Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Columns GB: Tezuka Osamu Characters faithfully adapts the classic Columns formula to the Game Boy, pairing three-gem columns that you rotate and stack in an effort to match three or more gems of the same color. The pacing is instantly familiar to fans of the original Game Gear release, with falling columns accelerating as your combo chains grow. The core mode retains that addictive simplicity: make lines, rack up points, and avoid stacking to the top of the playfield.

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Where this edition really shines is in its expanded suite of play modes. In addition to the standard Endless Columns mode, there’s a Puzzle Mode inspired by the Nazo Puyo series, where you’re given pre-set gem layouts and a limited sequence of drops to clear the board. This cerebral challenge forces you to think several steps ahead, turning a game once ruled by reflexes into a logic exercise worthy of seasoned puzzlers.

For those seeking friendly competition, the Link-Up Battle Mode allows two Game Boys to go head-to-head via the Game Link Cable. Each garbage clear in Columns sends nuisance gems to your opponent’s field, creating a frantic give-and-take as you race to survive. Between the six selectable Tezuka characters (Astro Boy, Kimba, Black Jack and more) and three save slots for high scores, the replay value feels robust for a portable puzzle title of its era.

Graphics

Graphically, Columns GB opts for clarity over flashiness, ensuring every gem color pops against the monochrome window of the original Game Boy hardware. Tweaked sprites give each jewel a subtle texture, making it easy to distinguish blues from greens or reds from yellows even in dim lighting. The playfield border and surrounding UI are cleanly drawn, prioritizing visibility so you can focus on combo chains without distraction.

The real visual treat lies in the character cameo window to the right of the board. Each of the six Osamu Tezuka characters is rendered with surprisingly expressive detail, given the Game Boy’s modest palette. Astro Boy beams with optimism when you’re on a hot streak, while Black Jack studies your progress with a cool, clinical eye, adding a dash of personality each time you clear multiple lines.

Animations are minimal but charming: characters shift poses, grin or frown to reflect your performance, and occasionally deliver an encouraging gesture when you hit a long chain. Although the limited animation frames mean they’re not as fluid as a dedicated platformer sprite, the lighthearted touches transform what might have been a plain puzzle UI into a vibrant homage to Tezuka’s creations.

Story

As is typical for a puzzle game, Columns GB doesn’t deliver a traditional narrative arc, but the inclusion of Osamu Tezuka’s icons lends a refreshing thematic layer. Rather than drop you into a specific storyline, the game treats each character as a decorative mascot for your gem-matching sessions. This wasn’t a missed opportunity so much as a deliberate choice to keep the focus on building chain reactions.

Still, the roster of characters feels thoughtfully curated. Whether you’re locking in combos with Astro Boy’s hopeful grin or smirking alongside Pinoko, the title injects just enough fan service to keep Tezuka enthusiasts smiling. There’s a sense of personalization: you’re not merely playing ‘Columns GB,’ you’re playing it as Kimba the White Lion or the enigmatic Black Jack, which deepens the cozy, collectible appeal.

The absence of deeper story beats means you won’t unlock cutscenes or follow a plot progression, but the three save slots and shifting character reactions give you a pseudo-narrative of your own creation. Each time you return, you revisit your chosen hero’s journey through cascading gems and escalating difficulty, forging your own puzzle-driven tale.

Overall Experience

Columns GB: Tezuka Osamu Characters is an engaging puzzle package that blends polished core mechanics with nostalgic character charm. Its tripartite mode selection—Endless Columns, Nazo Puyo–style puzzles, and Link-Up battling—ensures both solo strategists and competitive friends find something to enjoy. Save slots and high-score retention add the addictive lure of progression on the go.

While some may lament the lack of a deeper narrative or the modest frame rate on the Game Boy hardware, the title’s strengths lie in its accessible gameplay and fan-centric flourishes. It never overcomplicates the Columns formula, allowing the Tezuka license to act as a delightful garnish rather than an intrusive overhaul. The result is a pure, pick-up-and-play experience that feels right at home in any portable gaming library.

For newcomers to gem-matching puzzles, Columns GB offers a gentle learning curve with plenty of room to master advanced chain strategies. Veterans will appreciate the puzzle challenges and head-to-head duels that keep every match fresh. Ultimately, Columns GB: Tezuka Osamu Characters stands as a testament to how a timeless puzzle concept can be elevated by the simple joy of iconic character cameos.

Retro Replay Score

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