Tetris is one of the most iconic and influential video games in history, known for its simple mechanics, addictive gameplay, and enduring appeal. Created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984, Tetris is a puzzle game in which players manipulate falling shapes called tetrominoes to create complete horizontal lines without gaps. Once a line is completed, it disappears, and the player earns points. The goal is to prevent the tetrominoes from stacking up to the top of the screen, which would end the game.

The gameplay is straightforward but challenging. Tetrominoes, each made up of four squares in different configurations, fall from the top of the screen one at a time. Players can move them left or right, rotate them, and drop them faster to fit them into open spaces. As the game progresses, the tetrominoes fall faster, requiring quicker thinking, sharper reflexes, and better spatial reasoning. The difficulty ramps up naturally, making the game increasingly intense.

Tetris rewards planning and strategy. Players must anticipate the shapes that are coming next, think several moves ahead, and create setups that allow for clearing multiple lines at once, known as “Tetris” clears. These multi-line clears yield higher points and are key to mastering the game.

Beyond its gameplay, Tetris has had a profound cultural impact. Its minimalist design and universal appeal made it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. It has been released on nearly every gaming platform imaginable, from early computers and arcade machines to modern consoles, mobile phones, and even smartwatches. Its influence extends to psychology and neuroscience, as studies have shown that playing Tetris can improve spatial skills and cognitive flexibility.

Tetris remains a timeless classic because of its perfect balance of simplicity and challenge, its infinite replayability, and its universal accessibility. It is celebrated not only as a game but also as a landmark in video game history, demonstrating how elegant design can create deep and engaging gameplay.