Columns

n/a

Columns

System(s): Sega System C, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System, FM Towns, MSX, PC-8801, PC-9801 PC Engine, X68000, Super Famicom, Steam, iOS, Wii & Nintendo 3DS Virtual Consoles

Publisher: Sega,

SystemSoft,

Laser Soft,

Telenet Japan

Developer: Sega AM1,

SystemSoft,

Telenet Japan, Laser Soft,

Compile,

Media Factory, Marigul

Peripherals supported:

Gear-to-Gear Cable

Genre: Puzzle

Number of players: 1-2

Release	Date	RRP	Code
JP	1999	¥?	?

JP	1990-03	¥?	?
US	1990	$?	?

JP	1990-06-30	¥5,5005,500	G-4035
JP ▼ (Game Toshokan)	1991
US	1990-09^[3]
US (Classic)	1993		1701
EU	1991-02
PT	199x		MDJ1701
AU	199x
CA	199x
BR	1991-11^[4]
AS	199x
US	1990-09^[7]		5120
EU	1990-12^[5]		5120
AU	1990		5120
BR	199x
KR	199x		GB-1001
KR (Samsung)	199x		GB-1002JG
JP	1990-10-06	¥2,9002,900	G-3101
JP (Meisaku)	1993-07-23		G-3104
US	1991		2201
EU	1991-06^[8]		2201
BR	199x		012070
KR	199x
JP	1990	¥7,2007,200
JP ▼	2006-12-02^[13]	600pts600^[14]
US ▼	2006-12-04^[12]	800pts800^[12]
EU ▼	2006-12-15^[11]	800pts800^[11]
JP ▼	2011-04-07^[17]	¥480480^[17]		4+
JP ▼	2012-08-08^[18]	¥286 (300)286 (300)^[18]
US ▼	2013-06-13^[19]	$3.993.99^[19]
EU ▼	2013-06-13^[20]	€3.993.99^[20]
UK ▼	2013-06-13^[20]	£3.593.59^[20]

ESRB

VRC

PEGI

OFLC

CERO
Missing Parameter!

Columns (コラムス) is a puzzle game created by Jay Geertsen in 1989. The rights were sold to Sega in 1990, who brought the game to the Sega System C arcade board, with its subsequent success seeing the game released on a wide variety of platforms. Columns is frequently seen as Sega's answer to Tetris, though its tile-matching gameplay has more in common with SameGame (1985). In Brazil, it is known as Shapes and Columns because Avon Products already registred a product of the same name in that country. The Super Famicom version was released only for the Nintendo Power service.

Gameplay

Columns is a falling-block puzzle game. Like Tetris, the aim of the game is to try and stay alive - "columns" fall from the top of the screen, landing on-top of each other, and should the "pile" reach the top of the screen, the game is over. Success is determined by strategic placing of columns, and as the game progresses, the rate at which the columns fall increases.

In Columns, each column is made up of three coloured jewels stacked on top of each other. If three or more jewels of the same colour are aligned horizontally, vertically or diagonally, the jewels will be destroyed, and any jewels placed above will fall downwards. Unlike Tetris, the reliance on gravity means gameplay is combo-driven - repeated combos will spawn a "magic jewel" (in most versions of the game), which when collided with a normal jewel will eliminate all jewels of that colour on-screen. Games are played on a 6x13 grid, and points are awarded by destroying jewels (players also receive a bonus for starting the game at higher difficulties). In the majority of versions, hints will be displayed for the player up until level 3.

There are six coloured jewels in total:

Many home versions of the game allow for the graphics to be changed, most notably the Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear variants, as well as home computer ports by SystemSoft.

Controls

There are only four buttons utilised in Columns. and move a falling column left or right across the screen, respectively, while speeds up the rate at which the column falls.

The remaining button is used to "rotate" the column as shown below:

→

→

In most ports of this game there is no option to rotate the columns in the opposite direction, but that can be done in the Game Gear version. Columns can only be rotated while they are moving, however a certain amount of leeway (i.e. about a second) is given to columns which have just "landed".

Modes

Game modes differ depending on the version of Columns:

"Arcade"/Original

All versions of the game have an interpretation of the "arcade" (or "classic") columns described above - an theoretically endless game in which columns continue to fall until the screen is filled.
Sega Mega Drive has both "arcade" and "original" modes separately, each with their own customization options. Magic jewel appears only in "arcade" mode.

Time Trial

Setting for "original" mode on the Sega Mega Drive version, time trial limits round to three minute game.

