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Sega Ages | Ichidant-R

For the first time, classic puzzle games Ichidant-R and Columns II head to the West in the Sega Ages collection on Oct. 17, 2019, only on the Nintendo Switch.

Ichidant-R, originally released in Japanese arcades back in 1994, challenges players to hunt for hidden vampires, conduct an orchestra, shoot down UFOs, and more across 20 varied mini-games that can be enjoyed locally and online. Mega Drive Mode adds in an RPG-like Quest Mode, a unique Competitive Mode designed as a board game for up to four players, and a point-based Free Mode. Mega Drive Mode is presented in Japanese text only.

Ichidant-R began as a unique spin-off from the Bonanza Bros. features, a compilation of wacky mini-games that require sharp thinking and quick reflexes, all set in a fantasy medieval backdrop where players must save a princess from the Demon King.

Sega Ages | Ichidant-R

Columns II takes everything fans know and love about the original and dramatically increases the value. The Nintendo Switch version adds a Stage Select feature, and a tabletop mode that rotates Player 2’s screen 180 degrees for face-to-face battles, but the original Genesis version of Columns comes bundled in. An Infinite Jewels mode lets players play virtually forever.

Players can match jewels, fossils, and disks as they take a voyage through time in the second installment 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 players target flashing jewels and unlock secret Jewel Case characters, or “Versus Columns” that pits friends against one another.

Sega Ages | Columns II

Ichidant-R and Columns II will be available individually on the Nintendo Switch eShop in the Americas and Europe on Oct. 17, 2019, for $7.99 USD (with commensurate European pricing).

Other games released under the Sega Ages banner include Space Harrier, Puyo Puyo, Virtua Racing, and Wonder Boy: Monster Land.

Leah McDonald
Leah's been playing video games since her brother first bought an Atari back in the 1980s and has no plans to stop playing anytime soon. She enjoys almost every genre of game, with some of her favourites being Final Fantasy Tactics, Shadow of the Colossus, Suikoden II and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Leah lives on the East Coast with her husband and son. You can follow Leah over on Twitter @GamingBricaBrac