Summary
- Release Year: 1993
- Genres: Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Wii
Columns III (1993)
Columns III is a puzzle video game developed and published by Sega. It was released in arcades in 1993 and ported to the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and Game Boy in 1994. The game is the third installment in the Columns series, and it introduces several new features and gameplay modes.
The goal of Columns III is to arrange the blocks of jewels falling from the top of the screen. If three or more jewels of the same color are lined up vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, they disappear. The player must prevent the jewels from piling up to the top of the screen, or they will lose the game.
Columns III introduces several new features to the series, including the ability to rotate the falling jewels and the addition of a new type of jewel, the “rainbow jewel.” Rainbow jewels can be matched with any other color jewel, making them very valuable for clearing large groups of jewels.
The game also features a variety of different gameplay modes, including a single-player mode, a two-player competitive mode, and a puzzle mode. The puzzle mode features over 100 different puzzles to solve, each with its own unique challenge.
Columns III was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular puzzle game today.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Columns III is simple to learn but difficult to master. The player controls a cursor that can be moved left and right along the bottom of the screen. The player can rotate the falling jewels by pressing the A button and drop them into place by pressing the B button.
The player must arrange the jewels in such a way that three or more jewels of the same color are lined up vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. When this happens, the jewels will disappear and the player will score points. The player must prevent the jewels from piling up to the top of the screen, or they will lose the game.
Columns III features a variety of different gameplay modes, including:
- Single-player mode: The player plays against the computer. The computer will gradually increase the difficulty of the game as the player progresses.
- Two-player competitive mode: Two players compete against each other to see who can score the most points.
- Puzzle mode: The player must solve over 100 different puzzles. Each puzzle has its own unique challenge.
Graphics and sound
The graphics in Columns III are colorful and vibrant. The jewels are rendered in great detail, and the backgrounds are varied and interesting. The game also features a catchy soundtrack that adds to the overall atmosphere.
Critical reception
Columns III was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the “Best Puzzle Game of the Year” award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.
Legacy
Columns III is considered to be one of the best puzzle games of all time. It has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular puzzle game today. The game has also been featured in several video game anthologies, including the Sega Genesis Collection and the Sega Saturn Collection.
Conclusion
Columns III is a classic puzzle game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music make it a timeless classic. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging puzzle game to play, Columns III is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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