Flash Columns

Flash Columns, featured in the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear versions of the game, has the player must mine their way through a set number of lines to get to a flashing jewel at the bottom. The faster the player accomplishes this, the higher his or her rank will be.

In the Master System port, the theme music to this mode is that previous seen in the Mega Drive version (and subsequent Sega versions) of Tetris.

2-Player

Standard 2-player mode, found in the arcade version of the game is largely identical to the arcade mode above, except two players are supported. It is not a competitive mode, so players can join and leave at will. Some versions remove this mode for logistical reasons, for example, the Sega Game Gear port where the handheld nature of the console renders this mode largely pointless, and the PC Engine version, in which the console only has one control port as standard.

Versus

Offered in most non-arcade versions of the game, versus has two players compete against each other, the winner being the player who lasts the longest. Unlike other puzzle games of this nature (perhaps most notably, Puyo Puyo), there are no methods of "attacking" your opponent, so is very similar to the above.
Sega Mega Drive doesn't have "versus" mode, but 2-player "Flash Columns" mode has "match" setting that does similar thing.

Doubles

This can be seen as a cooperative two player mode, in which the original mode or flash columns is played on the same screen with each player taking a turn in placing a column.

Stone

Exclusive to the PC Engine version when playing on a PC Engine GT/TurboExpress (TODO)

Freeze

Exclusive to the PC Engine version when playing on a PC Engine GT/TurboExpress (TODO)

History

Development

Columns was originally conceived by Jay Geertsen while working at Hewlett-Packard in 1989. It was originally created for the HP-UX operating system (utilising the X Window System), however the relative obscurity of the platform, particularly amongst home consumers, saw ports to other systems. Nathan Meyers brought it to DOS for IBM PC customers (1989), Chris Christensen to the Macintosh (1990) and John Rotenstein for Windows 3.x (1990). It was also brought to the Atari ST in 1989.

In early 1990, Geertsen sold the rights to Sega, who has controlled the license ever since. Sega is not thought to own the code of the aforementioned versions, just the mechanics surrounding the game.

Versions

Following its success in arcades, Columns was brought to the Sega Mega Drive, in the form of a very accurate arcade conversion. The Mega Drive Columns was the first puzzle game to hit the system in most territories - though Tetris had seen a Mega Drive release in Japan in 1988, legal issues forced it to be removed from shelves and the game has been rarely mentioned since. Columns is a relatively small game by Mega Drive standards, and so has been re-released multiple times across many compilations. It was also re-released several times between 1993 and 1996 in North America, presumably to try and clear old stock.

Columns was a launch title for the Sega Game Gear, which debuted in Japan in October 1990. It was also brought to the Sega Master System later in the year.

SystemSoft were given the rights to publish Japanese home computer versions of the game between 1991 and 1992, including the PC-8801, PC-9801 and Sharp X68000. MSX and FM Towns versions were handled by Telenet Japan, while a PC Engine port was brought to the system by Laser Soft. Perhaps most peculiarly, Media Factory were given the rights to produce a Super Famicom version, released in the very late year of 1999. It was distributed through the Japan-exclusive Nintendo Power rewritable cartridge service and is the only Sega property to see an official release on Nintendo's Super Famicom.

There have been multiple sequels to Columns, starting with 1990's Columns II: The Voyage Through Time and 1993's Columns III: Revenge of Columns. The System C version of the game was released as part of the Sega Saturn compilation, Columns Arcade Collection. The Mega Drive version has also been released on Steam and as part of the Wiis Virtual Console service. Multiple unlicensed versions of the game exist, as well as many clones.

Throughout its life, Columns has never achieved the same level of success as Tetris, however continues to see sequels to this day.

Version history

System	Version	Size	Date	Comment	Ref	Icon
	0000010000000000010000000000001.0.1	6MB	201306172013-06-17		^[21]
	0000010000000000000000000000001.0.0	5.4MB	201104052011-04-05		^[22]

Production credits

Designers: TAKOSUKEZOU, Jay Geertsen
Composer: Tokuhiko Uwabo
Business: Steve Hanawa

Digital manuals

Steam manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Columns/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Columns/Promotional material.

