Difference between revisions of "Columns III: Revenge of Columns"

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{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=ColumnsIII Title.png
 
| bobscreen=ColumnsIII Title.png
−
| publisher=[[Sega]], [[VIC Tokai]] (US)
+
| bobscreen2=ColumnsIII MD JP Title.png
−
| developer=[[Sega]], [[Minato Giken]] (programming)
+
| tab1=NTSC-U
−
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], Steam
+
| tab2=NTSC-J
−
| romsize=512kB
+
| publisher={{company|[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.]]|system=MD|region=JP}}
−
| sounddriver=
+
{{company|[[VIC Tokai Inc.]]|system=MD|region=US}}
−
| peripherals=
+
{{company|[[Samsung]]|system=MD|region=South Korea}}
−
| releases={{releases
+
| developer={{company|[[Sega CS1]],{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230823155118/https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050301/p2}} [[Minato Giken]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230823155118/https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050301/p2}} (programming)|system=MD}}
−
| md_date_us=1993-12-17
+
{{company|[[M2]]|system=VC}}
−
| md_code_us=T-23056
+
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]], [[Steam]], [[RealOne Arcade]]
−
| md_date_jp=1993-10-15
+
| licensor={{company|[[Sega]]|system=MD|region=US}}
 +
| sounddriver=[[SMPS Z80]]
 +
| peripherals={{MD}} [[Team Player]]
 +
| players=1-5
 +
| genre=Puzzle{{fileref|ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
 +
| languages={{LanguageList|en|jp}}
 +
| releases={{releasesMD
 +
| md_date_jp=1993-10-15{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200720095133/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html}}
 
| md_rrp_jp=4,800
 
| md_rrp_jp=4,800
 
| md_code_jp=G-4108
 
| md_code_jp=G-4108
 +
| md_date_us=1994-03{{magref|gamepro|56|174}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{magref|gameplayers|0706|54}}
 +
| md_code_us=T-23056
 +
| md_rating_us=ga
 
| md_date_kr=199x
 
| md_date_kr=199x
 
| md_code_kr=GM93046JG
 
| md_code_kr=GM93046JG
−
| steam_date_eu=2010-10-26
+
| md_date_as=199x
−
| steam_rrp_uk=1.99
+
}}
−
| steam_date_us=2010-10-26
+
{{releasesArcade
−
| steam_rrp_us=2.99
+
| megaplay_date_jp=199x
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesWii
 
{{releasesWii
−
| vc_date_jp=2007-12-11
+
| vc_date_jp=2007-12-11{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20180305224214/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/06.html}}
−
| vc_rrp_jp=600
+
| vc_rrp_jp=600{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20071211111850/http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_columns3/}}
−
| vc_date_us=2008-02-04
+
| vc_rating_jp=a
−
| vc_rrp_us=800
+
| vc_date_us=2008-02-04{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101122224547/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/9XqQscz_7ofww9ceFpdAa4ENqzOWIim2}}
−
| vc_date_eu=2008-05-02
+
| vc_rrp_us=800{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20101122224547/http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/9XqQscz_7ofww9ceFpdAa4ENqzOWIim2}}
−
| vc_rrp_eu=900
+
| vc_rating_us=e
 +
| vc_date_eu=2008-05-02{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170614013606/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/columns_iii_revenge_of_columns}}{{ref|https://archive.is/3ULrZ|https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/Console-virtuelle-Wii-/Columns-III-Revenge-of-Columns-276731.html}}
 +
| vc_rrp_eu=900{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20170614013606/http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/columns_iii_revenge_of_columns}}
 +
| vc_rating_eu=3
 +
| vc_date_au=2008-05
 +
| vc_rrp_au=900{{ref|1=http://web.archive.org/web/20120403030330/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=41&prod_id=19730&pageID=4}}
 +
| vc_rating_au=g
 +
}}
 +
{{releasesDigital
 +
| realone_date_us=2002-11-14{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20040802233224/http://games.real.com/allgames.php?mode=spnav}}
 +
| realone_rrp_us=
 +
 
