Columns
Three falling jewels, colors lining up and a soundtrack that'll follow you into your dreams.
Coming soon to UsuArcade
Votes to bring it to the arcade: 0
In the meantime, head into the arcade and play the cabinets that are already there
- Year
- 1990
- Manufacturer
- Sega
- Players
- 2 players at once
- Genres
- Puzzle games
- Decade
- '90s arcade games
In the early 90s, right after Tetris mania, a cabinet showed up with a totally different vibe: glittering jewels, mellow music and a pace that seemed relaxed. Columns looked like something to unwind with between fighting game matches, until the stack started climbing and your heart rate went with it.
Columns isn't on UsuArcade yet, but it's on our wishlist. If you want to see it in the lobby, vote with “I want to play it”: the most requested games get added first.
History
Columns started out as a home computer game, and Sega brought it to arcades in 1990, right in the golden age of falling-block puzzlers. Sega pushed it as its answer to Tetris, and it also landed on the company's consoles, where a lot of players first discovered it.
The jewel look and laid-back soundtrack gave it a personality all its own. It spawned several sequels, but the original is still the one people remember.
How to play
Columns of three colored jewels drop from the top. You can slide them left and right and cycle the order of the jewels inside the column. Line up three or more of the same color horizontally, vertically or diagonally and they disappear, letting the jewels above fall and possibly setting off chain reactions.
The game ends when the jewels reach the top. The further you go, the faster things fall and the less time you have to think. Diagonals are the secret: rookies only look sideways and miss the best combos.
Fun facts
- Diagonal lines count too, which set it apart from other puzzlers of the time.
- Chain reactions are the way to rack up the really big scores.
- A lot of players first got hooked on it on Sega's home consoles.
In the arcade
Coming soon to UsuArcade. Once it's in the lobby, you'll be able to sit down at its machine right in your browser, let others watch your game and fight for the high score. In the meantime, if you're craving a good puzzle, grab the Tetris machine, try Puzzle Bobble or pop bubbles two-player in Pang: they're all in the lobby right now.
Once Columns lands in the arcade, you'll be able to play it online two-player, each on your own phone or PC, in the same game.
FAQ
Can I play Columns on UsuArcade?
Not yet. It's on the wishlist, and you can vote for it with the “I want to play it” button to help bring it in sooner.
What year did Columns come out in arcades?
Sega's arcade version came out in 1990.
How do you play Columns?
Drop columns of three jewels and line up three or more of the same color horizontally, vertically or diagonally to clear them.
What similar games can I play in the lobby?
Tetris, Puzzle Bobble and Pang are all free to play on UsuArcade right now.