Physical scans

System C version

Sega Retro Average

Publication	Version	Score

	N/A
Based on 0 reviews

Columns

System C, JP

Mega-Tech version

Mega-Tech,
Cover
Cart

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average

Publication

Version

Score

Ação Games (BR)

75

^[24]

Aktueller Software Markt (DE)

83

^[35]

Beep! MegaDrive (JP)

NTSC-J

83

^[25]

Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)

90

^[36]

Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)

88

^[27]

The Complete Guide to Sega (UK)

88

^[37]

Console XS (UK)

PAL

84

^[38]

Electronic Gaming Monthly (US)

NTSC-U

63

^[3]

Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)

77

^[28]

Famitsu (JP)

NTSC-J

68

^[39]

The Games Machine (IT)

88

^[40]

Joystick (FR)

70

^[29]

Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK)

PAL

79

^[41]

Mega Drive Fan (JP)

NTSC-J

77

^[42]

Mega Play (US)

NTSC-U

68

^[43]

MegaTech (UK)

PAL

85

^[30]

Mean Machines Sega (UK)

88

^[44]

Player One (FR)

74

^[32]

Power Play (DE)

77

^[45]

Sega Power (UK)

82

^[2]

Sega Power (UK)

PAL

75

^[46]

Sega Pro (UK)

90

^[34]

Sega Pro (UK)

PAL

84

^[47]

Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)

NTSC-J

76

^[26]

Tilt (FR)

85

^[48]

Top Secret (PL)

Mega Games I

75

^[49]

Tricks 16 bit (RU)

80

^[50]

User (GR)

97

^[51]

VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US)

NTSC-U

70

^[52]

	80
Based on 29 reviews

Columns

Mega Drive, US
Cover
Cart Manual

Mega Drive, US (Sega Classic)
Cover
Cart

Mega Drive, US (Sega Classic) (newer)
Cover
Cart

Mega Drive, EU
Cover
Cart Manual

Mega Drive, JP
Cover
Cart Manual

Mega Drive, AU
Cover
Cart Error creating thumbnail: convert: pixel cache allocation failed `/tmp/magick-aRErJjApAzOwF-D-QCk-Y-AWLT9sOcl3[0]' @ error/cache.c/AcquireCacheNexusPixels/5133. convert: Insufficient memory (case 4) `/home/sonicret/domains/segaretro.org/public_html/images/temp/transform_2366952a4d6e.jpg' @ error/jpeg.c/JPEGErrorHandler/338. Manual

Mega Drive, AU (alt)

Mega Drive, BR
Cover
Cart

Mega Drive, CA
Cover

Mega Drive, Asia

Cart

Master System version

Sega Retro Average

Publication

Version

Score

Buzz! Computers (UK)

85

^[63]

Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)

89

^[64]

Complete Guide to Consoles (UK)

88

^[53]

The Complete Guide to Sega (UK)

PAL

90

^[65]

Console XS (UK)

PAL

91

^[66]

Computer & Video Games (UK)

84

^[54]

Electronic Gaming Monthly (US)

NTSC-U

55

^[7]

Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)

89

^[55]

Game Mania (UK)

90

^[67]

GamePro (US)

NTSC-U

72

^[68]

Gamers (DE)

67

^[69]

Joystick (FR)

90

^[56]

Mean Machines (UK)

89

^[57]

Mean Machines Sega (UK)

90

^[70]

Player One (FR)

85

^[58]

Power Play (DE)

63

^[71]

Raze (UK)

90

^[60]

Sega Power (UK)

93

^[61]

Sega Power (UK)

PAL

75

^[72]

Sega Pro (UK)

92

^[34]

Sega Pro (UK)

PAL

91

^[73]

Tilt (FR)

85

^[74]

Tilt (FR)

85

^[48]

Zzap! (IT)

90

^[62]

	84
Based on 24 reviews

Columns

Master System, US
Cover
Cart Manual

Master System, EU
Cover
Manual

Master System, AU
Cover
Cart

Master System, BR
Cover
Cart Manual

Master System, KR (Korea Oacs)
Cover
Cart

Master System, KR (Samsung)
Cover
Cart

Game Gear version

Sega Retro Average

Publication

Version

Score

ACE (UK)

68

^[9]

Beep! MegaDrive (JP)

NTSC-J

70

^[75]

Console XS (UK)

PAL

92

^[76]

Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)

85

^[77]

Game Mania (UK)

86

^[78]

Hippon Super (JP)

NTSC-J

60

^[79]

Mean Machines Sega (UK)

PAL

88

^[80]

Sega Power (UK)

PAL

75

^[81]

Sega Power (UK)

PAL

91

^[82]

Sega Pro (UK)

80

^[34]

Sega Pro (UK)

PAL

92

^[83]

Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)

NTSC-J

66

^[84]

Zero (UK)

93

^[85]

	80
Based on 13 reviews

Columns

Game Gear, US
Cover
Cart Manual

Game Gear, EU
Cover
Cart Manual

Game Gear, JP
Cover
Cart Manual

Game Gear, JP (Meisaku Collection)
Cover
Cart

Game Gear, BR
Cover
Cart Manual

Game Gear, KR

Cart

FM Towns version

FM Towns, JP
Cover
Disk

MSX version

MSX, JP
Cover

PC-8801 version

PC-8801, JP

PC-9801 version

PC-9801, JP

PC Engine version

Sega Retro Average

Publication

Version

Score

Aktueller Software Markt (DE)

71

^[87]

Joystick (FR)

82

^[86]

Player One (FR)

72

^[88]

	75
Based on 3 reviews

Columns

PC Engine, JP
Cover
Card File:Columns PCE HuCard JP Manual.pdf Manual

X68000 version

X68000, JP
Cover

Technical information

ROM dump status

System

Hash

Size

Build Date

Source

Comments

✔

CRC32	03163d7a
MD5	2ac307fcd67ab5fc1cbd29bb245196a3
SHA-1	b262a4c2738a499f070777dbe05e2629d211a107

128kB

1990-04

Cartridge (JP)

v00

✔

CRC32	d783c244
MD5	b92d1477992ca143e02bf90ab2e2a118
SHA-1	17ae2595e4d3fb705c9f8f66d5938deca3f95c4e

128kB

1990-06

Cartridge (US/EU)

v01

?

CRC32	665fda92
MD5	d443d521036d527d35926809f230106c
SHA-1	3d16b0954b5419b071de270b44d38fc6570a8439

128kB

Cartridge (US/EU)

?

CRC32	f3ca6676
MD5	680682aaa9b7eae0642e4b9c4ef80f59
SHA-1	8b39ba23132af102b8dc313c5c1c211f4a4f27e1

32kB

Cartridge (JP)

?

CRC32	ac37e092
MD5	36b33d28235b4c9439ab0f62ab1c97c4
SHA-1	d83fd16bd23c51750555a692535daa171ed41af0

32kB

Cartridge (JP)

(Alt)

?

CRC32	83fa26d9
MD5	90bd4681e3e4b07445eaf35e83b223db
SHA-1	05b73f39a90fd59e01262cbd3f4e7a21575d468a

32kB

Cartridge (US/EU)

?

CRC32	99f7a572
MD5	a3a1be9fc3baef5e7bc6554962aea55b
SHA-1	238f9ee6cc80b31c5c93a4f43281e690200bdea3

128kB

Card (JP)

External links

Sega of Japan Virtual Console pages: Mega Drive
Sega of Japan 3DS VC catalogue pages: Game Gear
Columns on Nintendo.co.jp
Columns on Steam
Columns on iTunes: JP

