Columns

"Say Goodnight, Tetris, Columns is here to stay"

Columns. Such a simple idea, yet such an addicting game. Who ever thought that Tetris could be out stepped by another game - that another game, with a different form of play, could actually be made in this category? Unlike Tetris, this game works only with straight, three piece rods, but follows the same ''Match 3 Patterns'' idea. The only difference being, Columns came out on a system that hardly any people had. So, sadly, Columns hasn't been recognized for its real worth, and is lost to most game lovers today.

Gameplay - 8/10 - This game is fun. There are two modes - Original, in which you just play until the screen gets filled past the top, and rack up points, or flash, in which you have to ''Match & Kill'' a certain piece at the bottom center of the screen to win. You can also play against a friend if you connect your Sega Gamegears with a cable. This makes for a lot of different gameplay, and a lot of fun. This not mentioning the 3 levels of difficult, the chosen heights of the game area, and your basic luck. This is a great game for a car trip, or just plain to waste a lot of time, as you can play and play for hours. Not being plot oriented, or rather, being fast, if you're good at Columns, the games can last forever. Or how long the six batteries this handheld system eats up last. Either or.

Soundtrack - 8/10 - I tend to keep my Gamegear in the muted position, as I usually play it with others around and they don't appreciate the music it blares as much as I do. Either way, the game gives you three music selections, A, B & C - much like Tetris - and lets you chose. You don't like them, just turn the volume down and put on your own music. No loss. The music is good, but, after all, it comes from a tiny machine. For the system it is very good, but overall, it's all right. No great plusses hear.

Graphics - 10/10 - I don't know what graphics you're looking for, but there are alternate piece designs for the wanting gamer, ranging from numbered dice to random fruits, and the game is, as it is with the Gamegear, in color. It truly does make the game better, as it is easier to see than black and white. I enjoyed it more.

Replayability - 10/10 - This game is just plain fun, and, being a random puzzle game, can be played over and over without repetition. Meaning, if you like the game, you can play it for as long as you like. As I said before, it is a great companion for trips or boring excursions. Overall, it is a very good game, and better than Tetris, in my opinion.

Overall:

Gameplay - 8/10
Soundtrack - 8/10
Graphics - 10/10
Replayability - 10/10

Overall - 9

To Buy or Not to Buy - I would recommend buying this game as you can find it. It is a definite choice for any true puzzle gamer, or a nice change of pace for anyone who plays and loves Tetris. It's in color, which is nice, and is can be a good game to play with a friend. Whether you are just bored, or are going somewhere boring, bring along Columns, it is worth it! Try Columns today!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/27/02, Updated 07/27/02