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Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World (Japan)

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Getting to Know Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World

SEGA Genesis
Puzzle
5· 0 votes

Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World hit Japanese Sega Genesis/Mega Drive systems in 1995, exclusive to the region. This is a puzzle game in the long-running Columns series, published by Sega. If you're familiar with the original Columns or its sequel, this one builds on that gem-matching formula with some new twists. You control falling columns of three colored gems, rotating and positioning them to line up three or more of the same color horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The goal is to clear gems before they stack to the top. This entry adds a 'Taiketsu' (versus) mode where you compete against a computer opponent by causing their stack to rise faster through chain reactions. There are also standard single-player modes with increasing difficulty. For retro puzzle fans, Columns III is a solid entry that refines the classic gameplay without reinventing the wheel. It's fast-paced and requires quick thinking, especially in versus mode. Since it never left Japan, it's a bit of a hidden gem for English-speaking collectors. If you enjoy Tetris or Puyo Puyo, this will feel familiar but unique enough to keep you hooked.

GAME INFO

Platform: SEGA Genesis
Genre: Puzzle
Released: 1995
Players: 1-2
Region: Japan

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How to play Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World online

Getting Started When you boot up Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World, you'll see a title screen in Japanese. Press Start to proceed to the main menu. The options are in Japanese, but the cursor highlights the first choice - press Start again to begin a single-player game. For versus mode, move the cursor down (using Down Arrow) and press Start. Once in a game, a column of three gems falls from the top. Use the Arrow Keys to move it left or right, and press Z (Y button) to rotate the order of the gems. Your goal is to drop the column so that three or more gems of the same color line up in any direction. Matching clears those gems and scores points. If the pile reaches the top, it's game over. In versus mode, clearing multiple chains sends a penalty column to your opponent, raising their stack. Timing your drops and watching for upcoming gems is key. The game speeds up as you progress, so stay focused. Since menus are entirely in Japanese, trial and error might be needed to explore options like difficulty settings - but the core gameplay is straightforward.

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 - Taiketsu! Columns World FAQ

Who developed Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World?

Sega published the game, but the specific development studio is not widely documented for this title.

Can players save progress in Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World?

No save feature exists - it uses a standard password system to continue from certain levels, if any. Most play sessions are played start to finish.

Is Columns III - Taiketsu! Columns World considered easy to pick up or challenging?

The basic gem-matching rules are simple to learn in minutes, but reaching high scores and competing in versus mode demands fast reflexes and strategic planning.

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