Sega's gem-stacking puzzle game that holds its own against Tetris. Simple to learn, tough to master and dangerously addictive. Great for quick sessions or competitive play with a friend.
Your verdict
Category
Puzzle1 player3+
Description
Puzzle game featuring colored gems falling in columns that disappear when three identical ones align. Published by Sega, released in Europe in 1990. Falling gems to align by three in vertical columns and increasing speed. Master System port of Sega's Columns classic.
Columns review
3/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Polished"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Lining up three gems of the same colour, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, to watch them vanish in a sparkling cascade: the mechanic clicks in seconds. The tension climbs as the column speeds up and chains become vital. Hypnotic and inexhaustible, this falling puzzle grabs you for endless sessions.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Stacking gems and lining up three colors triggers cascades that answer one another in chains, and the temptation to set off the next combo never lets go. The speed creeps up, pushes the limit of control and makes you retry for a better score at once. The concept is spare, but this colorful ballet keeps a quiet, lasting grip.
An emblematic falling puzzle from Sega, Columns drops columns of coloured gems to be aligned in threes to clear them, horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The clear concept, the progressive rise in tension and the satisfaction of chains make it an ideal companion of the genre, perfect for short sessions or versus. The hypnotic sound design left a mark. For a classic puzzle fan, someone curious about the genre's pillars or a player after cerebral relaxation, the title keeps a timeless effectiveness and charm.
