Columns
by Autumn Springs
The classic Sega game for QB!
| Columns is a classic game in the tradition of Tetris. It was made popular on the Sega Genesis console system and many people have played it since. | |
| I have to say that this game is quite professionally well done! The menu system is fluid, as is the game itself. There are three gaming options: Columns, Flash Columns, and Rows. Flash Columns is like the Tetris 2 of Columns, with flashing jewels that you need to get rid of in order to win the game. Rows is Columns, only horizontally. I found that the variations of the game add quite a bit to the original. I found no bugs in the game itself, which is commendable and deserving of a high score. |
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| This game has a few things going for it. For one, the jewels, while simple looking, do disappear with a flash when they are cleared. It is quick and does not try to detract from the game at all. Also, with the variety of skins and the fact that the background is skinnable, there is endless possibilities to what you can put in this game to customize it as your own. Still, the game itself uses basic looking graphics that aren't special but work well in this game. I especially like how the background will periodically change while playing the game. | |
| It is rare to play a game made in QBasic that has good gameplay and solid controls. I never felt like the game missed a key press or that it was inconsistent at all. I could easily concentrate on the game itself and controls were very intuitive. Still, it would have been nice to have as part of the Options a key customization so that I could use whatever keys I wanted. As the game stands, I cannot find much to complain about at all in terms of control. | |
| I originally thought that there was no sound, but then I noticed that among the files included was BWSB's GDM converter was included. After checking, I found out that I had configured the card incorrectly at the beginning. After playing, I realized the music was a good addition to the game. The sound effects were also great. Along with the customizable skins in the game, you can also assign some of your own music to them! This adds quite a bit more to the game. | |
| If there is anything about this implementation of the game that might be flawed, I personally think it is the game itself. I am not a big fan of Columns in general, but I really did try to play this game and see what is good about it. I think that the Columns engine itself isn't lending itself to a good gaming experience. What I mean by that is the fact that there is only so many ways to play the game. You can't really get large combos. You are limited in your movements. The game can get old pretty fast. That is why I must commend Autumn Springs on taking this engine and adding some new features. Flash Columns is my favorite of the three games provided as it adds the element of actual targets rather than simply playing until you lose. I am also partial to Rows, even though the restrictions on movement are now horizontally instead of vertically. Still, you do have to take into account vertical movement in this game, so it adds more of a strategic feel to the original Columns. | |
| There are a few types of games. There are those that just aren't fun, those that have the potential to be fun, and those that just are fun. I believe that while I do not like Columns as a game in general, Autumn Springs has made a version that is fun to play in itself. With its added features and variations on gameplay, I had to admit that I found this game mildly addicting. | |
| Columns by Autumn Springs is professionally well done and while graphically mediocre, it allows customization in terms of the background and sounds. The controls are superb and deserving of an award of some kind. In general, it is a fun gaming experience. I suggest this game to people who want to play a solid implementation of a classic game, and even if you don't like Columns, I suggest you seriously give this game a spin. | |
| .zip file: 628KB download | |
| V Planet |