Genesis/Mega Drive

Columns

Columns is loosely derived from Tetris, as it involves arranging falling blocks in such a way as to clear them. However, in columns they are groups of 3 same-size but varying color blocks, which must be arranged into sequences of 3 or more, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Sequences of 4 or 5 count for double or triple points, and diagonal sequences score the most. The real trick is to set up 'combos' - where one line causes other blocks to drop so as to create other lines. As well as the normal game mode, there is also a 'flash' mode, in which the aim is simply to remove a particular block from the base of the pre-formed pile of bricks. The difficulty of this can be determined...

Genre: Strategy
Year: 1990
Developer: SEGA Enterprises Ltd.
Publisher: SEGA of America, Inc.
Players: 2

Get Etera

P2P Netplay available on compatible cores

Achievements

24 achievements · 417 total points

Savior jewel Use the magic jewel in Arcade mode
1 pts
Too Slow! Reach 2 Level starting on Easy [Arcade mode]
2 pts
A Little Faster! Reach 5 Level starting on Easy [Arcade mode]
2 pts
Turn It Up To Ten! Reach 10 Level starting on Easy [Arcade mode]
5 pts
Lightspeed Jeweling! Reach 15 Level starting on Easy [Arcade mode]
5 pts
Real Challenge! Reach Level 20 starting on Hard [Arcade mode]
25 pts
Almost there! Reach Level 25 starting on Hard [Arcade mode]
25 pts
Arcade Master! Reach Level 30 starting on Hard [Arcade mode]
50 pts
High Scoring Get 10000 Score in start level 1 [Arcade mode]
1 pts
Squire of Columns Get 50000 Score in start level 1 [Arcade mode]
5 pts
Knight of Columns Get 100000 Score in start level 1 [Arcade mode]
10 pts
King of Columns Get 300000 Score in start level 1 [Arcade mode]
25 pts
Becoming Pro Get 40.000 Score at Pro Difficulty [Original mode]
25 pts
Even more Pro Get 70.000 Score at Pro Difficulty [Original mode]
25 pts
Real Pro Get 100.000 Score at Pro Difficulty [Original mode]
50 pts
Baby's First Jewels Destroy 10 jewels [Arcade mode]
1 pts
Catch All The Jewels Destroy 150 jewels [Arcade mode]
5 pts
For Jewels Destroy 300 jewels [Arcade mode]
10 pts
King of the Jewel Destroy 500 jewels [Arcade mode]
25 pts
Against the clock Get 30.000 Score at Time Trial [Original mode]
10 pts
Almost Sonic Get 50.000 Score at Time Trial [Original mode]
25 pts
You are the Faster Get 70.000 Score at Time Trial [Original mode]
50 pts
The Flash Clear Flash Columns in less than 5 secs
10 pts
As fast as you can Clear Flash Columns at maximum height in less than 2 minutes
25 pts

Columns leaderboard

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Columns frequently asked questions

How do I play Columns online with a friend?

Columns (Genesis/Mega Drive) can be played online with friends using Etera's P2P netplay. Create a room in the launcher and invite your friend, who joins through the invite. Step by step:

Download the Etera launcher for Windows or Linux and create your account.
Ask your friend to do the same and add them to your friends list.
Pick the game in the library and create a netplay room.
Invite your friend: they accept the invite and join the room.
The launcher keeps dependencies on the same version for both players, avoiding desync.

How do I play Columns on PC?

Download the Etera launcher (Windows or Linux), find Columns in the Genesis/Mega Drive library and click to download. The launcher handles the emulator and setup for you.

Does Columns netplay lag?

Etera uses a direct P2P connection between players, which usually means low latency. Results depend on each player's internet quality.

Does Columns have achievements?

Yes, Columns has 24 achievements worth 417 points. Achievements are counted and saved to your history and the leaderboard for subscribers and during the trial period.

Can I play Columns for free?

Yes. Every account gets a 5-day trial with premium features. After that, the free plan allows 3 new games per day and 1 netplay session per day. Premium raises those limits.

Play Columns on Etera

Download the launcher for Windows or Linux, find this game in the library and play solo or with friends.