Simply what a puzzle game should be.

User Rating: 8.7 | Columns GEN
The puzzle genre has been dead for some years, its a relic from simpler times. Its a genre that can not compete with action-packed blockbusters that grace our consoles currently. But every now and then taking some time off from playing 'big games' like gears of war or twighligt princess' can be extremely refreshing. Columns, originally released for the sega megadrive and now available for the wii's virtual console, is a simple puzzle game borrowing aspects from the phenominally successful tetris. Blocks of various different colours fall from the top of the screen, the aim is to get 3 in-a-row and when this is complete they dissapear. As you manage to do this the level increases which in turn increases the speed at which the blocks fall down. However failing to do this results in the blocks building up, when they reach the top of the screen the game is over. There is no end to columns, only stay a live as long as possible and try to get the top score. The gameplay borrows much but remains a great adjustment to a proven formula. Most importantly it has that 'just one more try' factor which makes the game extremely addictive. Columns holds the standard 1 player and 2 player modes, however play is not competitive it is simply two people playing at the same time. Columns is not the type of game where you sit down for a 'serious session' to get an unbeatable high score, this is far from it. It is a game you pick up, and play in the background whilst having having a leisurly evening. You eventually find yourself sub-conciously moving blocks without even thinking about it. The sound on columns is some of the best, clothio (the name of one of the three songs available) is pure genius, the melody leaps from a high to low pitch, the tune is something you find yourself humming for the rest of the day. The downside? theres nothing to spice up the game and your left with just one mode, slightly dissapointing considering youre paying 800 wii points for this, something that will put most people off. The graphics are basic and un-interesting, some people say this adds to the charm of the game however i feel a more interesting background could give the columns more visual flare.

So if you've got the wii points to spare this is definately worth picking up to re-live one of the best puzzle games of the megadrive era.