Play Columns GB - Tezuka Osamu Characters (Japan) Online

I picked up Columns GB: Tezuka Osamu Characters on the Game Boy Color back in 1999, a time when puzzle games were everywhere and licensed tie-ins were common. It was published by Sega, and it’s essentially a reskin of their classic Columns formula, but with a cast of characters from Osamu Tezuka’s universe, like Astro Boy and Black Jack. It fits right in with that era’s love for quick, portable puzzle fixes, and the familiar faces gave it a little extra charm.

You control the order of falling gem trios, rotating them to align three or more of the same type horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The main goal is to clear gems before the stack reaches the top of the screen. Key mechanics include creating chain reactions by clearing groups in quick succession, and using special character tiles that clear entire rows or columns when matched. The pace is brisk but manageable, with difficulty that gradually increases without feeling unfair. It feels satisfying to watch those colorful tiles disappear, especially when you set off a big combo.