Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Columns builds on the classic falling‐block formula with precise, responsive controls that make aligning three or more jewels of the same color both intuitive and satisfying. The core mechanic—rotating and positioning vertical stacks of three columns—remains intact, but the updated interface adds smooth grid snapping and a handy preview of the next piece, helping players plan their chain reactions on the fly. Whether you’re aiming for quick clears or massive cascades, the tactile feel of each drop offers a gratifying sense of control.

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Beyond the original Endless mode, Super Columns introduces a versatile Versus mode that pits you against either local friends or AI opponents. Matches are fast‐paced, best two‐out‐of‐three affairs where you can send garbage columns to your rival’s playfield by triggering combos and counterattacks. This competitive edge makes Versus mode a lively party option, transforming a solo puzzle game into a head‐to‐head duel of wits and reflexes.

For players craving fresh challenges, Flash Mode and the brand‐new Endless Mode enrich the standard experience. Flash Mode tasks you with clearing specific patterns under tight time constraints, turning each round into a high‐pressure puzzle sprint. Endless Mode, on the other hand, challenges you to rack up the highest score possible before the clock runs out, rewarding strategic staking of precious power‐ups like Glitter Columns—capable of wiping out every gem of a single color at once—and mystical Stone Block Columns, which can only be shattered by collecting rare magic boosts. These variations inject brilliant strategic layers that keep gameplay feeling novel even after dozens of sessions.

Graphics

Visually, Super Columns retains the bright, jewel‐toned appeal of the original but refines it with sharper sprites and more dynamic background art. Each gemstone sparkles with polished highlights, and when you trigger a large combo, the screen erupts in a dazzling cascade of light and particles. The overall effect is a more modern, polished aesthetic that still honors the simplicity of the classic arcade style.

The user interface has also been streamlined—menus are more navigable, with clear icons and subtle animations that guide you through mode selection without feeling cluttered. During gameplay, the well‐chosen color palette makes it easy to distinguish between hues even in frantic moments, and the subtle grid lines help prevent misdrops. All these graphical enhancements combine to deliver a comfortable, visually pleasing puzzle experience on both TVs and portable screens.

Background themes change to reflect the mode or story chapter you’re in, offering scenic vistas of ancient Phoenician temples, eerie sorcerer’s lairs, and vibrant tournament arenas. These graphical flourishes, though simple, contribute to a more immersive atmosphere and nicely frame the action without ever overwhelming the core puzzle grid.

Story

Story Mode in Super Columns breathes narrative life into what is traditionally a purely mechanical puzzle game. You assume the role of a valiant hero on a quest to reclaim the mystical amulet of Phoenicia, stolen by the malevolent sorcerer Surhand. The plot is conveyed through brief but charming cutscenes and dialogue boxes that introduce each of Surhand’s four guardians, each of whom must be bested in a tense best‐two‐out‐of‐three Columns match.

As you progress, each guardian battle brings fresh wrinkles to the gameplay—some foes specialize in speeding up the drop rate, others introduce extra Stone Block Columns or unleash periodic screen‐wide attacks that obscure your playfield unless you quickly recover. These narrative‐driven twists make every encounter feel distinct, and the sense of accomplishment when you finally outwit each guard and reclaim a fragment of the amulet is genuinely rewarding.

The climactic showdown with Surhand ties the entire journey together. Although the dialogue remains light, the stakes feel tangible thanks to the carefully paced challenge curve and the visual build‐up of Surhand’s dark fortress. By the time you topple the sorcerer and restore peace to Phoenicia, you’ll have invested in the lore enough that the story’s triumphant finale resonates.

Overall Experience

Super Columns succeeds in blending classic, addictive puzzle gameplay with modern touches that keep it feeling fresh. The multiple modes—Endless, Flash, Versus, and the new Story Mode—offer a wealth of variety, ensuring that you can dive in for a quick high‐score run or settle in for a full narrative campaign. The polished visuals and responsive controls mean the game never feels dated, and the variety of power‐ups and special blocks add strategic nuance without bogging down the action.

This is an ideal title for both longtime fans of Columns and newcomers seeking a pick‐up‐and‐play puzzle experience. The local Versus mode makes for entertaining couch competitions, while Story Mode offers a surprising depth for solo players. With adjustable difficulty settings, it caters to casual players and seasoned puzzle veterans alike.

Overall, Super Columns stands out as a thoughtfully updated classic. Its engaging modes, vibrant graphics, and surprisingly engaging storyline come together to deliver a versatile package that’s easy to recommend. Whether you’re chasing combo perfection in Endless Mode or battling through Surhand’s ranks, this is one jewel‐matching adventure you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10