TETRIS® THE GRAND MASTER 4 -ABSOLUTE EYE- News

Ver.1.4.0 has been released.

Important Notice:
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Replay data from MASTER mode recorded in Ver.1.3.0 or earlier is no longer compatible.
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Bug Fixes:

• Fixed an issue where certain replay operations prevented rewind functionality; playback is now paused during repeated fast-forward or rewind actions to ensure stability.
  
• Corrected reversed specifications for Tetrimino skin (TYPE 39).
  

Adjustments:

• Modified REN display.
  
• Adjusted conditions in MASTER mode to allow reaching Lv2600 without the requirement of clearing lines exclusively with standard blocks.
  

Here’s a summary of upcoming planned updates:

Correction of CTWC Mino Designs:

We discovered that due to an assignment error, the "standard" and "TGM" mino designs were mistakenly swapped.
This will be corrected in the next update.
Scheduled for implementation in Ver.1.4.0.

Adjustments to MASTER Mode Difficulty:

We’re currently excited by the growing number of players achieving GM status in MASTER mode. Our development team is very eager to see how competition and time-attack strategies evolve.
However, upon review, we've recognized that the existing condition for surpassing the 2600 level—"clearing the final lines using only standard minos"—has inadvertently created gameplay challenges and a difficulty curve unintended by our design team.
One of TGM4’s core concepts has always been to highlight the artistic side of Tetris play. Unfortunately, this current requirement has forced players into tedious line-clearing tasks, detracting from the intended experience and unfairly hindering skillful players from attaining GM status.
To address this issue, we have decided to remove the condition requiring "standard minos only" for line clearing.
Please understand, this adjustment is not meant as a general difficulty reduction.
Scheduled for implementation in Ver.1.4.0.
Note: MASTER mode replay data from Ver.1.3.0 and earlier versions will no longer be compatible.

Adjustments to ASUKA Mode:

We intentionally delayed updates for anti-analysis measures. However, ASUKA mode has an upcoming "HARD MODE."
This new mode will be available to players who have earned the "ASUKA MASTER" title in ASUKA mode.
We plan to release it around (likely after) the CTWC tournament period.

Input Device Optimization:

As previously announced (see link below), we are renewing the input device system to address device compatibility issues and simplify tournament organization.
https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603029638548052334/
Our current goal is to have this new input system implemented in time for the CTWC event.
Thank you for your patience as we continue our efforts.

Discussions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603030065018601378/

Due to internal development circumstances, the update originally scheduled for tomorrow as Ver.1.2.3 has been released today as Ver.1.3.0.

Note: This update affects replay data for certain gameplay situations.

Update Details
Changes and Additions

• Revised menu texts.
  
• Added a new "Event Data" category in the "Practice from Replay" screen.
  
• Removed the 15-minute time limit from all modes.
  　Note: This affects replay data.
  
• Added "Credit 2".
  
• Added a new mino design unlockable in SHIRANUI mode.
  　Condition: Clear all tiers (1 to 100) with a T-mark.
  
• Added commemorative CTWC mino design celebrating the CTWC tournament (available to all players).
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed an issue in MASTER mode where playtime in replay data was sometimes incorrectly recorded.
  　Adjustment applied to MASTER mode as a result.
  

　Developer Note:
　The above issue was identified during debugging and has been resolved. Existing replay data remains unaffected.

We are currently optimizing our input system to provide a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
As part of this effort, support for DirectInput will officially end on May 31, 2025.

Since the product's initial release, DirectInput was not officially supported; however, we've maintained provisional compatibility until now. Following feedback from the organizers of the upcoming Classic Tetris World Championship (CTWC) in June, and after considering the ideal environment for both competitive play and general user experience, we have determined that standardizing on the XInput method provides the best solution in terms of stability and precision.

DirectInput is a legacy input API, and in recent years it has encountered compatibility issues with newer controllers and operating systems, significantly affecting competitive play that requires precise controls. XInput, on the other hand, is designed as the standard input protocol for Windows and offers reduced input latency, stable performance, and improved compatibility.

Moving forward, we request users transition to controllers compatible with XInput or utilize Steam Input. Steam Input supports various input devices with extensive customization capabilities, ensuring smooth functionality even with devices previously reliant on DirectInput.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this change and sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We remain committed to providing an optimal gaming environment and thank you for your continued support.


Discussions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603029638548052334/

The update to Ver.1.2.3 is scheduled for May 9 (JST).

Note: Replay data will not be affected.

Update Details
Changes and Additions

• Revised menu texts.
  
• Added "Credit 2".
  
• Adjusted all modes (frame calculations interpolated to 60 FPS; no changes to difficulty).
  
• Added new mino design unlockable in SHIRANUI mode.
  Condition: Clear all tiers (1 to 100) with a T-mark.
  
• Added commemorative CTWC mino design celebrating the CTWC tournament (available to all players).
  

Discussions: https://steamcommunity.com/app/3328480/discussions/0/603029638548044004/