Columns (Sega Megadrive)

Columns

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.

Columns Review

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Review by Damien McFerran

Columns Screenshot

Columns had one good thing going for it back in the day, albeit a very important one: it was the Sega’s answer to Tetris. Over the years, Columns became the base for Puyo Puyo, Super Puzzle Fighter and a bunch of other similar games.

The core gameplay is as basic as they come - you line up three jewels of the same colour, they disappear and new jewels fall in stacks of three that you can reorder before they hit the bottom.

Now, has the model aged? Certainly. The presentation, straight from the early days of the Megadrive, is disappointingly basic and somewhat uninspired. The game also makes little effort to provide different challenges.

Columns Screenshot

The quality of the music is something that divides fans - personally, I quite like it but many people I know think it's dull, repetitive and actually quite annoying. The same could be said for the sound effects.

It still is enjoyable, though. Let's face it, even the legendary Tetris has aged yet it's still as much fun to play today as it ever was.

Sadly, you can't escape the fact that the genre has evolved over the years and these days games have to offer a little more to keep people interested.

3/5

Average reader rating: 3.29 (24 ratings)

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Screenshots

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Columns (Video Clip)

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Have your say about Columns

1. Manaman United Kingdom 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...

2. Rob Wilson United States 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 United Kingdom 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!

4. fire deity United Kingdom 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 :o

5. deggs Canada 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.

6. deggs Canada 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

7. Guilherme Brazil 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.

8. KeeperBvK Germany 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 Canada 04 Dec 2007, 18:57 GMT

Yeah, this is a real bare bones puzzle game with crappy music.

10. President_Leever Sweden 30 Jan 2008, 14:25 GMT

I recommend passing on this Tetis clone and getting Columns III instead.

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11. Roo United Kingdom 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!

12. Mikaro Finland 06 Apr 2008, 18:23 GMT

Good game. I like the hypnotic music. Tetris is still much better.

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