Columns (1990)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Columns: A Timeless Puzzle Gem from the Golden Age of Arcade Gaming

Released in 1990 by Sega, Columns is a captivating puzzle game that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant visuals, and memorable music have made it a beloved classic among gamers of all ages.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Falling Jewels

Columns takes place in a vertical playfield consisting of a grid of 8 columns and 12 rows. Players control a cursor that can move left, right, and down. The objective of the game is to arrange three or more jewels of the same color horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to make them disappear.

Jewels fall from the top of the screen in a continuous stream, and players must rotate and drop them strategically to create matching combinations. If a column reaches the top of the screen, the game is over.

Ancient Phoenicia: A Captivating Setting

Columns is set in the ancient world of Phoenicia, a civilization renowned for its maritime trade and cultural achievements. The game’s visuals and music evoke the exotic and mysterious atmosphere of this bygone era.

The playfield is adorned with hieroglyphs and ancient symbols, and the background music features a haunting melody that transports players to a realm of ancient wonders.

Power-Ups and Special Gems

In addition to the standard gameplay, Columns also features a variety of power-ups and special gems that add an extra layer of excitement.

  • Bomb: Destroys all jewels in a 3×3 area.
  • Laser: Destroys a horizontal row of jewels.
  • Rainbow: Changes all jewels to the same color.
  • Time Freeze: Pauses the falling jewels for a short period.

Legacy and Impact

Columns was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1990s. It was ported to numerous home consoles and personal computers, and it has remained a popular choice for puzzle game enthusiasts to this day.

The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay and timeless appeal have inspired numerous clones and sequels over the years, including Puyo Puyo, Tetris Attack, and Bejeweled.

Critical Reception

Columns received widespread praise from critics for its innovative gameplay, vibrant visuals, and catchy music.

  • AllGame: “Columns is a classic puzzle game that is still fun and addictive today.”
  • IGN: “Columns is a simple game to learn, but it’s hard to master. It’s a great choice for puzzle fans of all ages.”
  • GameSpot: “Columns is a timeless puzzle gem that deserves a place in any gamer’s collection.”

Conclusion

Columns is a true masterpiece of puzzle gaming. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, captivating setting, and timeless appeal have made it a beloved classic that continues to entertain and challenge players of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Columns is a game that is sure to captivate and delight.

Review Score

7.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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