 +
| steam_date_eu=2010-10-26{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20160806080312/https://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steam_rrp_eu=2.49{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130522200934/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steam_code_eu=34317
 +
| steam_rating_eu=3
 +
| steam_date_uk=2010-10-26{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20160806080312/https://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steam_rrp_uk=1.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130522200934/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steam_code_uk=34317
 +
| steam_rating_uk=3
 +
| steam_date_us=2010-10-26{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20160806080312/https://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
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| steam_rrp_us=2.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130522200934/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steam_code_us=34317
 +
| steam_rating_us=e
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| steam_date_au=2010-10-26{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20160806080312/https://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
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| steam_rrp_au=3.49{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20130522200934/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steam_code_au=34317
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| steam_rating_au=g
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 +
| steamlinux_date_eu=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/34317/history/?changeid=5755289}}
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| steamlinux_rrp_eu=0.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
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| steamlinux_code_eu=34317
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| steamlinux_rating_eu=3
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| steamlinux_date_uk=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/34317/history/?changeid=5755289}}
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| steamlinux_rrp_uk=0.79{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
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| steamlinux_code_uk=34317
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| steamlinux_rating_uk=3
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| steamlinux_rrp_us=0.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
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| steamlinux_code_us=34317
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| steamlinux_rating_us=e
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| steamlinux_date_au=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/34317/history/?changeid=5755289}}
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| steamlinux_rrp_au=1.35{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steamlinux_code_au=34317
 +
| steamlinux_rating_au=g
 +
 
 +
| steamosx_date_eu=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/34317/history/?changeid=5755289}}
 +
| steamosx_rrp_eu=0.99{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steamosx_code_eu=34317
 +
| steamosx_rating_eu=3
 +
| steamosx_date_uk=2019-02-01{{ref|1=https://steamdb.info/app/34317/history/?changeid=5755289}}
 +
| steamosx_rrp_uk=0.79{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
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| steamosx_code_uk=34317
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| steamosx_rating_uk=3
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| steamosx_code_us=34317
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| steamosx_rating_us=e
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| steamosx_rrp_au=1.35{{ref|http://web.archive.org/web/20190906223344/http://steamdb.info/app/34317/}}
 +
| steamosx_code_au=34317
 +
| steamosx_rating_au=g
 
}}
 
}}
−
| genre=Puzzle
 
−
| vrc=ga
 
−
| cero=a
 
−
| pegi=3
 
−
| oflc=g
 
−
| esrb=e
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''Columns III: Revenge of Columns''''', known as '''''Columns III: Taiketsu! Columns World''''' (コラムスIII 対決！コラムスワールド) in Japan, is an entry in the ''Columns'' series of puzzle games developed by [[Sega]] in 1993 for the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. The game was only released in Japan and the US, with [[VIC Tokai]] publishing it in the US (consequently, the incorrect myth that VIC Tokai also developed the game is very widespread). The game has been brought to the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service.  
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known as '''''Columns III: Taiketsu! Columns World''''' (コラムスIII 対決！コラムスワールド) in Japan, is an entry in the ''Columns'' series of puzzle games developed by [[Sega]] in 1993 for the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. The game was only released in Japan and the US, with [[VIC Tokai]] publishing it in the US (consequently, the incorrect myth that VIC Tokai also developed the game is very widespread). The game has been brought to the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service.
 +
 
 +
The 5-players multiplayer is supported with [[Team Player]] peripheral that has to be inserted into Port 2 of the [[Sega Mega Drive]]. Game will not recognise controllers if it's inserted into Port 1.
 +
 
 +
A [[Game Gear]] version was shown at [[Winter CES 1994]], but was never released.{{magref|cvg|148|22}}
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
''Columns III'' adds several new gameplay features, including new puzzle modes and up to five simultaneous players. Most notably it introduces the "Crush Bar," a competitive-play gambit which is now a staple feature of the ''Columns'' series appearing in every game since (each time with a different name).
+
''Columns III'' adds several new gameplay features, including new puzzle modes and up to five simultaneous players. It re-introduces the "Crush Bar" from ''[[Columns II: The Voyage Through Time|Columns II]]'', a competitive-play gambit which is now a staple feature of the ''Columns'' series appearing in every game since (each time with a different name). But this time around the players are able to do "Crush Bar" attacks anytime they want instead of having the game do that immediately.
 +
 
