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Columns III - Revenge of Columns (USA)

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Getting to Know Columns III - Revenge of Columns

SEGA Genesis
Puzzle
5· 0 votes

Columns III - Revenge of Columns is a puzzle game for the Sega Genesis, released in 1993 in North America. It's the third entry in Sega's Columns series, following the same gem-matching formula that made the original a hit. Published by Sega, this version adds a competitive edge with its "Revenge" mode, pitting you against an AI opponent. If you played the first two games, you'll recognize the core concept, but this one leans harder into head-to-head play. You control a vertical stack of three colored gems that falls from the top of the screen. Your goal is to arrange them so that three or more of the same color line up, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. You can move the stack left or right and rotate it so the gems swap positions. When you complete a match, those gems disappear. In Revenge mode, clearing gems sends garbage blocks to your opponent's side, while they do the same to you. It's a race to see who can survive and keep their board clear. What makes this one stand out is the added tension of battling an AI (or a friend) in real time. For fans of puzzle games on the Genesis, Columns III offers a twist on the familiar formula that's more than just a straight sequel. It's not as famous as Tetris or Dr. Mario, but it holds its own as a solid competitive puzzle game from the early '90s. If you enjoy quick-thinking match games with a bit of pressure from an opponent, this is worth a look.

GAME INFO

Platform: SEGA Genesis
Genre: Puzzle
Released: 1993
Players: 1-2
Region: USA

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How to play Columns III - Revenge of Columns online

Getting Started: Start by selecting a mode from the title screen. The main attraction is Revenge mode, where you face a computer opponent. Use the D-Pad to move the falling gems left or right, and press the A button to rotate the gem order. Press B to swap the top and bottom gems in the stack. The goal is to line up three or more gems of the same color to make them vanish. In Revenge mode, clearing gems sends garbage blocks to your opponent's side, so you want to set up combos for maximum damage. The core loop is straightforward: gems keep falling, you keep matching. If the board fills to the top, you lose. Watch your opponent's side to time your attacks and try to force them into a tight spot. There's also a one-player mode that lets you play for score without the AI pressure. Start with the basic rule that rows of three or more in any direction disappear, and experiment with swapping gems to create chains. The game gives you a small preview of the next three gems, so plan ahead.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button
S: B button
Z: C button
A: X button (6-button pad)
Q: Y button (6-button pad)
E: Z button (6-button pad)
Enter: Start / Mode

Columns III - Revenge of Columns FAQ

Who developed Columns III - Revenge of Columns?

Columns III was developed by Sega, the company behind the original Columns and many other arcade and console hits from the 16-bit era.

Can players save progress in Columns III - Revenge of Columns?

The cartridge does not include a save function for game progress. It uses a password system to let you continue from certain levels in the single-player mode, and high scores are retained during a session but lost when the system is turned off.

Is there anything iconic or memorable about Columns III - Revenge of Columns?

The "Revenge" subtitle refers to a story where a sentient flower seeks payback for being crushed in the previous game. This silly narrative and the two-player competitive mode give the game a distinct personality among puzzle titles on the Genesis.

All SEGA Genesis games