References

↑ File:Raze UK 11.pdf, page 76
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Sega Power, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-06), page 12
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 File:EGM US 016.pdf, page 20 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:EGM US 016.pdf_p20" defined multiple times with different content
↑ File:Supergame BR 04.pdf, page 38
↑ File:ACE UK 40.pdf, page 165
↑ File:SegaPower UK 13.pdf, page 2
↑ ^7.0 ^7.1 File:EGM US 014.pdf, page 16 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:EGM US 014.pdf_p16" defined multiple times with different content
↑ Sega Power, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-06), page 20
↑ ^9.0 ^9.1 ^9.2 File:ACE UK 48.pdf, page 74 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:ACE UK 48.pdf_p74" defined multiple times with different content
↑ File:Raze UK 11.pdf, page 16
↑ ^11.0 ^11.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/columns (Wayback Machine: 2017-06-13 22:35)
↑ ^12.0 ^12.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/KyUint2qfhtb85YzVVD6MDsCs1kDy_dR (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-22 23:52)
↑ https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/01.html (Wayback Machine: 2017-11-23 05:03)
↑ http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_columns/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-02-09 19:25)
↑ ^15.0 ^15.1 ^15.2 ^15.3 https://steamdb.info/app/34285/ (Wayback Machine: 2017-05-23 02:01)
↑ ^16.0 ^16.1 ^16.2 ^16.3 http://steamdb.info/app/34285/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 19:26)
↑ ^17.0 ^17.1 http://sega.jp/search/result.php?page=3&pf=32 (Wayback Machine: 2017-03-03 22:13)
↑ ^18.0 ^18.1 http://vc.sega.jp:80/3ds/columns/ (Wayback Machine: 2012-08-06 18:03)
↑ ^19.0 ^19.1 http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/9DTgJWQ-6c28tSj5gfRQXEkiCMYWy0U1 (Wayback Machine: 2013-06-19 02:19)
↑ ^20.0 ^20.1 ^20.2 ^20.3 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/gamegear/columns (Wayback Machine: 2017-06-14 01:03)
↑ https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id420877558?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2017-04-01 18:10)
↑ http://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id420877558?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2011-05-10 23:51)
↑ File:CVG UK 107.pdf, page 101
↑ ^24.0 ^24.1 File:AcaoGames BR 002.pdf, page 27 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:AcaoGames BR 002.pdf_p27" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^25.0 ^25.1 File:BeepMD JP 1990-07.pdf, page 17 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:BeepMD JP 1990-07.pdf_p17" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^26.0 ^26.1 File:SSM JP 19950901 1995-09.pdf, page 85 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SSM JP 19950901 1995-09.pdf_p85" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^27.0 ^27.1 File:CGtC UK 04.pdf, page 28 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CGtC UK 04.pdf_p28" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^28.0 ^28.1 Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, Virgin Books, page 32 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide Book UK.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^29.0 ^29.1 File:Joystick FR 009.pdf, page 113 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 009.pdf_p113" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^30.0 ^30.1 File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf, page 33 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf_p33" defined multiple times with different content
↑ File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf, page 76
↑ ^32.0 ^32.1 File:PlayerOne FR 006.pdf, page 42 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:PlayerOne FR 006.pdf_p42" defined multiple times with different content
↑ File:PowerPlay DE 030.pdf, page 122
↑ ^34.0 ^34.1 ^34.2 ^34.3 ^34.4 ^34.5 File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf, page 21 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content
↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "November 1990" (DE; 1990-10-26), page 138
↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume III" (UK; 1990-08-xx), page 46
↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 45
↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 128
↑ Famitsu, "" (JP; 1990-0x-xx), page 1
↑ The Games Machine, "Novembre 1990" (IT; 1990-1x-xx), page 83
↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 91
↑ Mega Drive Fan, "October 1990" (JP; 1990-09-08), page 79
↑ Mega Play, "February 1991" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 41
↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 138
↑ Power Play, "9/90" (DE; 1990-08-17), page 122
↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 53
↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 64
↑ ^48.0 ^48.1 Tilt, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 71
↑ Top Secret, "Kwiecień 1995" (PL; 1995-xx-xx), page 57
↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 10
↑ User, "Mártios 1991" (GR; 1991-0x-xx), page 66
↑ VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "November 1990" (US; 1990-1x-xx), page 66
↑ ^53.0 ^53.1 File:CGtC UK 04.pdf, page 94 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CGtC UK 04.pdf_p94" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^54.0 ^54.1 File:CVG UK 110.pdf, page 133 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CVG UK 110.pdf_p133" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^55.0 ^55.1 Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, Virgin Books, page 131 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide Book UK.pdf_p131" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^56.0 ^56.1 File:Joystick FR 012.pdf, page 116 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 012.pdf_p116" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^57.0 ^57.1 File:MeanMachines UK 02.pdf, page 78 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachines UK 02.pdf_p78" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^58.0 ^58.1 File:PlayerOne FR 005.pdf, page 50 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:PlayerOne FR 005.pdf_p50" defined multiple times with different content
↑ File:PowerPlay DE 033.pdf, page 165
↑ ^60.0 ^60.1 File:Raze UK 04.pdf, page 32 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Raze UK 04.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^61.0 ^61.1 File:SegaPower UK 13.pdf, page 34 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPower UK 13.pdf_p34" defined multiple times with different content
↑ ^62.0 ^62.1 File:Zzap IT 53.pdf, page 22 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Zzap IT 53.pdf_p22" defined multiple times with different content
↑ Buzz! Computers (UK) (+0:00)
↑ Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume III" (UK; 1990-08-xx), page 35
↑ The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 55
↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 139
↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 81
↑ GamePro, "December 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 138
↑ Gamers, "Dezember/Januar 1993" (DE; 1992-11-19), page 104
↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 133
↑ Power Play, "12/90" (DE; 1990-11-16), page 165
↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 56
↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 70
↑ Tilt, "Février 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 72
↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "February 1991" (JP; 1991-01-08), page 84
↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 147
↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 165
↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 70
↑ Hippon Super, "February 1991" (JP; 1991-01-07), page 42
↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 143
↑ Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 61
↑ Sega Power, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-04), page 38
↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 74
↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 88
↑ Zero, "May 1991" (UK; 1991-0x-xx), page 91
↑ ^86.0 ^86.1 File:Joystick FR 016.pdf, page 166 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 016.pdf_p166" defined multiple times with different content
↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "August/September 1991" (DE; 1991-07-26), page 126
↑ Player One, "Septembre 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 68