 +
''Columns III'' removes the single-player solo mode and brings the focus to competitive play. It's the first ''Columns'' game where the player can play competitively against CPU opponents in a single-player campaign. Like with ''Columns'', the D-Pad moves blocks and {{B}} cycles the jewels. Each player now has a meter under the "next block" bar that counts up from 0 to 30 each time a player removes jewels. Once it goes over 10, the player can hit {{A}} or {{C}} to "crush" whichever jewels are currently falling from the opponent's board, removing them and adding a row of bricks to the bottom of their field called the "Crush Bar." This will also the player's own Crush Bar. In multiplayer games with 3 or more players, {{A}} and {{C}} decide which opponent to crush (to the left or to the right, respectively).
 +
 
 +
After doing several chains in a row a player will get a block containing a glowing jewel, called a Flashing Stone. It must be removed before it stops glowing to do one a random effect on other competitors for a short period of time, such as making their jewels black and white (impairing visibility), flipping the game board upside down, or making them unable to cycle jewels. Most of these are ineffective against CPU players.
  
−
''Columns III'' removes the single-player solo mode and brings the focus to competitive gaming. Like with ''Columns'', the D-pad moves blocks and {{B}} cycles the jewels. Each character now has a meter under the "next block" bar that counts up from 0 to 30 each time a player removes jewels. Once it goes over 10, the player can hit {{A}} or {{C}} to "crush" whichever jewels are currently falling from the opponent's board, removing them and adding a row of bricks to the bottom of his field called the "Crush Bar." This will also lower your own Crush Bar. In multiplayer games with 3 or more players, {{A}} and {{C}} decide which opponent to crush (to the left or to the right, respectively).  
+
A special type of block appears after every 20 removed lines of jewels called a Magic Stone which takes the form of two triangular jewels with a square jewel in between. If the player places the block with the upward pointing triangle touching the jewels on the board, their opponent will be crushed. If they place it with the downward pointing triangle touching, their own Crush Bar will go down. If they place it with the square touching, all jewels on their board of the color of the jewel that is touched will be removed from the board (though no crush points will be awarded for consequential clears).
  
−
Sometimes, one of your jewels will glow. You must remove the glowing jewel, called a Flashing Stone, before it stops glowing in order to do something devious to the competitor for a short period of time, such as making his jewels black and white (impairing visibility), flipping the game board upside down, or making him unable to cycle jewels. Finally, a special type of block sometimes appears called a Magic Stone which takes the form of two triangular jewels with a square jewel in between. If you place the block with the upward pointing triangle touching the jewels on the board, your opponent will be crushed. If you place with the downward pointing triangle touching, your Crush Bar will go down. If you place with the square touching, all jewels on your board of the color of the jewel that is touched will be removed from the board (though no crush points will be awarded for consequential clears).
+
Outside of the single-player campaign, once the field gets filled with considerable amount of jewels, the game sometimes turn one of the jewels in the bottom rows into a Super Flashing Stone, such a situation being somewhat similar to Flash Columns. Removing it causes a powerful effect, such as removing all jewels on player's field or disabling Magic and Flashing Stones for the opponent for the rest of the match.
  
−
The Japanese version of Columns III also includes a 2-on-2 multiplayer mode.
+
The Japanese version of ''Columns III'' also includes a 2-on-2 multiplayer mode. It's similar to a 1-on-1 match with the third and the fourth players playing the supportive role, doing Rock-Paper-Scrissor matches to win boosts for their partner.
  
