Overview
Three jewels fall. Match three or more of the same colour—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—and they vanish. Columns offered an elegant alternative to Tetris with its gem-matching mechanics and soothing presentation. The Game Gear version became many players’ introduction to portable puzzle gaming.
Fast facts
- Developer: Sega.
- Original: Arcade (1990).
- Pack-in: Game Gear launch title.
- Inspiration: Ancient jewel motifs.
Gameplay mechanics
| Element |
Function |
| Falling columns |
Three stacked jewels |
| Rotation |
Cycle jewel order |
| Matching |
Three or more same colour |
| Chains |
Sequential matches |
Match directions
| Direction |
Scoring |
| Horizontal |
Standard |
| Vertical |
Standard |
| Diagonal |
Standard |
| Chain reactions |
Bonus multiplier |
Game modes
| Mode |
Description |
| Original |
Endless high score |
| Flash |
Clear target jewels |
| Doubles |
Two-player versus |
| Platform |
Note |
| Arcade |
Original |
| Mega Drive |
Console standard |
| Game Gear |
Portable pack-in |
| Master System |
8-bit version |
Versus Tetris
| Aspect |
Columns |
Tetris |
| Pieces |
3 jewels |
4 blocks |
| Matching |
Colours |
Lines |
| Control |
Cycle order |
Rotate shape |
| Pace |
Generally slower |
Faster |
Audio
| Element |
Quality |
| Music |
Classical/orchestral style |
| Atmosphere |
Relaxing |
| Memorable |
“Clotho” theme |
Series
| Title |
Year |
| Columns |
1990 |
| Columns II |
1990 |
| Columns III |
1993 |
| Super Columns |
1995 |
See also