Columns vs Luxor 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
A brave young Pharaoh, turned into a scarab by the gods, must battle the chaotic god Set. Players stop colorful magical spheres by matching three or more as they travel through a maze, freeing captured deities along the way. Collect Ankh coins to purchase upgrades and call upon godly power‑ups, racing against the spheres before they reach the pyramid. The game blends fast‑paced action with classic puzzle mechanics for a single‑player adventure steeped in Egyptian myth.
- 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
- Engaging match‑3 mechanics with a unique Egyptian twist
- Varied power‑ups keep gameplay fresh
- Clear progression and upgrade system
- Family‑friendly rating suitable for all ages
- Limited visual variety beyond jewel colors
- No online multiplayer or leaderboards
- Audio may feel dated for modern players
- Limited to single‑player experience
- Graphics are dated compared to modern titles
- Replayability may diminish after completing all levels
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Alternatives to Luxor 3
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are paid, single‑purchase puzzle games, but Columns offers split‑screen multiplayer and broader platform support, while Luxor 3 provides a deeper upgrade system but is single‑player only.
Key differences
- •Multiplayer: Columns has split‑screen co‑op/versus; Luxor 3 is single‑player only.
- •Platform reach: Columns runs on Linux, PC, and Mac; Luxor 3 is only listed for PC.
- •Progression depth: Luxor 3 includes permanent upgrades and power‑ups; Columns lacks any upgrade system.
- •Release era: Columns (1990) has older audio/visual style; Luxor 3 (2007) is newer but still dated.
- •Content scope: Luxor 3 offers many levels with escalating difficulty; Columns focuses on endless matching with limited visual variety.
Gameplay & fun factor
Luxor 3 adds power‑ups, upgradeable scarab, and maze navigation, giving more varied mechanics than Columns' basic match‑3.
Platform availability
Columns runs natively on Linux, PC, and Mac, while Luxor 3 is only documented for PC.
Price & value
Both are one‑time paid titles; no price details differ in the provided facts.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Columns supports split‑screen multiplayer; Luxor 3 is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Luxor 3 offers multiple levels with escalating difficulty and upgrade incentives; Columns relies on endless matching with limited visual variety.
Difficulty & accessibility
Columns is rated PEGI 3 / ESRB E and designed for all ages, whereas Luxor 3 is ESRB E but has more complex timing challenges.
Graphics & performance
Luxor 3, released later (2007), has newer graphics than Columns (1990), though both are described as dated.
Choose Columns if…
Players who want local co‑op or broader OS support.
Choose Luxor 3 if…
Players who prefer deeper progression and varied power‑ups in a single‑player experience.
Common questions
Can I play Columns with friends on the same computer?
Yes, Columns includes split‑screen multiplayer for head‑to‑head play.
Does Luxor 3 offer any way to improve my character over time?
Yes, you earn Ankh coins to purchase permanent upgrades and god‑specific power‑ups.
Which game runs on Linux?
Columns runs natively on Linux; Luxor 3’s platform list does not include Linux.