−
==Production Credits==
+
==Versions==
−
'''Game Design:''' [[Marsh]], [[Kyamura]]<br/>
+
===Localised names===
−
'''Programming:''' Moveq Tab<br/>
+
{{aka
−
'''Graphic Design:''' Kayamame<br/>
+
|us_name=Columns III: Revenge of Columns
−
'''Sound Production:''' [[Ker Akiyan]]<br/>
+
|jp_name=コラムスIII 対決！コラムスワールド
−
'''Assistant Design:''' [[Locky P]]<br/>
+
|jp_trans=Columns III: Confrontation! Columns World
−
'''Data Entry:''' Dance End, Ojyamamusi<br/>
+
|jp_rom=Columns III: Taiketsu! Columns World
−
'''Manual Script:''' Yoikotachi, Winds<br/>
+
}}
−
'''Production:''' XYZ<br/>
+
 
−
'''Special Thanks:''' Koz, Ogy, Yumeko. H, K.M., [[Sunset]], [[Saru Man]]<br/>
+
==Production credits==
−
Presented By [[Sega]]
+
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Game Design:''' [[Marsh]], [[Atsuhiko Nakamura|Kyamura]]
 +
*'''Programming:''' Moveq Tab
 +
*'''Graphic Design:''' Kayamame
 +
*'''Sound Production:''' [[Morihiko Akiyama|Ker Akiyan]]
 +
*'''Assistant Design:''' [[Akinori Nishiyama|Locky P]]
 +
*'''Data Entry:''' Dance End, Ojyamamusi
 +
*'''Manual Script:''' Yoikotachi, Winds
 +
*'''Production:''' XYZ
 +
*'''Special Thanks:''' Koz, [[Katsuhiko Ogikubo|Ogy]], Yumeko. H, K.M., [[Sunset]], [[Saru Man]]
 +
*'''Presented by:''' [[Sega]]
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Columns III MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
{{hr}}
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*[[SiFi-TZK]]
 +
| source=Developer mentions{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20231108071848/https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050301/p2}}
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
  
−
==Promotional Material==
+
==Digital manuals==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
File:ColumnsIII MD US PrintAdvert.jpg|US print advert
+
ColumnsIII Steam manual.pdf|Steam manual
 +
ColumnsIII MD JP MDMini2 manual.pdf|Mega Drive Mini 2 JP manual
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==Physical Scans==
+
==Magazine articles==
−
===Mega Drive Version===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
−
{{ratings
+
 
−
| icon=MD
+
==Promotional material==
−
| egm=74
+
{{gallery
−
| gameplayers=87
+
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
| mega=80
+
|egm|57|103
−
| mega_source={{num|17|page=39}}
+
|gamepro|57|141
−
| mms=85
+
|egm|58|93
−
| mms_source={{num|18|page=95|pdf=MeanMachinesSega18UK.pdf}}
+
}}
−
| segapower=80
+
|{{GalleryPrintAd
−
| segapower_source={{num|56|page=61}}
+
|egm2|2|115
 +
|egm|62|81
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd|bemega|1993-11|2-3}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Physical scans==
 +
===Mega Drive version===
 +
{{ratings|MD}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=Columns3 md jp cart.jpg
 +
| carttop=Columns3 MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
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| cover=ColumnsIII MD US Box.jpg
 
| cover=ColumnsIII MD US Box.jpg
 
| cart=ColumnsIII MD US Cart.jpg
 
| cart=ColumnsIII MD US Cart.jpg
−
| manual=
+
| manual=Columns III MD US Manual.pdf
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
−
| console=Mega Drive
 
−
| region=JP
 
−
| cover=ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg
 
−
| cart=Columns3 md jp cart.jpg
 
−
| manual=
 
−
}}
 
−
{{scanbox
 
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=KR
 
| region=KR
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| cart=Columns3 MD KR cart.jpg
 
| cart=Columns3 MD KR cart.jpg
 
| cartback=Columns3 MD KR cartback.jpg
 
| cartback=Columns3 MD KR cartback.jpg
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=AS
 +
| cover=ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=
 +
| cartback=
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
==External Links==
+
==Technical information==
−
* [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_columns3/ Sega of Japan Virtual Console page (Japanese)]
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
* Sega of Japan Virtual Console pages: [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_columns3/ Mega Drive]
 +
* Nintendo catalogue pages: [https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/9XqQscz_7ofww9ceFpdAa4ENqzOWIim2 US], [http://web.archive.org/web/20120403030330/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=41&prod_id=19730&pageID=4 AU]
 
* [http://store.steampowered.com/app/34317/ ''{{PAGENAME}}'' on Steam]
 
