Columns

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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.

Screenshots

Promo Images

Alternate Titles

• "コラムス 対戦モード付き" -- PC-88 / PC-98 / X68000 Japanese spelling
• "Shapes and Columns" -- Brazilian title
• "コラムス" -- Game Gear / Genesis / MSX / (TurboGrafx-16 back cover / media) Japanese spelling

Part of the Following Group

• Columns series

User Reviews

More colourful than tetris	Genesis	emmamomocat (33)
Columns--a so-so kind of game	Genesis	paul cairey (359)

Critic Reviews

Ação Games	Genesis	Jun, 1991		100
Retro Archives	Genesis	Aug 23, 2018	18 out of 20	90
Retro Archives	Game Gear	Aug 23, 2018	17 out of 20	85
ASM (Aktueller Software Markt)	Game Gear	Nov, 1990	9.6 out of 12	80
Eurogamer.net (UK)	Wii	Jan 23, 2007		80
Power Play	Arcade	Jun, 1990	4 out of 5	80
VideoGame	SEGA Master System	May, 1991		80
Power Play	Genesis	Sep, 1990	77 out of 100	77
Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)	Genesis	Nov, 1990	25 out of 40	62
Sega-16.com	Genesis	Jul 31, 2004	3 out of 10	30

Forums

Topic	# Posts	Last Post
distinctive music	2	雷堂嬢太朗 -raido.jotaro- (60748) Aug 20, 2013
AI rating	2	formercontrib (159355) Dec 26, 2010

Trivia

1001 Video Games

Columns appears in the book 1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die by General Editor Tony Mott.