Stack Columns (World)

Stack Columns is a two-player puzzle game released by Sega in 1994 and running on their System C-2 hardware. Players use an eight-way joystick to manipulate falling blocks composed of gems, fruits, and letters. The goal is to strategically arrange these shapes into solid columns that reach the top of the playfield, clearing space and preventing the stack from overflowing. Successfully cleared columns award points, while mismanaged drops can quickly lead to a game over. This installment in Sega’s popular Columns series builds upon previous titles with its core gameplay loop but offers a fresh take on the familiar formula. It is part of a larger franchise that began with the original Columns in 1990 and continued through several arcade and console releases, including a version for the Sega Saturn as part of an arcade collection. Two players can compete head-to-head, adding a layer of strategic interaction to the puzzling action.