Why Columns Is the Most Underrated Puzzle Arcade Game
0๐น Game Name: Columns
๐ Alternate Names: Columns: The Arcade Classic
๐
Release Date: April 1990
๐ซ Genre: Puzzle
๐จ ๐ป โ๐ป Developers: Sega
๐จ ๐ป โ๐ป Publishers: Sega
๐ข Max Players: 2
โ Cooperative: No
๐น Game Introduction:
Columns is Segaโs vibrant answer to the puzzle craze that swept arcades in the late '80s and early '90s. Offering fast-paced vertical puzzle action with a Greco-Roman flair, it became a signature title for Sega's arcade legacy.
๐น Game Description:
In Columns, players manipulate falling columns of three symbols (jewels or shapes) to align matches of three or more in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines. The elegant music and minimalist aesthetic distinguish it from other puzzle games of its time.
๐ด Game Play:
๐ ๐ป Players rotate vertical trios of symbols to align matching sets.
๐ ๐ป Matched columns vanish, causing upper blocks to fall and potentially create combos.
๐ ๐ป The game speeds up as players progress, increasing difficulty.
๐ ๐ป Multiplayer mode allows head-to-head competition.
๐ ๐ป Different visual and audio themes keep gameplay fresh.
๐ Background & History:
Columns was inspired by traditional match-three games and became a direct rival to Tetris. Sega saw the potential in puzzle-based arcade titles and designed Columns to showcase the Sega System C hardware, promoting it in arcades worldwide.
๐ฃ Cheats, Tricks, Bugs, and Easter Eggs:
๐ ๐ป Holding certain buttons during the title screen can adjust difficulty or reveal hidden messages in some cabinet versions.
๐ ๐ป Special symbol configurations trigger chain reactions that can clear most of the board if placed properly.
๐ฑ โ๐ป Hacks:
๐ ๐ป Some unofficial arcade ROMs have been modified to include endless mode or altered speeds for training purposes.
๐ Trivia:
๐ ๐ป Columns was one of the first puzzle games to introduce diagonal matching mechanics.
๐ ๐ป The music "Clotho" from Columns is considered one of the most calming arcade tunes of the era.
๐ ๐ป It became a bundled title on Sega's Game Gear and Genesis after arcade success.
๐ ๐ป Columns inspired several sequels and spin-offs including Columns II and Columns III.
๐ Lonster's Review:
Columns is pure arcade hypnotism. It draws you in with its simplicity but keeps you coming back with escalating speed and combo madness. It's a quiet classic that punches way above its weight in addictiveness. That calm soundtrack? A banger in disguise.
๐ Legacy:
Columns carved a niche in the puzzle genre and helped Sega stay competitive during the rise of puzzle dominance in arcades. It proved the marketability of puzzle titles beyond the home console.
โจ Cultural Impact:
Columns not only reinforced puzzle mechanics in gaming but also made a strong cultural mark with its soothing visuals and musicโstill celebrated in retro compilations today.
๐ญ Lonster's Final Thoughts:
This gem doesnโt need flash to shine. Itโs pure strategy, flow, and subtle pressure. A sleeper arcade legend that deserves more respect on every leaderboard.
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