* [http://store.steampowered.com/app/34317/ ''{{PAGENAME}}'' on Steam]
  
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 +
{{ColumnsIIIOmni}}
 
{{Columns}}
 
{{Columns}}
−
 
  
 
[[Category:Mega Play games]]
 
[[Category:Mega Play games]]
 +
[[Category:Mega Drive Mini 2 games]]

Latest revision as of 03:47, 29 November 2024

n/a

  • NTSC-U
  • NTSC-J

ColumnsIII Title.png

ColumnsIII MD JP Title.png

Columns III: Revenge of Columns
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console, Steam, RealOne Arcade
Publisher:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega Enterprises, Ltd. (JP)
Sega Mega Drive
VIC Tokai Inc. (US)
Sega Mega Drive
Samsung (South Korea)
Developer:
Licensor:
Sega Mega Drive
Sega (US)
Sound driver: SMPS Z80
Peripherals supported:
Sega Mega Drive
Team Player
Genre: Puzzle[2][3]

















Number of players: 1-5
Official in-game languages:
  • English
  • 日本語
    • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    JP     		¥4,8004,800 G-4108
    Sega Mega Drive
    US     		$49.9549.95[5] T-23056
    Videogame Rating Council: GA
    Sega Mega Drive
    KR     		GM93046JG
    Sega Mega Drive
    AS
    Arcade (Mega Play)
    JP    		 ¥? ?

























    Wii Virtual Console
    JP ▼     		600pts600[7]
    CERO: A
    Wii Virtual Console
    US ▼     		800pts800[8]
    ESRB: Everyone
    Wii Virtual Console
    EU ▼     		900pts900[9]
    PEGI: 3+
    Wii Virtual Console
    AU ▼     		900pts900[11]
    OFLC: General (G)
    RealOne Arcade
    US ▼
    Steam
    US ▼     		$2.992.99[14] 34317
    ESRB: Everyone
    Steam
    EU ▼     		€2.492.49[14] 34317
    PEGI: 3+
    Steam
    UK ▼     		£1.991.99[14] 34317
    PEGI: 3+
    Steam
    AU ▼     		$3.493.49[14] 34317
    OFLC: General (G)
    Steam Linux
    US ▼     		$0.990.99[16] 34317
    ESRB: Everyone
    Steam Linux
    EU ▼     		€0.990.99[16] 34317
    PEGI: 3+
    Steam Linux
    UK ▼     		£0.790.79[16] 34317
    PEGI: 3+
    Steam Linux
    AU ▼     		$1.351.35[16] 34317
    OFLC: General (G)
    Steam OS X
    US ▼     		$0.990.99[16] 34317
    ESRB: Everyone
    Steam OS X
    EU ▼     		€0.990.99[16] 34317
    PEGI: 3+
    Steam OS X
    UK ▼     		£0.790.79[16] 34317
    PEGI: 3+
    Steam OS X
    AU ▼     		$1.351.35[16] 34317
    OFLC: General (G)

    Columns III: Revenge of Columns, known as Columns III: Taiketsu! Columns World (コラムスIII 対決！コラムスワールド) in Japan, is an entry in the Columns series of puzzle games developed by Sega in 1993 for the Sega Mega Drive. The game was only released in Japan and the US, with VIC Tokai publishing it in the US (consequently, the incorrect myth that VIC Tokai also developed the game is very widespread). The game has been brought to the Wii's Virtual Console service.

    The 5-players multiplayer is supported with Team Player peripheral that has to be inserted into Port 2 of the Sega Mega Drive. Game will not recognise controllers if it's inserted into Port 1.

    A Game Gear version was shown at Winter CES 1994, but was never released.[17]

    Gameplay

    Columns III adds several new gameplay features, including new puzzle modes and up to five simultaneous players. It re-introduces the "Crush Bar" from Columns II, a competitive-play gambit which is now a staple feature of the Columns series appearing in every game since (each time with a different name). But this time around the players are able to do "Crush Bar" attacks anytime they want instead of having the game do that immediately.

    Columns III removes the single-player solo mode and brings the focus to competitive play. It's the first Columns game where the player can play competitively against CPU opponents in a single-player campaign. Like with Columns, the D-Pad moves blocks and B cycles the jewels. Each player now has a meter under the "next block" bar that counts up from 0 to 30 each time a player removes jewels. Once it goes over 10, the player can hit A or C to "crush" whichever jewels are currently falling from the opponent's board, removing them and adding a row of bricks to the bottom of their field called the "Crush Bar." This will also the player's own Crush Bar. In multiplayer games with 3 or more players, A and C decide which opponent to crush (to the left or to the right, respectively).

    After doing several chains in a row a player will get a block containing a glowing jewel, called a Flashing Stone. It must be removed before it stops glowing to do one a random effect on other competitors for a short period of time, such as making their jewels black and white (impairing visibility), flipping the game board upside down, or making them unable to cycle jewels. Most of these are ineffective against CPU players.

    A special type of block appears after every 20 removed lines of jewels called a Magic Stone which takes the form of two triangular jewels with a square jewel in between. If the player places the block with the upward pointing triangle touching the jewels on the board, their opponent will be crushed. If they place it with the downward pointing triangle touching, their own Crush Bar will go down. If they place it with the square touching, all jewels on their board of the color of the jewel that is touched will be removed from the board (though no crush points will be awarded for consequential clears).

    Outside of the single-player campaign, once the field gets filled with considerable amount of jewels, the game sometimes turn one of the jewels in the bottom rows into a Super Flashing Stone, such a situation being somewhat similar to Flash Columns. Removing it causes a powerful effect, such as removing all jewels on player's field or disabling Magic and Flashing Stones for the opponent for the rest of the match.

    The Japanese version of Columns III also includes a 2-on-2 multiplayer mode. It's similar to a 1-on-1 match with the third and the fourth players playing the supportive role, doing Rock-Paper-Scrissor matches to win boosts for their partner.

    Versions

    Localised names

    Also known as
    Language Localised Name English Translation
    English (US) Columns III: Revenge of Columns Columns III: Revenge of Columns
    Japanese コラムスIII 対決！コラムスワールド Columns III: Taiketsu! Columns World

    Production credits

    • Game Design: Marsh, Kyamura
    • Programming: Moveq Tab
    • Graphic Design: Kayamame
    • Sound Production: Ker Akiyan
    • Assistant Design: Locky P
    • Data Entry: Dance End, Ojyamamusi
    • Manual Script: Yoikotachi, Winds
    • Production: XYZ
    • Special Thanks: Koz, Ogy, Yumeko. H, K.M., Sunset, Saru Man
    • Presented by: Sega
    Source:
    In-game credits
    Columns III MD credits.pdf
    [18]
    Source:
    Developer mentions[19]


    Digital manuals

    • Steam manual

    • Mega Drive Mini 2 JP manual

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Columns III: Revenge of Columns/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #57: "April 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
    also published in:
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in EGM² (US) #2: "August 1994" (1994-0x-xx)
    also published in:
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Logo-pdf.svg
    Print advert in Beep! MegaDrive (JP) #1993-11: "November 1993" (1993-10-08)
    Logo-pdf.svg

    Physical scans

    Mega Drive version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
    50
    		[23]
    Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
    73
    		[24]
    Cool Gamer (RU)
    50
    		[25]
    Computer & Video Games (UK) NTSC
    85
    		[26]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    74
    		[27]
    Game Players (US) NTSC-U
    87
    		[5]
    Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
    50
    		[28]
    MAN!AC (DE) PAL
    78
    		[29]
    Mega (UK) NTSC-J
    80
    		[30]
    Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-U
    84
    		[31]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK) NTSC-J
    85
    		[32]
    Sega Power (UK) NTSC-J
    80
    		[33]
    SuperGamePower (BR)
    70
    		[34]
    Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
    75
    		[35]
    Tricks 16 bit (RU)
    80
    		[36]
    Video Games (DE) NTSC-U
    72
    		[37]
    Sega Mega Drive
    		 73
    Based on
    16 reviews

    Columns III: Revenge of Columns

    Mega Drive, JP
    ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover
    Columns3 MD JP CartTop.jpg
    Columns3 md jp cart.jpg
    Cart
    Mega Drive, US
    ColumnsIII MD US Box.jpg
    Cover
    ColumnsIII MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Columns III MD US Manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, KR
    ColumnsIII MD KR Box.jpg
    Cover
    Columns3 MD KR cartback.jpgColumns3 MD KR cart.jpg
    Cart
    Mega Drive, AS†
    ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg
    Cover

    Technical information

    Main article: Columns III: Revenge of Columns/Technical information.

