Columns

Columns is a non-tetromino falling block game franchise, developed by Sega as a response to the popularity of Tetris in regions where companies other than Sega had an exclusive Tetris license from Elorg. Many Sega Game Gear handheld systems were bundled with Columns.

Columns uses only the I tromino, where each block is colored with one of a selection of four to six colors represented as different gems. The player can move the piece sideways into a playfield whose width may be 6 or 7 blocks and whose height is variable (12 to 18 blocks depending on version). The pieces cannot be rotated, but the colors within the pieces can be cycled. After the piece locks, three or more of the same blocks aligned horizontally, vertically, or diagonally disappear, and the blocks on top fall into place, possibly causing a cascade. The scoring is roughly number of lines of 3 * chain * level+1 * 30, with level+1 points being awarded for each half-block of soft drop used.

The Mega Drive/Genesis version uses as 6x13 playfield, and has fast DAS, lock delay, long line clear delay and entry delay, and some levels that are slower than the previous level. It also has 1/2 G soft drop, that can be used even when the natural falling speed is faster.

Players who like Columns may also like Klax and Dr. Mario.