Columns Crown

First off, the graphics are very bright and colorful, despite being rather tiny. The little prologue/opening shown before the title screen is very cute and explains why the two characters are searching for the gems. It also provides very brief introductions for each of the three areas to find the gems in. I found it quite nice to have a puzzle game where there is actually an intriguing and fairly realistic storyline.

Also, the music is quite excellent, although I haven't heard that many songs. When a magical gem is used when battling an opponent, there is also a little sound effect (the name of the gem being used is announced..), and the unfortunate victime will recoil a few seconds later.

As a pleasant change from many video games, you have the option of controlling one of two characters. Before you enter one of the three main areas, you will be asked to select which character to use. The different characters will earn different gems in the same area, which means you need to balance your efforts equally between both of them. It's also nice to know that you aren't actually playing as the princess, but as her schoolfriends!

However, players will quickly learn that there is absolutely no way for the randomly-colored gems that appear in chains of three to be rotated sideways. While this adds another unique aspect to Columns Crown, it also results in the game being significantly more difficult than most puzzle games.

The survival mode also becomes very difficult very quickly, so this game may become too frustrating for young children. Players will have to spend much more time mastering Columns Crown than something like Puyo Pop. It's very easy to grasp the basic concept of the game, but it takes a veryyy long time to learn to play Columns Crown well (I'm still horrible..)

Still, for anyone who has the patience to try, try again, Columns' Crown is a vivid and addicting puzzle game.


Fun Game   March 26, 2003
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This game brings me back to the Sega Genesis days. It may be a Tetris [take off], but it's a different concept. Unless you're into classic Sega gaming, this will be a fun you. I recommend this for the the classic gamers.


Not nearly as good as the old genesis versions   January 27, 2003
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is one of my favorite puzzle games and I wanted a copy of it for my GBA. Unfortunately, this version isn't as good as the genesis versions are.

The gems are now different shapes, which is good for color blind people.

The game speeds to unplayable levels incredibly quickly if you do not get combos of 3 or more.

There is also no "instant drop" button so you can't get the rhythm going that one does in tetris of playing as fast as they can.


Very addictive   December 11, 2002
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

When I got this game I played all night without even realizing it. I was always a Columns/Jewels fan, and this is a portable version I can take with me. I agree it the screen is a bit dark, so the lighting has to be perfect otherwise it is hard to see.


Columns climbs to the top . . . and crashes??!!   December 3, 2002
 1 out of 3 found this review helpful

Being a huge Columns fan, I thought this game was going to kick arse!! Unfortunately, this game, even with all its new features, is only worthy of two stars. Then again, maybe it's just the dark GBA screen!!!