Columns is loosely derived from Tetris, as it involves arranging falling blocks in such a way as to clear them. However, in columns they are groups of 3 same-size but varying color blocks, which must be arranged into sequences of 3 or more, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Sequences of 4 or 5 count for double or triple points, and diagonal sequences score the most. The real trick is to set up 'combos' - where one line causes other blocks to drop so as to create other lines.
As well as the normal game mode, there is also a 'flash' mode, in which the aim is simply to remove a particular block from the base of the pre-formed pile of bricks. The difficulty of this can be determined by increasing the number of complete rows which are already in place.
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1. Manaman
20 Feb 2007, 16:29 GMT
Ugh... I downloaded this before I knew of the Sega Megadrive Collection with 27 games at a bargain 16 quid. Picked the PSP version instead so I had a portable version of Columns, which made me feel a little better at wasting 800 points on this.
I blame my sister...
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2. Rob Wilson
11 Apr 2007, 22:49 GMT
Why oh why couldn't they have put Colums III on instead? You just can't beat 5-player Columns!
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3. Yatesy
10 May 2007, 14:04 GMT
Well, I for one am glad that Ninty have released this in its original form, although it would have been nice if they'd whacked World Cup Italia '90 and Super Hang-On on the same download, as that was a popular 3-in-1 combo pack back in the day! Of course, why do that when you can offload those other games in future standalone releases for wads more cash!
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4. fire deity
29 Jun 2007, 05:56 GMT
lol john, i had that game combo too. That super hang on was fun
This game is definately not worth 800 points. It should definately be combo'd up with at least 1 other game. I thought columns was first released by the nes console
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5. deggs
29 Jun 2007, 06:48 GMT
the game rocks... some people don't like it... personally, i remember liking the original "Magic Jewelry" game better just because of its over-the-top cheeez music and the simpler graphics... Still, this one is awesome and a must buy for any fan of puzzle games... sometimes neglected but it truely is up there with tetris, doctor mario, bust a move and Puyo Puyo (two versions of which are available for vc, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine and kirby's avalanche) as one of the greatest puzzle games ever.
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6. deggs
29 Jun 2007, 06:51 GMT
actually, now i'm told that magic jewelry is actually a taiwanese fake version of the original columns for sega master system... oh well, both those versions were good though
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7. Guilherme
13 Jul 2007, 01:00 GMT
If you are going to buy only one puzzle game for the notoriously puzzle-poor Mega Drive, this should be it. But don't let nostalgia overcome your senses. There is a lot more fun to be had playing Tetris DS.
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8. KeeperBvK
08 Oct 2007, 10:45 GMT
It's still a nice concept, but there's just not enough in here. It's ok, but nowadays not much more than that.
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9. StarSoldier1
04 Dec 2007, 18:57 GMT
Yeah, this is a real bare bones puzzle game with crappy music.
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10. President_Leever
30 Jan 2008, 14:25 GMT
I recommend passing on this Tetis clone and getting Columns III instead.
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11. Roo
28 Feb 2008, 17:08 GMT
Looks pretty (all those colours make me do the old Ren & Stimpy "Happy Happy Joy Joy" dance), but at the end of the day this is a slow and dull attempt to copy the grandaddy of all puzzle games - thats Tetris - on a more intelligent system. Not as good as you remember it to be!
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12. Mikaro
06 Apr 2008, 18:23 GMT
Good game. I like the hypnotic music. Tetris is still much better.
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