Columns is a great puzzle franchise from Sega that has always stood out for its own take on mixing the match 3 genre and the Tetris formula. The games in the series were a hit on console and in the arcades, and now M2 has brought Columns II to the Switch as part of the Sega Ages series. Like with the rest of M2 ports to Switch, this release feels like a definitive version of the classic puzzle game. Everything you loved about it before is here, and a lot more as well.
The original modes are still here, including Vs modes and they all play well. The game is simple but addictive and makes you want to keep playing. This is a perfect recreation of the arcade original, and I have to say that M2 did a great job here again. But what sets this release apart are the variety of additional modes included, such as modes that affect hazards, the types of jewels appearing and more. There is a level select mode and modes to give yourself far more of a challenge, expanding the experience a great deal. Most of these are minor variations on the main modes, but its the small touches that have a big impact.
M2 also added in online play, and it works beautifully. As with their Sega Ages port of Virtua Racing, M2 handled online perfectly and I had a blast going up against others in games of Columns. I did not notice any lag in the gameplay, and the amount of games I had online was satisfactory. Normally I have some issues finding matches in online puzzle games, but that was not a concern here.
Lastly, a port of the console game Columns I is included as well. It is a nice touch to add as a bonus, but honestly just feels like a bit of an afterthought. Its still a great game, but doesn’t stack up to Columns II (pun intended). Still, M2 went out of their way to create an amazing port of the arcade classic and included as many bonus features as they could. This is indeed the definitive release of the game, and I urge everyone to check it out. You will not regret it at all.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided