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Bejeweled 3 vs Columns

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Bejeweled 3
Bejeweled 3Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game with 8 breathtaking game modes.
Columns
ColumnsMatch colorful jewels in ancient Phoenicia and create dazzling combos.
Overview
Description

Bejeweled 3 is the ultimate gem-matching experience, offering eight breathtaking game modes tailored to match any mood or playstyle. Whether you want to ease into the relaxing cascades of Classic Bejeweled, charge into the electrifying action of Lightning mode, or unwind in the tranquil setting of Zen, the game provides endless hours of engaging puzzle entertainment. Featuring stunning high-definition graphics, immersive audio, and 40 challenging Quest puzzles, this installment elevates the legendary franchise to new heights. Designed for single-player enjoyment across PC and Mac platforms, it combines addictive match-3 mechanics with polished presentation and revolutionary relaxation tools.

Travel back to the ancient world of Phoenicia where sparkling, rainbow‑coloured jewels cascade down the screen. Align three or more identical jewels horizontally, vertically, or diagonally to perform miracles and clear the board. The game blends simple puzzle mechanics with a fantasy setting, offering both single‑player challenges and competitive split‑screen multiplayer. Designed for all ages, Columns delivers timeless strategy fun on modern platforms.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Puzzle Games
Puzzle Games
Best for
Casual players and puzzle fans
Casual puzzle enthusiasts
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.99
release date
2010-12-07
1990-03-01
Specifications
developer
PopCap Games
Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
publisher
PopCap Games
Tec Toy, Media Factory, Sega Enterprises, Ltd., Sega, Telenet Japan
age rating
ESRB E
PEGI 3, ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player
Single player, Multiplayer, Split screen
critic score
78/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Eight diverse and engaging game modes catering to different playstyles
  • Stunning high-definition visuals and polished audio design
  • Revolutionary Zen mode offers incredible relaxation features
  • Deep progression system with secret modes and achievements
  • Easy to learn, hard to master puzzle mechanics
  • Rich ancient Phoenician visual theme
  • Supports both solo and split‑screen multiplayer
  • Available on Linux, PC, and Mac
Cons
  • Limited strictly to single-player experiences without competitive multiplayer
  • Core mechanics remain familiar to returning franchise fans with fewer radical departures
  • Requires a PC or Mac, lacking modern mobile platform native integration
  • Limited visual variety beyond jewel colors
  • No online multiplayer or leaderboards
  • Audio may feel dated for modern players
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Bejeweled 2
Bejeweled 2

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Alternatives to Columns

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Bejeweled 3
Bejeweled 3

Discover all-new ways to play the world’s #1 puzzle game with 8 breathtaking game modes.

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Bejeweled 2
Bejeweled 2

Classic match‑3 puzzle fun for every skill level

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Luxor 3
Luxor 3

Match magical spheres to free Egyptian gods before they reach the pyramid.

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Jewel Master: Cradle of Rome

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Columns offers split‑screen multiplayer and Linux support for classic, easy‑to‑learn puzzle fun, while Bejeweled 3 delivers modern graphics, eight distinct game modes, and a richer single‑player progression system.

Key differences

  • Multiplayer: Columns includes split‑screen head‑to‑head; Bejeweled 3 is single‑player only.
  • Platform coverage: Columns runs on Linux, PC, and Mac; Bejeweled 3 only on PC and Mac.
  • Visual/audio polish: Bejeweled 3 boasts high‑definition graphics and polished sound; Columns has dated audio and limited visual variety.
  • Content breadth: Bejeweled 3 provides eight game modes, secret modes, and achievements; Columns offers only classic match‑3 play.
  • Release era: Columns released in 1990, giving it a retro feel; Bejeweled 3 released in 2010 with more contemporary design.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Bejeweled 3 offers eight varied modes and secret challenges, expanding play styles beyond classic match‑3.

Bejeweled 3

Platform availability

Columns runs natively on Linux, PC, and Mac, whereas Bejeweled 3 is limited to PC and Mac.

Columns

Pricing & value

Bejeweled 3 costs $19.99; Columns price is not specified, so direct value comparison is unavailable.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

Columns supports split‑screen multiplayer; Bejeweled 3 is single‑player only.

Columns

Content & replayability

Bejeweled 3 includes eight game modes, secret modes, and achievement tracking, giving more replay value.

Bejeweled 3

Difficulty & accessibility

Columns has simple controls and a PEGI 3/ESRB E rating, making it easy for all ages.

Columns

Graphics & performance

Bejeweled 3 features high‑definition graphics and immersive audio; Columns’ visuals and audio are dated.

Bejeweled 3

Choose Bejeweled 3 if…

Players who prioritize modern visuals, many game modes, and a deep single‑player progression system.

Choose Columns if…

Players who want local multiplayer, Linux support, and a straightforward casual puzzle.

Common questions

Does either game support online multiplayer?

No. Columns only offers split‑screen multiplayer; Bejeweled 3 is single‑player only.

Which game runs on Linux?

Columns runs natively on Linux; Bejeweled 3 does not list Linux support.

What is the price of each game?

Bejeweled 3 is priced at $19.99; Columns’ price is not specified in the provided data.