"Best of Five" Review

If you're reading this, it means the documentary "Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions" has finally been released. Director Chris Higgins contacted NesTetris.com, and I had the honor and privilege of watching it early for this review. Originally, "Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions" was planned to be a feature-length documentary. However, it was eventually split into five individual episodes. Best of Five? Five episodes? Clever! In all seriousness, this was the right choice, as these episodes offer an extensive amount of footage, showcasing the 2014 Classic Tetris World Championship almost in its entirety. 


Me competing at CTUWO 2024

Before diving into my thoughts, let me share a bit about my background in the world of Classic NES Tetris. First and foremost, I'm one of those old-school OG Tetris players. I've had the game since childhood and have been playing it for the past 35 years. Although I'm not a max-out player, discovering the competitive NES Tetris scene was a game-changer for me. Learning about Jonas Neubauer, who at the time was a six-time world champion, and seeing younger players take over with a new play style called hyper-tapping, I was hooked. This rekindled my love for the game in my adult years. Additionally, I found myself falling in love with the warm and positive community surrounding it all.

Terry Purcell competing in CTWC 2014

Today, players using a new play style called rolling have since dominated the scene. Witnessing this extraordinary evolution has been nothing short of amazing. So, when I began watching "Best of Five," a documentary series about the 2014 CTWC that I had never seen before, I was instantly transported 10 years back in time. Even though I already knew the outcome, I felt as if I were there in person, witnessing history. It was a time when DAS players and people who grew up with the game like me still ruled the scene.

"Best of Five" also highlights another top player, Terry Purcell. Although I had heard of him and watched some of his games, I admittedly knew little about him. The docuseries does a fantastic job showcasing his talents and playful competitive personality through engaging interview segments. Additionally, it provides extensive coverage of Harry Hong and many other competitors. 


7 time world champion Jonas Neubauer

But for me, the highlight of "Best of Five" was seeing Jonas Neubauer. As many of you know, Jonas tragically passed away suddenly in 2021. The docuseries features numerous never-before-seen footage and more interviews with Jonas. Watching and seeing Jonas again was a very bittersweet experience. It not only transported me back in time but, for a few hours, it felt like the greatest Tetris champion who ever lived was alive again. This alone makes "Best of Five" a must-watch for anyone who is a fan of Tetris and the community Jonas helped build.

Official Cover for "Best of Five"

If you watched the 2011 documentary "Ecstasy of Order: The Tetris Masters” then "Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions," though not a direct sequel, feels like the follow-up Tetris fans have been eagerly awaiting. Director Chris Higgins and his team have done a phenomenal job bringing it to life. For me, playing Tetris is an escape from the chaos of life into a world of falling blocks and controlled order. "Best of Five" offered a similar escape, akin to finding an old VHS recording of a family event. You watch it with nostalgia, recalling simpler times and seeing familiar faces that may no longer be around. Like those old family movies, you can't help but smile when it's over. That's exactly how I felt watching "Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions." If you take the time to dive into this docuseries, from one Tetris fan to another, I'm sure you'll feel the same.

"Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions" is set to be released on Friday, May 31st on Vimeo and you can pre-order it now. If you want to meet director Chris Higgins, he will be at the SoCal Retro Gaming Expo this year, which is also where the 2024 CTWC is taking place. "Best of Five: The Classic Tetris Champions" will also be released on YouTube for free from July 8th to July 12th exclusively on Chris Higgins YouTube channel (Chris Higgins Films) 

Thank you for taking the time to read my review. You can download a PDF copy of it here as well for your convenience. 

Muffyio

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