Last Updated on February 28, 2025 by Roger Wilco
Q*bert, the iconic arcade hit from 1982, is one of the most recognizable games from the golden age of arcades. Developed by Gottlieb, it stands out with its quirky controls, unique visuals, and distinctive sense of humor.
Story
Q*bert doesn’t have a traditional storyline. It’s all about the gameplay and chasing the high score.
Gameplay
Q*bert’s gameplay is as simple as it is ingenious. You control Q*bert as he hops across a pyramid of square platforms, changing the color of each tile by stepping on it. Sounds easy? Think again! The diagonal control scheme requires a mental shift, making it particularly tricky for beginners. Every jump needs to be carefully planned, as even the smallest mistake can be fatal. To make things even harder, enemies are constantly getting in your way: Coily, the relentless snake, chases you down at every turn. Slick and Sam undo your hard work by reverting the tiles back to their original color. Later levels introduce even more challenges, such as tiles that need to be changed multiple times or moving platforms that add an extra layer of difficulty. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. Each level feels like a small puzzle that requires skill, timing, and positioning to master.
Characters
| Sprite | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 | Q*Bert | The game’s titular protagonist, Q*bert, must hop across a pyramid of cubes, changing the color of the top surfaces as he lands on them. |
  | Slick & Sam | While they are harmless, they appear from Level 4 onward to revert the cubes to their original color. However, Q*bert can knock them off the pyramid before they become a bigger nuisance. |
Enemies
| Sprite | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 | Red Ball | They drop near the top of the pyramid, then bounce randomly across the cubes before falling off the bottom of the pyramid. |
 | Purple Eggs | Purple eggs drop onto the lower cubes of the pyramid, hatching into Coily. |
 | Coily | He actively chases Q*bert across the pyramid. The best defense is to lure him to the edge and jump onto a floating disc. Coily will follow and plunge into the void, temporarily removing him from the level. |
 | Ugg | Ugg is a purple, pig-like creature. |
 | Wrong-Way | Wrong-Way is a purple creature that moves along the sides of the cubes. |
Graphics and Sound
Q*bert’s graphics are minimalistic, with its pyramid-shaped playfield using an isometric perspective to create the illusion of depth. The colors are vibrant, making the game instantly recognizable. The main character’s iconic design – with his round nose and simple yet expressive look—makes Q*bert one of the most distinctive arcade mascots.While the game doesn’t have a full-fledged soundtrack, its sound effects are legendary. Q*bert’s signature swearing, represented by “@!#?@!”, still brings a smile to players’ faces today. Every jump is accompanied by a fitting sound effect, enhancing the dynamic gameplay experience.
Difficulty
Q*bert is no walk in the park. The diagonal control scheme alone presents a challenge, as it requires players to rethink movement compared to traditional controls. For those used to standard directional inputs, this can be a major hurdle. As the game progresses, new difficulties emerge: Coily relentlessly chases you, while Slick and Sam undo your hard work by resetting your carefully colored cubes. Later levels introduce cubes that require multiple color changes, demanding precise timing and tactical thinking. The steadily increasing difficulty keeps players engaged but is certainly not for the faint of heart. Patience and perseverance are the keys to mastering Q*bert.
Multiplayer
Unfortunately, Q*bert does not feature a direct multiplayer mode. However, the high-score system provides a competitive edge, allowing players to challenge friends in the arcade to see who can rack up the most points and claim ultimate bragging rights!
