Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Arcade, Puzzle
- Platforms: Sega Game Gear
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sega of America
Super Columns (1995): A Guide to the Addictive Puzzle Classic
Released in 1995, Super Columns is an addictive puzzle game that combines Tetris-like gameplay with unique twists and power-ups. Developed by Sega, the game was a critical and commercial success, and it remains popular today among puzzle game enthusiasts.
Gameplay
The goal of Super Columns is to clear the playing field of colored gems by matching three or more of the same color together. Gems fall from the top of the screen, and players must rotate and drop them into place to create matches. Once a match is made, the gems will disappear and the gems above will fall down to fill the gaps.
Super Columns adds several new twists to the classic Tetris formula. One of the most unique features is the ability to flip the screen. By pressing a button, players can rotate the entire playing field 180 degrees. This can be helpful for getting gems into hard-to-reach places or for setting up chain reactions.
Another unique feature of Super Columns is the use of power-ups. Power-ups can be collected by matching three or more gems of the same color. Once collected, power-ups can be used to clear entire rows or columns of gems, or to shuffle the gems around the playing field.
Modes
Super Columns offers a variety of different modes to keep players entertained. The main mode is the Puzzle mode, which consists of 50 levels of increasing difficulty. In Puzzle mode, players must clear all of the gems from the playing field in order to progress to the next level.
In addition to Puzzle mode, Super Columns also offers a Time Attack mode and a Versus mode. In Time Attack mode, players must clear as many gems as possible within a time limit. In Versus mode, two players can compete against each other to see who can clear the most gems.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you master Super Columns:
- Plan ahead. Don’t just drop gems randomly. Take the time to think about where you want to place each gem and how it will affect the overall layout of the playing field.
- Use the flip screen power-up wisely. The flip screen power-up can be a lifesaver, but it’s important to use it wisely. Don’t flip the screen just for the sake of it. Only flip the screen when it will give you a clear advantage.
- Don’t be afraid to use power-ups. Power-ups can be very helpful, but don’t be afraid to use them. If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to use a power-up to clear a path or to set up a chain reaction.
- Practice makes perfect. The best way to get good at Super Columns is to practice. The more you play, the better you’ll become at recognizing patterns and setting up chain reactions.
Legacy
Super Columns was a critical and commercial success, and it remains popular today among puzzle game enthusiasts. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Sega Saturn, the PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.
Super Columns has also been praised for its innovative gameplay and its timeless appeal. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages.
Conclusion
Super Columns is a classic puzzle game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s unique gameplay, power-ups, and variety of modes make it a timeless classic that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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