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

Sega8bit.com	SEGA Master System	Nov 06, 2004	10 out of 10	100
Raze	SEGA Master System	Feb, 1991	90 out of 100	90
Retro Archives	SEGA Master System	Aug 23, 2018	17.5 out of 20	88
Power Play	Arcade	Jun, 1990	4 out of 5	80
Eurogamer.net (UK)	Wii	Jan 23, 2007		80
ASM (Aktueller Software Markt)	SEGA Master System	Oct, 1990	9 out of 12	75
Pixel-Heroes.de	Genesis	Nov, 2003	7 out of 10	70
All Game Guide	Genesis	1999		70
Power Play	SEGA Master System	Dec, 1990	63 out of 100	63
Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM)	SEGA Master System	Sep, 1990	22 out of 40	55

Forums

Topic	# Posts	Last Post
distinctive music	2	雷堂嬢太朗 -raido.jotaro- (60767) Aug 20, 2013
AI rating	2	formercontrib (159487) 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.