    External links

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050301/p2 (Wayback Machine: 2023-08-23 15:51)
    2. ↑ File:ColumnsIII MD JP Box.jpg
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-20 09:51)
    4. ↑ GamePro, "March 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 174
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Game Players, "Vol. 7 No. 6 June 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 54
    6. ↑ https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/06.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-05 22:42)
    7. ↑ http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_columns3/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-12-11 11:18)
    8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/9XqQscz_7ofww9ceFpdAa4ENqzOWIim2 (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-22 22:45)
    9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/columns_iii_revenge_of_columns (Wayback Machine: 2017-06-14 01:36)
    10. ↑ https://www.nintendo.fr/Jeux/Console-virtuelle-Wii-/Columns-III-Revenge-of-Columns-276731.html (archive.today)
    11. ↑ http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=catalogue&prodcat_id=41&prod_id=19730&pageID=4 (Wayback Machine: 2012-04-03 03:03)
    12. ↑ http://games.real.com/allgames.php?mode=spnav (Wayback Machine: 2004-08-02 23:32)
    13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 https://steamdb.info/app/34317/ (Wayback Machine: 2016-08-06 08:03)
    14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 http://steamdb.info/app/34317/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 20:09)
    15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 https://steamdb.info/app/34317/history/?changeid=5755289
    16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 http://steamdb.info/app/34317/ (Wayback Machine: 2019-09-06 22:33)
    17. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 22
    18. ↑ File:Columns III MD credits.pdf
    19. ↑ https://sifi-tzk.hatenadiary.jp/entry/20050301/p2 (Wayback Machine: 2023-11-08 07:18)
    20. ↑ GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 141
    21. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "May 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 93
    22. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 81
    23. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 49
    24. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "November 1993" (JP; 1993-10-08), page 26
    25. ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 52
    26. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "May 1994" (UK; 1994-04-15), page 103
    27. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 40
    28. ↑ Hippon Super, "November 1993" (JP; 1993-10-02), page 42
    29. ↑ MAN!AC, "06/94" (DE; 1994-05-11), page 54
    30. ↑ Mega, "February 1994" (UK; 1994-01-20), page 39
    31. ↑ Mega Fun, "06/94" (DE; 1994-05-18), page 105
    32. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-02-28), page 95
    33. ↑ Sega Power, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-05-05), page 61
    34. ↑ SuperGamePower, "Maio 1994" (BR; 1994-0x-xx), page 36
    35. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
    36. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 10
    37. ↑ Video Games, "6/94" (DE; 1994-05-25), page 98


    Columns III: Revenge of Columns

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    Games in the Columns Series
    Columns (1990) | Columns II: The Voyage Through Time (1990) | Columns III: Revenge of Columns (1993) | Stack Columns (1994) | Super Columns (1995) | Columns '97 (1996) | Hanagumi Taisen Columns (1997) | Columns Arcade Collection (1997) | Columns GB: Tezuka Osamu Characters (1999) | Hanagumi Taisen Columns 2 (2000) | Columns Crown (2001) | Columns Jewel (2005) | Columns Deluxe (2008) | Jewelpet Kira Kira Mahou no Housekibako (2009) | Sega Ages Columns II (2019)
    Columns Taisen Mode Tsuki (1991) | Columns (Mame Game) (1997) | Columns (Pocket Boy) (1997) | Columns for Zaurus (2001) | Columns for Clié (2002)
    Unlicensed Columns games
    Sega Master System
    		 Super Columns (1990)
    Columns Related Media
    Music
    		 Columns・Columns II (1991)
    Book
    		 Hanagumi Taisen Columns Official Guide (1997) | Hanagumi Taisen Columns 2 Perfect Guide (2000)
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