Columns

"Game Gear's answer to Tetris!"

As you might know, Tetris is what made the Game Boy. Sega, releasing the Game Gear (the Game Boys rival) knew this and so counter attacked with a similar puzzle game of its own. So how does it fair up?

Gameplay - 9/10
Just like any good puzzle game, its easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. Columns of different coloured or shaped blocks fall from the top of the screen, and you can change the order of these blocks as they fall. When that column rests on the bottom or above another column, you take control of another column that will fall.

The aim is to match up three or more of the same shape or colour blocks, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. When you have, they will disappear and points will be added to your score, and the blocks you just got rid of adds to your block total. The blocks above then fall down to rest where the old ones were. The longer you play the higher the levels get - the higher the level, the faster the columns will fall. You will keep on going until the blocks the reach the very top of the screen, and when that happens, its game over.

This game is VERY addictive, and although similar to tetris, it feels somewhat new at the same time. You can change the options to play with, like the speed, and more block types so that making combos is harder. There is also another mode, Flash, with a flash block under lots of rows and you have to work your way down and get rid of it. And on top of that, there is a multiplayer mode where you compete against a friend - but they have to have an extra Game Gear, Columns cart and link cable. But if you can get that, then its fantastic and makes the game alot longer. Despite all this, I think that more modes could have been offered more variation, which would have been nice. Overall, it plays just as good as tetris.

Graphics - 8/10
Nothing earth shattering, but they work well. Clear and easy to the eye, nothing overly complex and nothing overly simple, it makes playing columns alot easier.

Sound - 8/10
Simple tunes that you can change at will at the games menu. There are three to choose from, and with there being a variations between them, you will not get bored with them in a hurry. Very nice stuff indeed.

Replay Value - 9/10
Its very addictive and will last you for ages. Although there is only two modes, there is a bunch of options under each that will vary the gameplay making it last longer. Coupled with a great multiplayer, you will be playing this for ages yet. Shame that the Game Gears sucks up battery power so fast; you could spend a fortune playing this thing!! ^_^

Rent or Buy - BUY
If you own a Game Gear, own this also. It shouldn't be that expensive either, so get it in!

Conclusion - 9/10
Buy it as soon as possible. There is little that could go wrong with this title, so you would be a fool not to get this. Very highly recommended.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/22/03, Updated 05/22/03