The Final Word game review

Super Columns -- Sega

All of the fun of the original Columns is back with added features in Sega's Super Columns for the Sega Game Gear. This new version features a regular play as well as a new "Story" mode, allowing you to battle it out against the various CPU controlled characters.

Jester
This game is Sega's answer to Tetris. Which is pretty big shoes to fill. Fortunately Columns handles this task very well. The game plays well and the graphics are clear and easy to see. The music is forgettable as are the sound effects. The trouble here is the story mode. I've played several times and have yet to make it past the first guy. Even in situations were it's obvious that I'm winning. A must have for the Game Gear.

R.I.P.
When I first threw this game in, I figured, "Eh, another Columns... I'll give it a shot." Imagine my surprise when I found this new revision more entertaining. There are two additional modes you can play aside from the classic, consisting of a "Story Mode" (ie: 2 player vs. CPU), and a mode that begins with the screen half full of junk pieces. The "Story Mode" was challenging but not impossible, and I had the most fun playing in that mode. Sound in this game is negligible, and I tended to play with it turned down anyways. Now while I can't really say this game would be a winner on a regular console, as a portable game it is a great time passer.

(09/96)