Prepare to be amazed! The fascinating saga of Tetris, the beloved puzzle game, is far more intricate and captivating than many realize. Originating in 1980s Moscow, this iconic title has seen a journey from obscurity to global domination, and you may be surprised by the hidden gems of its history that even die-hard fans might not know.

Did you know about the bizarre spin-off, Hatris, from 1990, where players stack colorful hats? If that wasn't odd enough, there's also the lesser-known Faces...tris III, a game that squeezed players into creating human faces by stacking body parts like mouths, noses, and eyes—a true testament to the unconventional ideas that emerged from the Tetris craze.

Digital Eclipse, the team behind the interactive documentary Tetris Forever, presents this thrilling history in five vibrant chapters that run deep with timelines, photos, and vintage footage—an absolute treasure trove for fans. Expect to spend around four hours immersed in the captivating journey of Tetris, enriched with playable versions that illustrate its evolution since Alexey Pajitnov first fashioned it as a pastime while working at Moscow’s computer research center.

One remarkable highlight includes rare camcorder footage of Henk Rogers, the Dutch-American entrepreneur who helped catapult Tetris into global fame, making his bold move to secure publishing rights for the Game Boy. You’ll witness moments from inside Nintendo of America during the '80s, and get a glimpse of the dynamic partnership formed between Rogers and the formidable former Nintendo president, Hiroshi Yamauchi, whose tough demeanor was softened over mutual games of Go.

Tetris Forever goes into extensive detail about the intense legal battles of the 1980s surrounding the game’s rights. This documentary dives deep—sometimes so thoroughly that certain chapters may feel drawn out—but every facet contributes to a broader understanding of the gaming landscape of the time. The contrast between the wild entrepreneurial spirit in the U.S. and Europe amidst the rigid and controlled gaming scene in Japan paints a vivid picture of the industry during a transformative decade. And let's not forget the complexities in Russia, where forming business ties with foreigners was strictly prohibited.

While Tetris Forever may seem like a niche interest, it appeals to anyone passionate about gaming history. With 15 playable iterations of Tetris present throughout its splendid exhibition, fans are treated to meticulously recreated game boxes and advertisements, making the experience both nostalgic and educational. Fans of the Game Boy and NES versions, however, will find those classics still locked under Nintendo's firm control.

One standout is Tetris Effect, developed by renowned game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, known for his mesmerizing music games. This version remains a favorite for many due to its breathtaking visuals and immersive gameplay.

As for the game itself, there’s an almost transcendent quality to playing the original Tetris, which was developed for the Electronika 60 computer using only characters like square brackets and exclamation points on a flickering green-and-black screen. It's a visceral experience, akin to standing before the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, marveling at its historical significance. After all these years, Tetris remains an impeccable example of gaming perfection, largely unchanged and still captivating our hearts four decades later. Get ready to rediscover this timeless classic like never before!