Columns

Columns is a falling-block puzzle game developed and published by Sega for the Mega Drive in 1990, originally created by Jay Geertsen in 1989. The objective is simple yet addictive: colored columns composed of three jewels fall from the top of the screen, and players must rearrange the jewels within the column to form horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines of three or more matching colors, which then disappear and award points. As the game progresses, the falling speed increases. A special "Magic Column" removes all jewels of the color upon which it lands. The game features multiple modes including a two-player competitive mode.

Master System

Released in 1990 in both Japan and North America, this 8-bit version features smaller jewels occupying a taller playing area of 6x18 spaces, allowing more room for error before the well fills up. A unique feature allows players to change jewel sprites into alternative styles including playing card suits, fruit, or dice faces. The game includes two main modes: Original Mode (endless high-score chasing) and Flash Columns, where players must eliminate a specific flashing jewel at the bottom. Contemporary critical reception was mixed. Reviewers praised the addictive gameplay, solid two-player mode, and successful translation of the puzzle mechanics to 8-bit hardware. However, critics noted that the smaller jewel sprites could be hard on the eyes, the backgrounds lacked the detailed artwork of the 16-bit version, and the soundtrack was less impactful. The game is now considered one of the better puzzle titles on the Master System.