{"product_id":"columns-genesis","title":"Columns - for Genesis","description":"\u003cp\u003eColumns is the falling jewel puzzle game that helped define the early Sega Genesis library, developed by Sega Enterprises and published by Sega of America in 1990. It dresses a simple idea in a warm fantasy of ancient Phoenicia, a pastime favoured by merchants tinkering with their riches, and the presentation does a great deal to set the mood: glittering gems, a hypnotic soundtrack and a pace that invites you to forget the passage of time. Columns arrived when the puzzle boom was in full swing and found a voice of its own rather than copying its rivals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColumns drops three jewels at a time, and you line up three or more of the same colour across, down or diagonally to make them vanish. More sparklers fall into the gaps, chains form if you have set them up well, and the jewels drop more rapidly as you climb, so a quiet opening turns into a scramble to clear the board before the columns reach the top. Flash Columns sets a different task: make a flashing jewel disappear before time runs out. You can enjoy solitary games or sit down with a friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pleasure of Columns is that you do not have to be a joystick whiz to excel, even at the hardest levels. It rewards calm, pattern reading and a little greed when a big chain is on offer, which is why it still works as an evening game decades on. For collectors it is a cornerstone Genesis cartridge, one of the first things many people played on the system and still one of the easiest to hand to a newcomer. If you want one puzzle game sitting beside the action titles, Columns is a lovely, safe choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Puzzle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlayers:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1-2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e NTSC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Year:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1990\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDeveloper:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sega Enterprises\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCartridge Only: No Box or Manual\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nPlease note that this listing is for the \u003cstrong\u003egame cartridge only\u003c\/strong\u003e. The original box, instruction manual, and any other accessories are not included with this purchase unless explicitly stated in the listing. What you receive is exactly what you need to play: the cartridge itself, tested and confirmed working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; Authenticity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThis game has been tested and is fully functional. We do not authenticate or certify originality, and listings are intended for players and everyday collectors rather than professional grading or authentication purposes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImages \u0026amp; Regional Differences\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nProduct images are for reference only. Label artwork, cartridge color, and regional markings (PAL or NTSC) may vary from the item you receive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Genesis","offers":[{"title":"NTSC","offer_id":53163832672538,"sku":"SJ-COLUMNS-Genesis-NTSC-T","price":34.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0973\/4615\/8874\/files\/3473cf82-64e2-45ee-b395-f09c59cfff2a.png?v=1792708569","url":"https:\/\/sillyjoystick.com\/products\/columns-genesis","provider":"SillyJoystick Gaming","version":"1.0","type":"link"}