Columns

Columns (World) is a puzzle game released for the Sega Genesis in 1990, published and developed by Sega. It arrived during the early years of the 16-bit console era, when falling-block puzzles were all the rage following Tetris's success. This version is a worldwide release, meaning it worked across multiple regions with minimal changes. The game's premise is simple: stack falling jewels to create chains, but it adds its own twist to the formula that sets it apart from contemporary puzzlers. Players control a vertical column of three different colored jewels as it descends from the top of the playfield. You can move the column left and right, rotate the order of the jewels within it, and drop it faster. The goal is to line up three or more jewels of the same color in a row, whether horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Matching sets vanishes those jewels, causing everything above to fall and potentially creating chain reactions. If the pile reaches the top, the game ends. The core loop is straightforward but demands quick thinking as the speed gradually increases. What makes Columns worth revisiting today is its clean, addictive design. It doesn't try to be a full-scale epic; it's a focused, one-more-go kind of game that fits perfectly in short bursts. Compared to Tetris, the diagonal matching adds a layer of spatial planning that keeps it fresh. For fans of classic puzzle games, Columns remains a solid choice on the Genesis, especially if you appreciate its vibrant gem graphics and cheerful soundtrack. It may be simple, but that simplicity is its strength, making it easy to pick up and hard to put down.