Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Columns III: Revenge of Columns refines the classic three-or-more matching formula with lightning-fast puzzle action. Players drop vertical stacks of three jewels into a well-shaped playfield, rotating their order on the fly to align colours horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The core mechanic feels instantly familiar to genre veterans, yet the pressure of falling stones ramps up quickly to keep every second tense and engaging.

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Beyond the standard endless mode, Columns III introduces three distinct playfields—Arcade, Versus, and Time Trial—each tailored to a different skill set. Arcade mode challenges you to clear stages under increasing speed, Versus pits you against a human or AI opponent in head-to-head duels, and Time Trial tasks you with specific objectives, such as removing a particular gemstone within a tight limit. This variety ensures there’s always a fresh puzzle to conquer, whether you’re practising solo or competing with friends.

The real strategic extra layer comes from the new rising bar and magical items. As you clear combinations, your bar ascends, threatening to cross the playfield threshold and cost you the round. In Versus mode, triggering the bar can also send jagged rows to your opponent’s side, turning routine matches into tactical skirmishes. The magical items—ranging from colour bombs that wipe entire columns to time-slow gems—offer clutch plays that can reverse even the direst situations. Timing these power-ups adds a fresh sense of depth and risk-reward calculation.

Graphics

Visually, Columns III stays true to its arcade roots while adding a bit more flair. Each gem is crisply rendered with a jewel-like shine that lets you distinguish colours instantly, even when multiple pieces cascade at breakneck speed. Backgrounds cycle through jewel-themed motifs, from azure caverns to molten magma flows, adding variety without ever distracting from the main action.

Animations are smooth and snappy, ensuring that combo chains and cascading matches play out with satisfying impact. When you trigger a magical item, the screen pulses with bright particle effects and colourful flares, heightening the drama of a well-timed play. Even the rising bar carries subtle flashes at each increment, providing immediate visual feedback on how close you are to defeat or victory.

The user interface is clean and intuitive: a small preview window shows the next stack of jewels, while a succinct heads-up sheet tracks your score or targeted gem objectives in Time Trial mode. Sound effects complement the visual design, delivering crisp chimes when jewels vanish and a low rumble when the board nears critical height. Altogether, the graphics and presentation keep you focused on gameplay without sacrificing style.

Story

Columns III: Revenge of Columns offers only the barest narrative framing, but what it lacks in plot depth it makes up for in playful context. The “revenge” theme manifests in menu artwork depicting grinning, jagged stones that taunt you before each match. This lighthearted framing gives the puzzle battles a feisty personality without bogging down the game with cutscenes or lengthy exposition.

Each mode hints at a different scenario—Arcade mode feels like scaling through enchanted caves, Versus mode suggests a mystical tournament, and Time Trial evokes a timed gemstone heist. These subtle backdrops create enough thematic flavour to keep the experience cohesive, even though the emphasis remains firmly on the core mechanics. In this way, Columns III strikes a balance between having a unifying identity and letting the fast-paced gameplay take center stage.

While there are no character arcs or plot twists to dissect, fans of puzzle titles rarely seek deep storytelling. Instead, the minimal narrative serves as a decorative banner under which the jewel-dropping chaos unfolds, and it does so admirably. If you desire rich lore or elaborate worldbuilding, you won’t find it here—but if you want a quick, vibrant puzzle romp with a cheeky “revenge” motif, Columns III delivers.

Overall Experience

Columns III: Revenge of Columns excels as a pick-up-and-play puzzle title that offers surprising strategic depth. Whether you’re a casual player looking to unwind with quick sessions or a competitive enthusiast aiming for high-score bragging rights, this game caters to both extremes. The core loop—matching gems, unleashing combos, and outsmarting opponents—remains endlessly gratifying.

Local Versus mode shines as the standout feature for group play, injecting the rising bar mechanic and magical items into head-to-head matchups. Matches can swing dramatically in a single combo, making every round feel like a tense tug-of-war. Even solo players benefit from the same dynamic tools when battling the clock or completing specialized gem challenges in Time Trial mode.

In summary, Columns III revitalizes the long-running puzzle franchise with smart refinements and fresh multiplayer antics. Its straightforward premise, coupled with strategic power-ups and varied modes, delivers hours of addictive fun. Whether you’re revisiting the series or seeking a new arcade-style puzzle to master, Columns III: Revenge of Columns is a jewel-worthy addition to your collection.

Retro Replay Score

7/10