, however, a couple of things I would do to improve the overall package.

***Tetris 99*: What would I improve?**

Here are 2 things I would add to Tetris 99 to make it perfect.

Add an offline mode or practice mode.

UPDATE: Nintendo has released an additional download content pack for 9.99 USD that adds an offline mode for players to play Tetris 99 offline. Yes!

ORIGINAL: Currently, the only way to play Tetris 99 is by playing the competitive Tetris 99 battle mode against 98 other players.

If you are new to Tetris, rusty at Tetris, returning to Tetris after a long hiatus like I was, just want to warm up to get familiar with the controls, or you would simply like to practice a game or two, you cannot do that in Tetris 99.

I would love for the developers to add a practice mode to allow players to get accustomed to this game. Or, allow a practice mode to be played offline.

I understand the developers may not want to essentially give away practice mode because it basically amounts to a free Tetris game. This means you will have to go elsewhere if you are looking to enhance your Tetris skills before playing against real life opponents.

Thankfully, there is a free demo of Puyo Puyo Tetris on Nintendo Switch that can be replayed over and over again and the basic Tetris game play in that game will certainly carry over during Tetris 99 matches.

**Some may want a tutorial for Tetris 99 specific mechanics.**

Tetris 99 lacks tutorials or explanations for its new targeting feature. And targeting different category of opponents throughout the match and at specific times of the match is a HUGE part of playing and winning in Tetris 99.

Some players may loath this game for not explaining all of the intricate details of this battle system to players. That is why I am putting this suggestion in the improvement section of this review.

I, personally, did not mind as it encouraged me to find online communities, video game streamers, and video game YouTube channels that explained Tetris 99’s mechanics.

I felt like I was part of something more in my search for like minded players of the game that were finding out how the game works and sharing it with others.

If you do not like doing the footwork, you will definitely also yearn for an explanatory tutorial.

***Tetris 99*: Should you Buy, Borrow, or Pass?**

Buy

I recommended you buy a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription and download Tetris 99 if you enjoy competitive Tetris.

This game is so much fun and adds new layers of strategy by giving you the ability to target specific players during the match, allowing you to grow stronger for each elimination you make.

Download this now if you want a fun, concentrated Tetris battle mode for your Nintendo Switch.

Borrow

I recommend you try this game out at a friend’s house if you are not quite sure about playing Tetris online-only.

You may want to check out how the game feels, how the online gameplay mechanics and targeting features work in a real game, and if you enjoy playing against 98 other players.

It is a hectic game for sure that you might want to try before you buy.

If you already are a Nintendo Switch Online member, the game is free so I suggest downloading it just to give it a try.

Pass

I recommend you pass on this game if you do not like playing Tetris in battle mode only.

This game is a competitive Tetris game that pits you against 98 other players, and there is no way around that.

If this sounds too frustrating or anxiety-inducing then you might want to stay away from Tetris 99.

Granted, the majority of a match may go by at relaxing pace but you will eventually have to deal with blocks falling at increasing speeds as the game progresses and aggressive players during the tail end of a match.

Stick to Puyo Puyo Tetris for Nintendo Switch if you want a Tetris game at a slower pace.

**My Tetris 99 Review Criteria and Review Score:**

Now that you have read my thoughts on Tetris 99 for Nintendo Switch, let us take a look at my Review Criteria and Score.

My Review Score is based on technical aspects that hinder or improve the user experience.

You now have a clear idea of where I stand on this game by reading my thoughts above. Spoiler: I love Tetris 99 to bits!

The Review Score, categories, and explanations outlined next will help your better understand how Tetris 99 functions as a whole.

Glitches:

Do weird graphical or audio instances occur that often times are humorous and or distracting?

I have not experienced any glitches in my time playing this game.

Freeze or Crash:

Does the game freeze or crash?

I have not experienced any freezes or crashes in my extensive time playing this game.
I have, however, had one error after the game updated. An error message appeared on-screen after booting up Tetris 99 right after I installed the update.
After that screen appeared, I was allowed to visit the menu and enter a match as if nothing happened.
Mind you, this happened once and only after an update.

Slowdown:

Does the game chug or slowdown?

I have not experienced any slowdown in my time playing this game.

Load Times:

Does the game contain long load times?

The game takes about 11 to 12 seconds to boot into the menu screen which is not too long but could frustrate some players.
Other than that, the game has little to no load times.
Matchmaking may take upward to one full minute, but it is a price to pay for an online battle game with 98 other players all connecting at the same time.

User Navigation:

Is the game easy to navigate?

The game is easy to navigate. The menu screen contains button prompts to explain what to press, and the controls are responsive.

Other:

Is there anything else noteworthy about the game?

The game would be complete if it offered a practice mode of some type, perhaps more game modes, and a tutorial for players looking for a little more explanation to how the game plays.
Right now, there is only one game mode to play and very little to do outside of that.
Luckily, this one game mode is ridiculously fun, but variety would be appreciated.

Final Verdict: Tetris 99

Tetris 99 is the next great Tetris experience I have been looking for. It is challenging and colorful with a great soundtrack while supplying the classic Tetris gameplay I know and love with new rules fit for beginners to advanced players.

I recommend this game to anyone with a Nintendo Switch looking for a fun, online Tetris battle experience in the palm of their hands, on a big screen, or even at an Olive Garden.

If you are interested in Tetris 99, grab a Nintendo Switch Online membership individual plan or family plan from Amazon.com, because a membership plan is needed to play this game.

(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages on the Nintendo website. Logos, characters, and images are owned by their respective owners)