The Tetris: My Play Watch: An Engaging Yet Flawed Concept
The Tetris: My Play Watch offers a unique twist on the smartwatch experience, focusing almost entirely on the game that has captivated audiences for decades. While it resembles a sleek Apple Watch, this device prioritizes nostalgia and playability over traditional smartwatch functionality. With a design and user interface heavily influenced by Tetris themes, it undeniably appeals to fans of this iconic game. However, its execution leaves much to be desired.
Design and Aesthetics
The watch features vibrant, Tetris-themed straps that can be swapped out for standard watch straps if users desire a more subdued look. Furthermore, it boasts a collection of nine different watch faces—both digital and analog—that incorporate the game’s signature tetromino pieces and logo. While these faces display essential metrics like battery life and fitness stats, the lack of customizability may disappoint some users.
The Tetris theming is carried forward to swappable bands, but you can attach a standard strap for a subtler look. Photo by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge
User Interface and Functionality
To navigate the interface, users can utilize its touchscreen or a side crown dial, which can be pressed or rotated for selections and scrolling. The watch’s feature set is relatively limited; it includes a stopwatch, timer, calendar, calculator, fitness tracker, and alarm, all presented in a rudimentary manner. For example, while it allows setting multiple alarms, options for customizing repeat patterns are notably absent. In this respect, it doesn’t match even the simplest versions of Tetris from 36 years ago.
There are nine different Tetris-themed watch faces to choose from, but aside from various metrics that update, the faces are all static. Photo by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge
Fitness Tracking Capabilities
The Tetris watch includes a heart rate sensor and basic fitness tracking features, such as step counting and calorie estimation. However, its capabilities in this realm are minimal. Users cannot monitor their fitness history or receive proactive health alerts since the device lacks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, thus not syncing with smartphones.
If you want the look of an Apple Watch without any of the distractions or advanced health tracking, the Tetris watch is a close facsimile. Photo by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge
Gaming Experience
The watch exclusively allows Tetris to be played via its touchscreen, a noteworthy shift from previous models that utilized the crown dial for gaming. Initial impressions raised concerns about the feasibility of playing a fast-paced game on such a small touchscreen. Unfortunately, these concerns proved valid; the game’s controls often feel unresponsive, adding frustration to an experience meant for enjoyment. Users may find themselves more focused on managing controls than actual gameplay strategy, which detracts from the essence of Tetris.
The watch offers two Tetris gameplay modes, Marathon and Puzzle, and features like previews of upcoming pieces and silhouettes of where your piece will land. Photo by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge
Control Issues and Limitations
Although the setup offers features intended to simplify touch controls, such as auto-rotate, players still face unexpected control issues. Accidental spins and misinterpreted gestures can disrupt gameplay and lead to unplanned losses. Compounding these challenges, the absence of potential software updates means that any limitations present at launch will remain unaddressed.
Even the charging indicator, which you’ll probably be seeing a lot, is Tetris-themed with a battery that slowly fills with neatly stacked tetrominoes. Photo by Andrew Liszewski / The Verge
Battery Life
Battery performance is a significant concern as well. Users may expect to charge the watch daily if they engage with Tetris actively, as playtime greatly diminishes the battery life. Reports show that maxing out brightness and sound can lead to rapid battery drain, even after only a brief gaming session.
The Tetris: My Play Watch is an intriguing concept, especially for avid fans of the game. It promises a unique experience that strives to meld wearability with gaming. However, its shortcomings in gameplay, control issues, and limited functionality may frustrate users more than it delights. While it offers a glimpse into the nostalgic world of Tetris, those seeking a fulfilling gaming experience might want to consider other avenues. If you want to wear your passion for Tetris, this watch does offer that, but for actual fun, it may leave you wanting more.
For additional insights and a deeper dive, check out the full review Here.
Image Credit: www.theverge.com
