Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 3
- Developers: Gottlieb
- Publishers: Gottlieb
Q*bert (1982): A Hopping, Jumping, Cube-Changing Classic
Released in 1982 by Gottlieb, Qbert is an arcade game that quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. Its unique gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy sound effects made it an instant hit with gamers of all ages. Qbert has been ported to numerous home consoles and has remained popular for decades, inspiring sequels, merchandise, and even a Saturday morning cartoon show.
Gameplay
Qbert is a single-screen platformer game played from an isometric perspective. The player controls Qbert, a small, orange creature with a long, prehensile tongue. Q*bert’s goal is to change the color of all the cubes on the pyramid-shaped playing field. To do this, he must hop from cube to cube, avoiding enemies and obstacles.
Each cube can be changed to one of three colors: red, green, or blue. Qbert changes the color of a cube by landing on it. If Qbert lands on a cube that is already his current color, he will receive bonus points.
Qbert’s enemies include Coily, a long, purple snake that slithers around the pyramid, and Slick and Sam, two mischievous gremlins that throw fireballs at Qbert. Q*bert can defeat his enemies by hopping on their heads.
Development
Q*bert was created by Warren Davis and Jeff Lee. Davis was inspired by the Penrose Stairs, an optical illusion that creates the appearance of an impossible staircase. He wanted to create a game that used a similar isometric perspective, but with more depth and gameplay possibilities.
Lee was responsible for the game’s graphics and sound effects. He created Q*bert’s iconic character design and composed the game’s catchy theme music.
Release
Qbert was released in arcades in 1982. It was an instant success, becoming one of the most popular arcade games of the year. Qbert was ported to numerous home consoles, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Nintendo Entertainment System.
Legacy
Qbert has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. Its unique gameplay and isometric perspective helped to define the platformer genre. Qbert has also been praised for its innovative use of sound effects and music.
Q*bert has been referenced in numerous other video games, movies, and TV shows. The game has also been the subject of several books and articles.
Cultural Impact
Qbert has become a pop culture icon. The game’s title character is instantly recognizable, and its theme music is still fondly remembered by gamers of all ages. Qbert has been featured in numerous commercials, cartoons, and other media.
The game has also been used as a teaching tool in schools. Q*bert’s simple gameplay and colorful graphics make it an ideal way to teach children about basic programming concepts.
Conclusion
Qbert is a true classic of the video game industry. Its unique gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy sound effects have made it a beloved game for decades. Qbert is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the early video game pioneers.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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