SEGA Columns Talk

Phetishboy

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So I get that Sega was trying to cash in on Tetris' popularity with this game, but what mythology were they trying to associate it with? The flyer has Egyptian hieroglyphics:

16209001.jpg


While the title screen looks Greek:

1181242070125.png


What gives? Anyone have this game/ like it? I just found my board and fired it up for the first time last night but didn't have any coin switches hooked up in my cab to get a credit and start a game. Can't wait to play it. Need to locate a marquee and or a CPO if they exist.
 
Internet rumors say they made a Tetris game for home consoles based off of their Tetris arcade game. Due to the huge problems associated with rights for the home versions of Tetris, they could not release it (a few for the Japan Megadrive did get it out in very limited numbers). Anyhow, they came up with Columns to fill the puzzle gap and have "something."

The arcade version of Columns runs off of what is a consolidated-arcade-ized Genesis/Megadrive console. You'll notice the screens look a lot like the home version of the game.

Anyhow, I remember this game in the arcade first in a generic Dynamo. I remember being impressed at how nice and clear the monitor looked as it was brand new. It didn't last long and got converted into a Time Killers pretty quickly.
 
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Internet rumors say they made a Tetris game for home consoles based off of their Tetris arcade game. Due to the huge problems associated with rights for the home versions of Tetris, they could not release it (a few for the Japan Megadrive did get it out in very limited numbers). Anyhow, they came up with Tetris to fill the puzzle gap and have "something."

The arcade version of Columns runs off of what is a consolidated-arcade-ized Genesis/Megadrive console. You'll notice the screens look a lot like the home version of the game.

Anyhow, I remember this game in the arcade first in a generic Dynamo. I remember being impressed at how nice and clear the monitor looked as it was brand new. It didn't last long and got converted into a Time Killers pretty quickly.

Interesting. I already have Tetris on my PC-10, and Gem slide on my Infinity touch screen, wonder if this game is worth having?
 
The home versions (Genesis/Sega CD) are fun in five minute sessions. I would not build a cab around this game, but it might be a fun board to have in reserve when you want something different.
 
I have found both Columns and Bloxeed (Sega's Tetris) not worth having. They aren't really shining examples of the puzzle genre.

A lot of puzzle games have Egyptian themes for some reason, including some of the later Tetris titles.

Uo Poko, Puzzle Bobble, Magical Drop, Money Puzzle Exchanger, Tetris Plus and Magical Tetris are all infinitely better.
 
The home versions (Genesis/Sega CD) are fun in five minute sessions. I would not build a cab around this game, but it might be a fun board to have in reserve when you want something different.

Yeah, that sounds about right. I'll just pop it into my Jamma cab from time to time. Too bad it's only set up for one player.
 
So I get that Sega was trying to cash in on Tetris' popularity with this game, but what mythology were they trying to associate it with? The flyer has Egyptian hieroglyphics:

16209001.jpg


While the title screen looks Greek:

1181242070125.png


What gives? Anyone have this game/ like it? I just found my board and fired it up for the first time last night but didn't have any coin switches hooked up in my cab to get a credit and start a game. Can't wait to play it. Need to locate a marquee and or a CPO if they exist.

It looks like two dudes holding hands, with their spears hanging out.

Seems like a perfect game for you.
 
I thought Primal Rage was totally JAMMA? Did you get rid of you favorite dino fighting claymation game?
 
I often associate jewels, rubies, gold, etc with the ancient world. Seems more "treasure-like". They probably just decided to make the colors of the blocks "jewels" so that they could give the game a theme. As for the mixture of Egyptian/ Greek- one word: Ptolemy.
 
I often associate jewels, rubies, gold, etc with the ancient world. Seems more "treasure-like". They probably just decided to make the colors of the blocks "jewels" so that they could give the game a theme. As for the mixture of Egyptian/ Greek- one word: Ptolemy.

But in the written description they say it's a Phoenician game?
 
Columns sucks, I got it on my Genesis back during the Tetris craze. I played Tetris on my NES way more. Only slightly better than that shit of a game Dr. Mario. Here are the good puzzle games:

Tetris
Puzzle Bobble (Bust a Move)
Panic Bomber

Don't waste your time on Columns.

Edit:

Oh and Baku Baku Animal.
 
Hey, my columns has the instructions in japanese, but the game scores, etc are in english. Anyone know if there is a full english version, maybe a different rom set?

On the culture/art style, I'd also call it Ptolemaic Egypt (the Cleopatra era, when egypt was actually ruled by the greeks and their art merged.) But hey, it's just a game, made by japanese game designers and not archeologists!
 
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I had a Columns upright in a converted Stern Astro Invader cabinet for about six months. It was great looking game, but not a lot of replay value.

Kyle :cool:
 
What no Klax love?! ;)

I think for a puzzle game Loco-motion is pretty fun. Hard to beat Puzzle Bobble and Tetris though.
 
Well in the 80s Tone Loc was down with the ladies.

Then came the 90s and it was time for Klax.

Then the whole thing fell apart because the first 2 decades of the 21st century never gained names.
 
I do like Columns, but not enough to dedicate an entire space in the arcade for one. Probably one of my favorite Genesis/MD tunes. I just can't see having it in a cabinet when the home version is just as good.
 
I played the crap out of Columns on the Genesis. Tetris was just never really my thing. The Music in Columns is one the best parts. The only problem with it, once you get to the fastest speed in the higher levels, it just stays there, so you can practically play the game for hours without dying.

I don't think I could stand up and play it on a cab though. It's one of those games you veg out on the couch to.
 
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