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Columns

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Arcade

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...

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Developer
Sega Enterprises

Released on
1990

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Puzzle

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

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

Overview & History

Released by Sega in 1990, *Columns* is a mesmerizing puzzle masterpiece that traded the blocky aesthetics of contemporary falling-block games for an ancient, mythological Phoenician and Greco-Roman aesthetic. Created by Jay Geertsen with subsequent design refinements by Sega, the arcade original introduced a distinct strategic depth to the tile-matching genre. Instead of rotating connected shapes, players manage vertical descending pillars composed of three independent, shifting jewels. Set against a backdrop of shimmering ancient ruins and accompanied by timeless, hypnotic chiptune melodies by Tokuhiko Uwabo, *Columns* stands as one of the most hypnotic and visually elegant puzzle experiences of the 16-bit era, challenging players to align glittering gems horizontally, vertically, or diagonally before the well overflows.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The core gameplay revolves around jewels of various colors descending from the top of the playfield in stacks of three. While the pillar falls, the player can instantly cycle the top gem to the bottom of the trio, altering the color sequence to prepare for placement. When three or more matching gems touch horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, they vanish, causing any suspended jewels above to cascade downward and potentially trigger satisfying chain reactions. The arcade version introduces escalating speed tiers and randomized "Magic Jewels"—multi-colored artifacts that instantly obliterate all gems of a specific color currently present on the grid, providing a crucial lifeline during frantic end-game panics. Survival requires forward-thinking spatial awareness, as the board fills rapidly and leaves zero room for error.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move the falling jewel pillar left/right or drop faster
Action Keys: Cycle the three-gem color sequence (Up/Down or designated buttons)
Enter: Start / Pause the game