Released in 1982 by Gottlieb, Q*bert quickly became a beloved and challenging arcade game, standing out as one of the most iconic titles of the early 1980s. Known for its unique gameplay, vibrant isometric graphics, and quirky characters, *Qbert introduced a new kind of puzzle-platformer experience that captivated gamers worldwide. The game’s distinctive style and innovative mechanics helped it carve out a permanent place in video game history.
The Story Behind Q*bert: A Bizarre World of Colorful Puzzles
In Qbert, players take control of a small, orange, round creature named Qbert, whose main objective is to hop around a pyramid-shaped grid of tiles to change their colors. The game is set in a bright and colorful world filled with a range of obstacles, enemies, and challenging puzzles. The player’s goal is to turn all the tiles in the pyramid into the target color while avoiding enemies and navigating the tricky isometric layout.
The game begins with Qbert standing on the top of a pyramid-shaped grid, and each level consists of a series of tiles that need to be changed. As Qbert hops around the grid, the tiles are changed to a different color, and the player must avoid stepping on the tiles too many times, or else the level resets.
However, the path to success isn’t always smooth. Players must dodge various enemies, including Coily the snake, Ugg and Wrong Way (two creatures that cause trouble), and Vince (who tries to throw Q*bert off the tiles). The player must also watch out for floating discs that make things even more difficult. The grid layout is complex, and the ever-increasing number of enemies creates an intense, fast-paced challenge as players progress through the game’s levels.
The Gameplay of Q*bert: A Unique Take on Puzzle-Platforming
The core of Qbert’s* gameplay lies in its simple yet effective mechanics. Players control Qbert using a joystick or a directional pad to hop around the pyramid’s tiles. The character jumps to neighboring tiles in a specific pattern, with only the adjacent tiles being accessible at any time. Players must ensure that Qbert hops in the correct direction to reach each tile without touching the same tile multiple times, otherwise, the game will reset and the player must start again.
As players progress, the difficulty increases. New enemies appear, and the pattern of the tiles becomes more complex. While the game’s mechanics might seem simple on the surface, the addition of these obstacles creates a layered challenge that requires both fast reflexes and careful planning.
Fun Facts About Q*bert
- The Unique Visual Style: One of the standout features of Qbert* was its isometric perspective. While many early arcade games used a top-down or side-view perspective, Qbert*’s slanted, 3D-like design was a groundbreaking feature at the time. This helped give the game a unique, eye-catching look that set it apart from other titles of the era.
- The Name “Qbert”: The name “Qbert” was a result of a funny accident. The original name of the game was intended to be “Qbert”, but the developers accidentally placed an asterisk () in the title to indicate a placeholder symbol. The name stuck, and players came to recognize Qbert as the orange, bouncy character we all know and love.
- The Characters: The characters in Qbert* became iconic in their own right. Coily the snake is often seen as the main antagonist, and his relentless pursuit of Q*bert keeps players on their toes. Ugg and Wrong Way, two enemies who make their way around the pyramid in unpredictable patterns, add another layer of difficulty. The enemies’ quirky, pixelated designs contributed to the game’s charm.
- Q*bert’s Soundtrack: The soundtrack of *Qbert is simple, yet catchy. The upbeat music and sound effects became synonymous with the game. The catchy “Q*bert” theme has remained one of the most recognizable retro game soundtracks to this day.
- Multiple Versions: After the arcade success of Qbert*, the game was ported to various consoles and platforms, including the Atari 2600, Commodore 64, and NES. It also spawned sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, making it one of the most successful arcade franchises of the 1980s.
Secrets and Tricks in Q*bert
- Jumping Patterns: While the gameplay might seem chaotic with all the enemies around, there is a strategy to moving Q*bert around the pyramid. Players can plan their movements in a particular order to avoid enemies and minimize the risk of missing tiles. Observing the pattern of the enemies and tiles is crucial to success.
- The Bonus Rounds: Occasionally, Qbert* will offer bonus rounds in which the player is given extra points for completing specific challenges. These bonus rounds provide opportunities to score extra points without the usual hazards, so players should take full advantage of them.
- The Infinite Lives Trick: One popular cheat for Qbert* involved holding down a specific combination of buttons on the arcade cabinet during gameplay. This trick would grant players infinite lives, allowing them to continue playing as long as they wished. While this was a popular cheat among players, it was removed in later versions of the game.
- How to Handle Enemies: Each enemy in Qbert* behaves differently. To deal with Coily, players need to time their jumps carefully, avoiding him as he chases Q*bert. Ugg and Wrong Way can be tricked into walking in the wrong direction, allowing players to avoid them. Vince can be avoided by making quick jumps across the tiles. Learning each enemy’s behavior is key to surviving longer levels.
- The Trick with Floating Discs: Floating discs will sometimes appear to change the color of the tiles. Players must aim for the right floating discs to turn the tiles to the correct color before they time out. If a floating disc is ignored, the level will reset, making this an important part of gameplay.
Why Q*bert is Still Loved Today
Qbert* may seem simple by today’s standards, but its appeal lies in its challenging gameplay and unique visual style. The game’s isometric grid layout and the challenge of changing the tiles while avoiding enemies make it one of the most distinctive titles from the golden age of arcade gaming.
While its popularity may have waned in the years following its release, Qbert* remains a nostalgic favorite for retro gaming fans. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful characters, and quirky enemies continue to make it a fun experience for anyone looking to revisit the classics. Whether you’re reliving the glory days of arcade gaming or discovering Qbert* for the first time, this beloved title proves that even the simplest concepts can stand the test of time.
In conclusion, Qbert* continues to be remembered as one of the most innovative and fun puzzle games of the 1980s. Its unique gameplay, colorful world, and memorable characters have made it a lasting part of video game history. If you’re a fan of retro games or just love a good challenge, Qbert* remains a perfect game to play and enjoy, even decades after its release.