Columns (all games)
Columns
Manufacturer: Sega, 1990
Description:
Sega's answer to the legendary Tetris, its rule are fairly simple :
a column of 3 square pieces - stacked one on top of the other -
drops from the top of the screen into the play area. As with Tetris,
the column puzzle pieces can be moved left and right as they fall,
but unlike Tetris, they cannot be rotated. Instead, pressing a
button will cause the order of the colored blocks in a column to
shift by one position.
The object of the game is to place columns at the bottom of the pit
in such a way that lines of 3 or more like-colored blocks are
created (either horizontally, vertically or diagonally). When this
happens, these blocks disappear, and any blocks resting upon them
immediately fall onto the recently vacated space. This will often
cause additional lines to be arranged, producing a 'cascade' effect.
The key to a long game (and, ultimately, a high score) is to set up
these cascades wherever possible.
While not achieving the same legendary status as the mighty Tetris
(something that no puzzle game can realistically hope to achieve),
the Columns series has managed to garner a dedicated following of
its own and is a respected example of the genre.
Video link: click
here.
Columns 2
Manufacturer: Sega, 1990
Description:
Again, simply align 3 or more items of the same colour vertically,
horizontally or diagonally. This special sequel was released soon
after the first game.
Columns 3: The Revenge of
Columns
Manufacturer: Sega, 1993
Description:
This provides a few path options to take.
Stack Columns
Manufacturer: Sega, 1994
Description:
This provides more path options and even computer opponents to fight
against.
Super Columns
Manufacturer: Sega, 1995
Description:
This version was produced mainly for play on the Sega Game Gear.
Columns '97
Manufacturer: Sega, 1996
Description:
Sets of colored jewels fall in random order. The object of the game
is to arrange the jewels vertically, horizontally or diagonally in
rows of three or more to make them disappear.
Hanagumi Taisen Columns
Manufacturer: Sega, 1997
Description:
A competitive variation of Columns featuring characters from the
Sakura Taisen series. The title translates from Japanese as 'Flower
Branch Competition Columns - Cherry Blossom Wars'.
