2020! Deluxe

Lately I’ve been occupied with 2020! Deluxe, a familiar but new Tetris-style game. And while the game encourages you to place the shapes strategically to fill entire rows and columns, à la the classic Tetris the challenges it adds in throw you for all kinds of loops. It is satisfying to earn points by clearing lines, but some of my friends mentioned that it can be repetitive over time.

The ability to spend coins to alter your shape or clear a swath adds a strategy mode that keeps it interesting when you’re in a pinch. However, balancing coin earning to spending feels off. A few players I know were a little frustrated when they ran out of coins but wanted to continue in the groove.

Overall, 2020! Deluxe is a solid option for puzzle lovers that may not have you glued for hours. It’s a fine way to kill some time, and although it’s hardly innovative, it’s also a pleasant little brain tease thanks to its addictive puzzle structure and rare moments of tactical surprise.