Tetris Forever Update Brings Classic MS-DOS Games to Modern Players

Tetris Forever, the celebrated collection tracing the legacy of Tetris through the years, has released a new update that’s sure to please fans. Announced on February 27, 2025, this update introduces two classic MS-DOS Tetris titles to the platform, offering players a chance to revisit a pivotal era in the game’s storied past.

For the uninitiated, Tetris Forever gathers versions of the timeless puzzle game from across decades and platforms, from its origins on the Soviet Electronika 60 to more recent adaptations. The addition of Super Tetris and Tetris (AcademySoft) version 3.12, both hailing from the MS-DOS days, enriches this anthology further. MS-DOS, Microsoft’s Disk Operating System, reigned supreme in the 1980s and early 1990s, powering countless PCs and serving as a launchpad for many early gaming classics, Tetris included.

These titles carry historical weight. Super Tetris, launched by Spectrum Holobyte in 1991, tweaks the familiar formula with a twist: players start with a cluttered matrix of garbage blocks, using bombs to clear space and uncover bonuses. It also boasts multiplayer modes—cooperative or competitive—where two players tackle a shared screen. Meanwhile, Tetris (AcademySoft) version 3.12, released in 1988, marks the final Soviet-made Tetris before the game’s global explosion. Its standout “Phantom mode” renders all O-Tetriminos invisible, testing players’ skill and memory.

The MS-DOS era bridged Tetris’s modest roots and its worldwide dominance, a time when developers experimented freely. These games capture that spirit, showcasing how the simple concept of falling blocks evolved through creativity and technological leaps. For players of vintage titles, this update is a window into that formative period.

Preserving such classics matters. As gaming races forward, platforms like Tetris Forever keep the past alive, letting today’s audience appreciate the ingenuity behind these early gems. It’s a reminder of MS-DOS’s role in shaping interactive entertainment, long before sleek consoles and mobile screens took over.

For those keen to safeguard their own classic games, RetroShell provides sturdy cases to shield your collection from wear. To stay updated on retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack newsletter, landing in your inbox every Monday.