Sakura Taisen - Hanagumi Taisen Columns (J 971007 V1.010)

Sakura Taisen - Hanagumi Taisen Columns is a competitive puzzle game released by Sega in 1997, built upon the classic Columns formula. Up to four players can simultaneously engage in matches, maneuvering falling blocks composed of different colored gems to create horizontal lines and clear them from the playfield. The gameplay retains the core mechanics of previous Columns titles but introduces characters and themes drawn from the Sakura Taisen series. Players use an 8-way joystick to rotate and position the descending blocks, strategically aiming to disrupt opponents or build their own scoring chains. This version utilizes Sega's ST-V hardware, a system closely related to the Saturn console, marking it as one of the last games developed for that platform. The title itself translates from Japanese as "Flower Branch Competition Columns - Cherry Blossom Wars," hinting at its connection to the popular Sakura Taisen franchise and its competitive multiplayer focus. The game offers a direct evolution of the established Columns gameplay while incorporating the recognizable aesthetic of Sakura Taisen, providing familiar puzzle action with a fresh thematic layer for up to four players.