Columns III takes place inside a tall well-shaped playing area, similar to Tetris. Columns of three different symbols or jewels appear, one at a time, at the top of the well and fall to the bottom, landing either on the floor or on top of previously-fallen columns. While a column is falling, the player can move it left and right, and can also cycle the positions of the symbols within it.

If, after a column has fallen, there are three or more of the same symbols connected in a straight line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, those symbols disappear. The pile of columns then settles under gravity. If this causes three or more other symbols to become aligned, they also disappear and the pile settles again. This process repeats as many times as necessary. It is not uncommon for this to happen three or four times in a row - it often happens by accident when the well is becoming crowded.

Operation Wolf is a classic and rather fun, but I prefer games where theres a bit more independant action. One the other hand, I've played Columns but don't recall playing Columns III, so there's something new even for me. :D