Overview and Gameplay
Competitive jewel battles replace the relaxed endless focus of earlier Columns games. Arrange falling columns of three colored jewels to create horizontal, vertical, or diagonal matches while fighting computer opponents through the Pyramid Columns campaign.
Clears build attack points that can raise an opponent’s floor and reduce their available space. Treasure items, special stones, chain reactions, and increasingly skilled rivals add progression and tactical pressure.
Controls And Mechanics
- Directions: Move the falling column and accelerate its descent.
- B: Cycle the order of jewels or change a special stone’s effect.
- A and C: Spend attack points against opponents positioned to the left or right.
- Start: Pause and access campaign items when available.
Two players can compete simultaneously, while expanded multiplayer supports up to five players with a Sega Team Player. A three-player two-against-one team mode is also included.
Version Notes
The North American release was published as Columns III and is commonly catalogued with the subtitle Revenge of Columns. It lacks the Japanese version’s four-player two-versus-two mode.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 1994
- Developer: Minato Giken
- Publisher: Vic Tokai
- Original platform: Sega Mega Drive and Genesis