NEC Retro has more information related to Columns

Columns

Music: Columns・Columns II (1991)

Prototypes: Prototype

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
	Super Columns (1990)
Columns Related Media
	Columns・Columns II (1991)
	Hanagumi Taisen Columns Official Guide (1997) \| Hanagumi Taisen Columns 2 Perfect Guide (2000)

[:File:Raze_UK_11.pdf_p76-1] File:Raze UK 11.pdf, page 76

[:File:SegaPower_UK_20.pdf_p12-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Sega Power, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-06), page 12

[:File:EGM_US_016.pdf_p20-3] 3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 File:EGM US 016.pdf, page 20 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:EGM US 016.pdf_p20" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:Supergame_BR_04.pdf_p38-4] File:Supergame BR 04.pdf, page 38

[:File:ACE_UK_40.pdf_p165-5] File:ACE UK 40.pdf, page 165

[:File:SegaPower_UK_13.pdf_p2-6] File:SegaPower UK 13.pdf, page 2

[:File:EGM_US_014.pdf_p16-7] 7.0 ^7.1 File:EGM US 014.pdf, page 16 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:EGM US 014.pdf_p16" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:SegaPower_UK_20.pdf_p20-8] Sega Power, "July 1991" (UK; 1991-06-06), page 20

[:File:ACE_UK_48.pdf_p74-9] 9.0 ^9.1 ^9.2 File:ACE UK 48.pdf, page 74 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:ACE UK 48.pdf_p74" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:Raze_UK_11.pdf_p16-10] File:Raze UK 11.pdf, page 16

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170613223517.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.nintendolife.com.2Fgames.2Fmegadrive.2Fcolumns-11] 11.0 ^11.1 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/megadrive/columns (Wayback Machine: 2017-06-13 22:35)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20101122235237.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.nintendo.com.2Fgames.2Fdetail.2FKyUint2qfhtb85YzVVD6MDsCs1kDy_dR-12] 12.0 ^12.1 http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/KyUint2qfhtb85YzVVD6MDsCs1kDy_dR (Wayback Machine: 2010-11-22 23:52)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20171123050340.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fwww.nintendo.co.jp.2Fwii.2Fvc.2Fsoftware.2F01.html-13] ttps://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/01.html (Wayback Machine: 2017-11-23 05:03)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20070209192500.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fvc.sega.jp:80.2Fvc_columns.2F-14] ttp://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_columns/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-02-09 19:25)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170523020126.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fsteamdb.info.2Fapp.2F34285.2F-15] 15.0 ^15.1 ^15.2 ^15.3 https://steamdb.info/app/34285/ (Wayback Machine: 2017-05-23 02:01)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20130522192645.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fsteamdb.info.2Fapp.2F34285.2F-16] 16.0 ^16.1 ^16.2 ^16.3 http://steamdb.info/app/34285/ (Wayback Machine: 2013-05-22 19:26)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170303221344.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fsega.jp.2Fsearch.2Fresult.php.3Fpage.3D3.26pf.3D32-17] 17.0 ^17.1 http://sega.jp/search/result.php?page=3&pf=32 (Wayback Machine: 2017-03-03 22:13)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20120806180318.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fvc.sega.jp:80.2F3ds.2Fcolumns.2F-18] 18.0 ^18.1 http://vc.sega.jp:80/3ds/columns/ (Wayback Machine: 2012-08-06 18:03)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20130619021914.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.nintendo.com:80.2Fgames.2Fdetail.2F9DTgJWQ-6c28tSj5gfRQXEkiCMYWy0U1-19] 19.0 ^19.1 http://www.nintendo.com:80/games/detail/9DTgJWQ-6c28tSj5gfRQXEkiCMYWy0U1 (Wayback Machine: 2013-06-19 02:19)

