Tetris, a game released on June 6, 1964, quickly became a household favorite. It captivated players with its straightforward yet addictive gameplay, where players must arrange blocks of different shapes into complete lines to prevent the stack from reaching the top.
Breaking New Ground
Thirty-four years later, a young prodigy named Willis Gibson, also known as Blue Scuti, achieved the unthinkable. At just 13, he reached level 157 and encountered the game’s “kill screen,” setting a world record.
This achievement brings up an interesting question: How significant is this record, and is it possible to surpass it? To answer this, we delve into the game’s history and the evolution of its gameplay records.
The Ascend to Level 29 and Beyond
When Tetris introduced its leveling system in 1989, it brought a new challenge to players. Every 10 lines cleared would advance players to the next level, increasing the game’s speed with each level. For nearly a decade, level 29 stood as an insurmountable peak, believed to be the game’s “kill screen.”
However, the game changed in January 2011 when Thor Aackerlund reached level 30. He used “hypertapping,” a technique allowing movement faster than the game’s default speed. This achievement showed that the game did not end at level 29.
Joseph Saelee took the challenge further in 2018 by reaching level 31 and continued to push the limits to level 35 over the following years. This highlighted the critical role of hypertapping speed.
Innovations and Records
In 2020, EricLCX introduced “rolling,” a new technique combining various button-smashing strategies. This allowed him to achieve levels 37 and 38. Cheez refined this technique, reaching level 40 in May 2021, marking a significant milestone in Tetris history.
The game continued to evolve, with records being set and broken, culminating in EricLCX reaching level 95 by April 2022. This period also saw changes in the game’s color patterns every 10 levels, introducing new challenges.
Surpassing the Unthinkable
EricLCX continued to break his records, reaching level 146 by August 2022. The most recent achievement, as of November 2023, came from PixelAndy, who managed to reach level 148. The introduction of dark color patterns at this stage added a significant challenge.
In 2021, Greg Cannon developed an AI named stackRabbit capable of playing Tetris seamlessly through various color patterns, even reaching the kill screen at level 236. This showcased the game’s potential for innovation and challenge.
A Legacy of Competition and Joy
Players like Blue Scuti (Gibson) continue to push the boundaries, surpassing levels like 149 and setting new records at levels 153 and beyond. Gibson’s journey to level 157 and the subsequent game crash mark a historic moment, proving the endless possibilities in Tetris.
Tetris’s legacy lies not only in its gameplay but also in the community and the records that continue to be shattered. From its simple beginnings to the complex strategies developed by players worldwide, Tetris remains a beloved game that challenges and entertains generations.
More details : World Record Academy
