"A Timeless Classic"

This is proof that gaming brings families together. Regardless of the fact that my Dad was always that much better than me, we've spent some of our best times together with this game. This is one of those games that is a true gem and can be enjoyed by anyone. Except the ignorant.

Graphics
Not much to say here. The jewels look greatly detailed for the era, and still hold their own against the 2D games of 2005. The backgrounds are quite intriguing and a perfect setting to the game's Romanesque theme. The title screen does a great job of exhibiting this theme. High marks for the visual side of things.

Audio
Atropos, Lathesis and Clotho. The three tracks in the game. May not seem like much. But it's a puzzle game, that's all you need. They are not annoying or repetitive and like the visuals they reflect the Romanesque theme of the game. Some of the most fitting tracks I've heard in a puzzle game. General sound effects are all up to par as well. Well done here.

Gameplay
In a place of superior audio and visual, where does the gameplay fit in? It's even better than the two aformentioned criteria. So simple, yet so effective. People identify this as a Tetris clone. The only comparison is the falling blocks. Columns has a much better principle. Get three in a row. Not a full line. And somewhere, someone must have agreed this was good as many, many games spawned from this principle as well as the jewels. Ie. Bejewelled.

Storyline
It's a puzzle game. Not necessary.

Multiplayer
The multiplayer concept is just two single player games on the same screen. This may seem like a let-down, but it's one of those games that you relax to. And two people relaxing can create some pretty in-depth conversation. Games that do this are great. So although others might disagree, I rate the multiplayer high.

Rent or buy?
It's 2006 as of this writing. If you can find a place that still rents Megadrive (or Genesis) games by all means rent it. But in this day and age, you can buy it for rental prices.

10/10. Everything it sets out to be.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/24/06