[http:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170614010356.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fwww.nintendolife.com.2Fgames.2Fgamegear.2Fcolumns-20] 20.0 ^20.1 ^20.2 ^20.3 http://www.nintendolife.com/games/gamegear/columns (Wayback Machine: 2017-06-14 01:03)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20170401181016.2Fhttps:.2F.2Fitunes.apple.com.2Fjp.2Fapp.2Fid420877558.3Fmt.3D8-21] ttps://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id420877558?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2017-04-01 18:10)

[https:.2F.2Fweb.archive.org.2Fweb.2F20110510235121.2Fhttp:.2F.2Fitunes.apple.com.2Fjp.2Fapp.2Fid420877558.3Fmt.3D8-22] ttp://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/id420877558?mt=8 (Wayback Machine: 2011-05-10 23:51)

[:File:CVG_UK_107.pdf_p101-23] File:CVG UK 107.pdf, page 101

[:File:AcaoGames_BR_002.pdf_p27-24] 24.0 ^24.1 File:AcaoGames BR 002.pdf, page 27 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:AcaoGames BR 002.pdf_p27" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:BeepMD_JP_1990-07.pdf_p17-25] 25.0 ^25.1 File:BeepMD JP 1990-07.pdf, page 17 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:BeepMD JP 1990-07.pdf_p17" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:SSM_JP_19950901_1995-09.pdf_p85-26] 26.0 ^26.1 File:SSM JP 19950901 1995-09.pdf, page 85 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SSM JP 19950901 1995-09.pdf_p85" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:CGtC_UK_04.pdf_p28-27] 27.0 ^27.1 File:CGtC UK 04.pdf, page 28 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CGtC UK 04.pdf_p28" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide_Book_UK.pdf_p32-28] 28.0 ^28.1 Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, Virgin Books, page 32 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide Book UK.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:Joystick_FR_009.pdf_p113-29] 29.0 ^29.1 File:Joystick FR 009.pdf, page 113 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 009.pdf_p113" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:MegaTech_UK_01.pdf_p33-30] 30.0 ^30.1 File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf, page 33 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf_p33" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:MegaTech_UK_01.pdf_p76-31] File:MegaTech UK 01.pdf, page 76

[:File:PlayerOne_FR_006.pdf_p42-32] 32.0 ^32.1 File:PlayerOne FR 006.pdf, page 42 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:PlayerOne FR 006.pdf_p42" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:PowerPlay_DE_030.pdf_p122-33] File:PowerPlay DE 030.pdf, page 122

[:File:SegaPro_UK_02.pdf_p21-34] 34.0 ^34.1 ^34.2 ^34.3 ^34.4 ^34.5 File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf, page 21 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPro UK 02.pdf_p21" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:ASM_DE_1990-11.pdf_p138-35] Aktueller Software Markt, "November 1990" (DE; 1990-10-26), page 138

[:File:CGtC_UK_03.pdf_p46-36] Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume III" (UK; 1990-08-xx), page 46

[:File:TheCompleteGuideToSega_UK.pdf_p45-37] The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 45

[:File:Console_XS_UK_01.pdf_p128-38] Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 128

[39] Famitsu, "" (JP; 1990-0x-xx), page 1

[40] The Games Machine, "Novembre 1990" (IT; 1990-1x-xx), page 83

[:File:MDAG_UK_05.pdf_p91-41] Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 91

[:File:Mdfan_JP_1990-10.pdf_p79-42] Mega Drive Fan, "October 1990" (JP; 1990-09-08), page 79

[:File:MegaPlay_US_02.pdf_p41-43] Mega Play, "February 1991" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 41

[:File:MeanMachinesSega01UK.pdf_p138-44] Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 138

[:File:PowerPlay_DE_1990-09.pdf_p122-45] Power Play, "9/90" (DE; 1990-08-17), page 122

[:File:SegaPower_UK_23.pdf_p53-46] Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 53

[:File:SegaPro_UK_18.pdf_p64-47] Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 64

[:File:Tilt_FR_097.pdf_p71-48] 48.0 ^48.1 Tilt, "Décembre 1991" (FR; 1991-1x-xx), page 71

[49] Top Secret, "Kwiecień 1995" (PL; 1995-xx-xx), page 57

[50] Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 10

[:File:User_GR_12.pdf_p66-51] User, "Mártios 1991" (GR; 1991-0x-xx), page 66

[:File:VG.26amp.3BCE_US_22.pdf_p66-52] VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "November 1990" (US; 1990-1x-xx), page 66

