Qwak (1989)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Qwak (1989): A quacking good time

Qwak is a puzzle arcade game released in 1989 for the Commodore 64. The player controls a duck named Qwak who must collect all of the fruit and gems in a level while avoiding enemies and obstacles. The game consists of 80 levels, each with a different layout and increasing difficulty.

Qwak is a simple game to learn, but difficult to master. The player must use their wits and reflexes to navigate Qwak through the levels, avoiding enemies and obstacles while collecting all of the fruit and gems. The game also features a time limit, which adds to the challenge.

Qwak was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music. Qwak has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and PC.

Gameplay

The goal of Qwak is to collect all of the fruit and gems in a level while avoiding enemies and obstacles. The player controls Qwak with a joystick or keyboard, and can move him in eight directions. Qwak can also jump, which is necessary to reach some of the higher platforms.

The levels in Qwak are filled with a variety of enemies and obstacles. Enemies include bats, spiders, and ghosts, which will all kill Qwak on contact. Obstacles include spikes, pits, and walls, which can all damage or kill Qwak.

Qwak has a limited amount of time to complete each level. The time limit is displayed at the top of the screen, and it decreases as Qwak collects fruit and gems. If the time limit reaches zero, Qwak will lose a life.

Qwak has a total of three lives. If Qwak loses all of his lives, the game is over. However, the player can continue playing from the beginning of the current level by pressing the fire button.

Levels

Qwak consists of 80 levels, each with a different layout and increasing difficulty. The levels are divided into eight areas, each with its own unique theme. The first area is a forest, the second area is a cave, the third area is a desert, and so on.

The levels in Qwak are filled with a variety of fruit and gems. Fruit is worth 100 points, and gems are worth 500 points. Collecting all of the fruit and gems in a level will earn the player a bonus of 5000 points.

Enemies

Qwak is filled with a variety of enemies, each with its own unique behavior. Enemies include bats, spiders, ghosts, and more. Bats will fly towards Qwak and try to bite him. Spiders will crawl along the ground and try to touch Qwak. Ghosts will float through the air and try to possess Qwak.

Enemies can be killed by shooting them with Qwak’s water gun. The water gun is powered by the gems that Qwak collects. The more gems Qwak collects, the more powerful his water gun will become.

Obstacles

Qwak is also filled with a variety of obstacles, including spikes, pits, and walls. Spikes will damage Qwak if he touches them. Pits will kill Qwak if he falls into them. Walls can block Qwak’s path, and must be jumped over or destroyed with the water gun.

Power-ups

Qwak can collect a variety of power-ups to help him on his journey. Power-ups include speed boosts, invincibility, and extra lives. Power-ups are hidden throughout the levels, and can be found by breaking open crates or defeating enemies.

Bosses

At the end of each area, Qwak must defeat a boss in order to progress. Bosses are large and powerful enemies, and they require a different strategy to defeat than regular enemies. Bosses can be defeated by shooting them with the water gun, or by using the power-ups that Qwak has collected.

Legacy

Qwak was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music. Qwak has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Amiga, Atari ST, and PC.

Qwak is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the best puzzle arcade games ever made. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, charming graphics, and catchy music have made it a classic that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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