Columns

Columns is a puzzle game where players manipulate descending groups of three colored blocks. The primary objective is to align these blocks to form sequences of three or more matching colors. These matches can be created along horizontal, vertical, or diagonal lines, with diagonal alignments yielding the highest scores.

Beyond basic matching, the gameplay encourages setting up chain reactions. Clearing one sequence can cause other blocks to fall into new positions, potentially creating additional matches for combo bonuses. Larger sequences of four or five blocks are rewarded with multiplied points.

An alternate mode shifts the focus from building sequences to targeted removal. In this mode, a pre-arranged stack of blocks is presented, and the player must eliminate a specific block at its base. The initial challenge of this task can be adjusted by changing the height of the pre-built stack, making the objective more challenging.