[:File:CGtC_UK_04.pdf_p94-53] 53.0 ^53.1 File:CGtC UK 04.pdf, page 94 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CGtC UK 04.pdf_p94" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:CVG_UK_110.pdf_p133-54] 54.0 ^54.1 File:CVG UK 110.pdf, page 133 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:CVG UK 110.pdf_p133" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide_Book_UK.pdf_p131-55] 55.0 ^55.1 Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, Virgin Books, page 131 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide Book UK.pdf_p131" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:Joystick_FR_012.pdf_p116-56] 56.0 ^56.1 File:Joystick FR 012.pdf, page 116 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 012.pdf_p116" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:MeanMachines_UK_02.pdf_p78-57] 57.0 ^57.1 File:MeanMachines UK 02.pdf, page 78 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:MeanMachines UK 02.pdf_p78" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:PlayerOne_FR_005.pdf_p50-58] 58.0 ^58.1 File:PlayerOne FR 005.pdf, page 50 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:PlayerOne FR 005.pdf_p50" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:PowerPlay_DE_033.pdf_p165-59] File:PowerPlay DE 033.pdf, page 165

[:File:Raze_UK_04.pdf_p32-60] 60.0 ^60.1 File:Raze UK 04.pdf, page 32 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Raze UK 04.pdf_p32" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:SegaPower_UK_13.pdf_p34-61] 61.0 ^61.1 File:SegaPower UK 13.pdf, page 34 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:SegaPower UK 13.pdf_p34" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:Zzap_IT_53.pdf_p22-62] 62.0 ^62.1 File:Zzap IT 53.pdf, page 22 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Zzap IT 53.pdf_p22" defined multiple times with different content

[buzz1991-03-01-63] Buzz! Computers (UK) (+0:00)

[:File:CGtC_UK_03.pdf_p35-64] Complete Guide to Consoles, "Volume III" (UK; 1990-08-xx), page 35

[:File:TheCompleteGuideToSega_UK.pdf_p55-65] The Complete Guide to Sega, "" (UK; 1991-05-xx), page 55

[:File:Console_XS_UK_01.pdf_p139-66] Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 139

[:File:GameMania_UK_05.pdf_p81-67] Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 81

[:File:GamePro_US_017.pdf_p138-68] GamePro, "December 1990" (US; 1990-xx-xx), page 138

[:File:Gamers_DE_1993-01.pdf_p104-69] Gamers, "Dezember/Januar 1993" (DE; 1992-11-19), page 104

[:File:MeanMachinesSega01UK.pdf_p133-70] Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 133

[:File:PowerPlay_DE_1990-12.pdf_p165-71] Power Play, "12/90" (DE; 1990-11-16), page 165

[:File:SegaPower_UK_23.pdf_p56-72] Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 56

[:File:SegaPro_UK_18.pdf_p70-73] Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 70

[:File:Tilt_FR_087.pdf_p72-74] Tilt, "Février 1991" (FR; 1991-0x-xx), page 72

[:File:BeepMD_JP_1991-02.pdf_p84-75] Beep! MegaDrive, "February 1991" (JP; 1991-01-08), page 84

[:File:Console_XS_UK_01.pdf_p147-76] Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 147

[:File:MeanMachinesEssentialSegaGuide_Book_UK.pdf_p165-77] Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 165

[:File:GameMania_UK_05.pdf_p70-78] Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 70

[79] Hippon Super, "February 1991" (JP; 1991-01-07), page 42

[:File:MeanMachinesSega01UK.pdf_p143-80] Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 143

[:File:SegaPower_UK_23.pdf_p61-81] Sega Power, "October 1991" (UK; 1991-09-05), page 61

[:File:SegaPower_UK_24.pdf_p38-82] Sega Power, "November 1991" (UK; 1991-10-04), page 38

[:File:SegaPro_UK_18.pdf_p74-83] Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 74

[:File:SSM_JP_19950901_1995-09.pdf_p88-84] Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 88

[85] Zero, "May 1991" (UK; 1991-0x-xx), page 91

[:File:Joystick_FR_016.pdf_p166-86] 86.0 ^86.1 File:Joystick FR 016.pdf, page 166 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Joystick FR 016.pdf_p166" defined multiple times with different content

[:File:ASM_DE_1991-09.pdf_p126-87] Aktueller Software Markt, "August/September 1991" (DE; 1991-07-26), page 126

[:File:PlayerOne_FR_012.pdf_p68-88] Player One, "Septembre 1991" (FR; 1991-xx-xx), page 68

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Columns

From Sega Retro

Contents

Gameplay

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Time Trial

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