Those of you who have been keeping up with your Sega Ages collections on Switch will be pleased to know that another two games are on the way later this month, both on the very same day.
Both of the new releases are puzzle games that are set to be available from 17th October: Ichidant-R, and Columns II. They're both actually heading to the west for the very first time; Ichidant-R has you hunting down hidden vampires, conducting an orchestra, shooting down UFOs and plenty more besides, while Columns II is a three-in-a-row style puzzler that builds upon its predecessor in style.
We've got more info on both games for you below:
Ichidant-R
Originally released for Japanese arcades back in 1994, this unique spin-off from the beloved classic Bonanza Bros. features a compilation of wacky minigames that require sharp thinking and quick reflexes, all set in a fantasy medieval backdrop where you must save a princess from the Demon King. Experience “puzzle and action” in this definitive party game.
Mega Drive Mode adds in an RPG-like Quest Mode, a unique Competitive Mode, and a point-based Free Mode (Note: Mega Drive Mode is presented with Japanese text only).
Columns II
Match jewels, fossils, and disks as you take a voyage through time in the second instalment of this fun and exciting puzzle series. Control the falling pieces and aim for three-in-a-row in any direction to clear the screen before they stack to the top. Switch between multiple game modes, like “Flash Columns” where you target flashing jewels and unlock secret Jewel Case characters, or “Versus Columns” that pits friends against one another.
Columns II takes everything fans know and love about the original and dramatically increases the value. Not only is there an online versus mode, a Stage Select feature, and a tabletop mode that rotates Player 2’s screen 180 degrees for face-to-face battles, but the original Mega Drive version ofColumns comes bundled in! There’s even an Infinite Jewels mode that lets you play virtually forever.
Both games will be available individually on the Switch eShop in the Americas and Europe on 17th October. Pricing will be set at 6.99€ / £5.99.
Will you be giving either of these a go? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 26
Personally, I like Tant-R more than Ichidant-R.
Not exactly an exciting pair of games but I might give both a go. I remember enjoying Columns on my mates Game Gear and with this having online it should hopefully give me some hours of fun, provided I can find an opponent to play. Yet to find one on Virtua Racing. Inchidant-R I know absolutely nothing about so I'll wait for a review.
Can't understand why but Columns 2 appeals to me but it does. I like the first game but feel the need to play something different after an hour or so.
@wazlon I think I'd have preferred Stack Columns, myself.
@wazlon yes. those type of games gets my attention for an hour max... and then I want something else... it's not for everyon such games... some can get annoying after some time
"Note: Mega Drive Mode is presented with Japanese text only"
Which makes all those cool extra modes completely irrelevant for any potential buyer not versed in the Japanese language, I guess?
Still waiting for those Saturn and Dreamcast games, Sega.
@HikaruKitsune You can email M2 and ask them to make a port of the original Tant-R game. Also I we get Puzzle & Action: Treasure Hunt and Taisen Tanto-R Sasissu! in the future.
Releases like this present a conundrum for Sega fans. On the one hand, these are the very definition of "niche" titles that likely aren't on many people's personal Wish Lists. On the other hand, rumblings have indicated that Sega is disappointed with the sales of the Sega Ages line so far, so the potential threat of them abandoning further projects in the series looms large.
I've supported most of the Sega Ages games so far, and have to say I've enjoyed titles like Phantasy Star, Lightning Force/Thunder Force IV, and Virtua Racing the most. But with games coming at a trickle and so many incredible Saturn, Arcade, and Dreamcast games still untouched, releases like these feel like lost time. Voting with your wallet may only decide whether we get more of the same types of games or nothing at all; the hope of seeing projects on the scale of, say, Shining Force III, Dragon Force, or Daytona USA 2 feels more and more remote as we get ever deeper into the Switch's life cycle.
@Magician If there any Saturn or Dreamcast game I would like to see is the original four Sakura Wars games and all scenarios of Shining Force III. Also what makes the first Sakura Wars game on the Sega Saturn special is because the release date September 27, 1996. That month and day is my birthday!
There is one way to let Sega and M2 know what we want from the Sega Ages lineup. When you go into the Main Menu in each of the current Sega Ages titles on the Switch, you can take a detailed survey (which you must type out the answers for using a controller). You can tell them which genres you prefer, what platforms you want to see represented, and there's an opportunity to tell them the ONE game you most want to see. There's even a Comment box for you to say specifically whatever you wish.
I don't know how many other folks have taken the time to answer the survey (I've already filled out two forms), but if you want the best hope of Sega and M2 hearing and listening to you, there it is. Please make the time to go in there and make your voice heard!
Could care less for these, where are the action SEGA Arcade games?
or their racing games?
heck why not the Virtua Fighter games?
Sega I love you guys but cmon you gotta slice up this Ages lineup!! Unearth those killer games you have In that treasure chest?!?
That said I’ll definitely grab Columns!
Lost me at puzzle game. Now when Mighty Morphin Power Rangers the Movie comes to Sega Ages it'd be an instant buy! Easily one of the best beat em ups ever period!
Please Sega Wonder Boy in Monster World! 🙏
@AtlanteanMan
Can you give me the link where i can vote or suggest Sega Ages title to M2? Thanks
@Rez Monster World 1 already has been released.
Monster World 3 isn't very likely.
@AtlanteanMan well said. It is a bit of a conundrum huh. I especially have a hard time buying individual Genesis games when I have the Genesis collection on my Switch. It’s so awesome for including Shining Force 1 and 2, unlike the mini which only has 1 I believe? Getting to finally play Shining Force 3 would be a dream come true.
@HikaruKitsune are you a fan of that game or something not offending you.
@HikaruKitsune
You mean Wonder Boy in Monster Land? I've buyed it! But now i want Wonder Boy in Monster World, one of my favorite title for Mega Drive.
@Rez,
The survey is somewhere in the main menu of each Sega Ages game, maybe a sub menu beneath one of the selections.
Anyone know what "Ichidant-R" or "Tant-R" means?
I'm differently going to get Columns 2, Ichident-R isn't really my thing
The description still says the original Megadrive Columns when it's actually the arcade version included for Columns I. The arcade version is very similar to the Arcade mode of the MD/Genesis version and is on Genesis based hardware.
@ClassSonicSatAm So you care a bit?
Where on earth is Sonic 2?
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