Sega Ages Review: Columns 2
Release date: October 17th, 2019
Developer: M2
Platforms: Switch
Price: $7.99
M2 has been doing a great job of re-releasing Sega classics for the Switch as part of the Sega Ages Collection. Columns II is one of their latest releases and this puzzle game is a lot of fun. This game should appeal to anyone that enjoys puzzles games for short bursts.
Columns II was originally released in Japan in Arcades and eventually was ported to the Saturn. US gamers never got a chance to play it officially until now. Columns is about matching the jewels in groups of three and clearing lines. The subtitle is Voyage through Time so the jewels and tile sets change from fossils to disks living up to the subtitle. This version of the game has players clearing stages to dig out items through time. The original VS mode had players scrambling to clear jewels and fill up their opponents side.
On the Sega Ages version there have been some additions. There is the addition of a stage select mode, a tabletop mode which rotates player 2’s screen, and an online vs. mode with leader boards. There is an infinite mode that goes on forever. Avatars are strewn throughout the levels and players can collect them. Looks like there is plenty to keep players interested.
This is one of those games like Tetris or Dr. Mario that is easy to pick up and play but tough to master. The sounds and music are decent, the music changes often enough that it doesn't get too boring. This is a fun puzzle game and for fans of the series or Switch owners looking for something to keep them entertained in short bursts, this might be it.
Thanks to the publisher for letting us review the game.
Final Score
Pros:
Easy to play
Decent amount of new content
Cons:
It's another puzzle game and the Switch has plenty