Tetris Effect Coming to the PS4, PS VR from Rez Creator

In the lead-up to E3, Sony is giving us a couple of PlayStation reveals. The first up is Wednesday’s announcement of Tetris Effect, a new PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR game from Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the creator of popular games like Rez Infinite and Lumines. The game is slated for release in the fall, after an appearance at this year’s E3.

Sony is betting big on PS VR this year, as they are looking to increase interest in the virtual reality platform. Rez Infinite was a popular game for several virtual reality platforms and having that team take on a classic franchise such as Tetris is sure to turn a few heads.

Fans on the fence about VR don’t have to worry: VR is an optional mode for Tetris Effect. A post on the PlayStation Blog explains that Mizuguchi is hoping to have players experience a Tetris game like never before. The game is named after a Harvard study: “Basically, researchers discovered that people who play Tetris a lot can start seeing images from the game in real life,” says Mizuguchi. “The idea behind Tetris Effect the game is to amplify and enhance that same magical feeling where you just can’t get it out of your head, and not just the falling shapes, but all the visuals, the sounds, the music — everything!”

Some other changes to the Tetris formula include levels with music, characters and animations which Mizuguchi says are “tailor-made for each level and triggered by your actions, they’re all meant to make you feel something—to convey a mood, or even provoke an emotional response.” The game will come with returning playable modes like Marathon, Ultra and Sprint. New mechanics added include the new “Zone” mechanic, which allows plays to stop time and manipulate pieces in order to make game-changing decisions.

There will be a demo closer to launch, though it’s unclear when. Mizuguchi’s games are known for their psychedelic aesthetic and gameplay, and judging from the trailer, Tetris Effect will be no different. Players will also get to enjoy the eye-catching visuals in HD on the PS4, and in 4K resolution and 60 frames-per-second on the PS4 Pro and PS VR.

For now, watch the trippy Tetris Effect trailer below.