About Q*bert
Q*bert is a classic arcade game released by Gottlieb in 1982. You control Q*bert, an orange creature with a long snout, who must hop around a pyramid of cubes changing their colors while avoiding enemies. The game was known for its isometric graphics and Q*bert's distinctive "@!#?@!" speech bubble when hit.
Designed by Warren Davis and Jeff Lee, Q*bert became one of the most recognizable characters of the golden age of arcade games. The game's unique isometric perspective was revolutionary for its time, creating a pseudo-3D effect that made the pyramid appear to pop out of the screen. Q*bert's popularity led to merchandise, an animated TV series, and numerous sequels and remakes over the decades.
How to Play Q*bert
Use the arrow keys to make Q*bert hop diagonally across the pyramid. Each cube you land on changes color. Your goal is to change all cubes to the target color shown at the top of the screen. Watch out for Coily the snake and other enemies!
The controls in Q*bert are unique because the character moves diagonally rather than in cardinal directions. This takes some getting used to, but once mastered, allows for quick and precise movement across the pyramid. Each arrow key corresponds to one of the four diagonal directions Q*bert can hop.
Game Mechanics
Q*bert starts at the top of a pyramid made of cubes. In early levels, you simply need to land on each cube once to change it to the target color. As you progress, the game becomes more challenging:
- Level 1-2: One hop changes cube to target color permanently
- Level 3-4: Cubes require two hops to reach target color
- Level 5+: Cubes cycle through colors, requiring precise timing
- Advanced levels: Landing on a completed cube changes it back!
Enemies and Hazards
- Coily: The main antagonist - a purple snake that hatches from red balls and relentlessly chases Q*bert. Coily is smart and will follow your movements.
- Red Balls: Bounce down the pyramid and hatch into Coily when they reach the bottom.
- Slick & Sam: Green and purple creatures that undo your progress by changing cube colors back to their original state.
- Ugg & Wrong-Way: Purple creatures that move along the sides of the pyramid, making certain paths dangerous.
- Green Balls: Harmless - catching them freezes all enemies temporarily!
Spinning Discs Strategy
The spinning discs on either side of the pyramid are your lifeline. When you jump onto a disc, Q*bert is transported back to the top of the pyramid. More importantly, if Coily is chasing you and you jump to a disc, Coily will follow and fall off the pyramid, earning you bonus points!
Each level has a limited number of discs, so use them wisely. The disc trick is essential for surviving later levels when Coily becomes faster and more aggressive.
Scoring System
- Changing cube color: 25 points
- Completing a level: 1,000 points + bonus for remaining discs
- Luring Coily off pyramid: 500 points
- Catching Slick or Sam: 300 points
- Catching green ball: 100 points + freeze enemies
Pro Tips for High Scores
- Plan your route before moving - minimize backtracking to save time
- Save discs for emergencies when Coily is close
- Learn Coily's movement patterns - he always takes the shortest path to you
- Catch Slick and Sam when possible to prevent them from undoing your work
- In later levels, work from bottom to top to avoid getting trapped
- Use the edges of the pyramid strategically - enemies can fall off too!
Q*bert's Cultural Impact
Q*bert became a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. The character appeared on lunch boxes, t-shirts, and even had his own Saturday morning cartoon show. The game's unique visual style and memorable sound effects (especially Q*bert's synthesized swearing when hit) made it instantly recognizable.
The game has been re-released on numerous platforms over the years, including mobile devices and modern consoles. Q*bert also made cameo appearances in movies like "Wreck-It Ralph" and "Pixels," introducing the character to new generations of gamers.
Why Play Q*bert Online?
Our free browser version of Q*bert captures the essence of the original arcade classic. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer who remembers pumping quarters into the original machine or a newcomer curious about gaming history, Q*bert offers a unique and challenging experience that has stood the test of time.