Q*bert's Qubes

The Good
QBert's Qubes is the sequel to QBert, and Q*Bert fans will have no doubt know what the gameplay is like. Basically, the gameplay between the two are similar. Qubes is divided into levels, with four rounds each. In between rounds, you are shown a technique that help you survive the four rounds.

However, this sequel is displayed in 3D, and the goal is to make sure that the colors of each face on the cube matches the cube shown on screen. Match all the cubes in a straight line and you progress through to the next round. In earlier levels, this task is easier, but in later levels, more colors are added to the faces of cubes, resulting in more time spent in finding the right combination so it matches the target cube. Furthermore, you eventually have to form two straight lines that touch each other. Once you complete every fourth round of the game, a bonus round appears, where the object is to form one or more straight lines before the time runs out. Each matched cube has a value and that value is added up when you win or lose the bonus round. The same rule applies on normal rounds as well.

There are also several creatures that QBert must avoid. A purple ball even bounces on any cube, and eventually transforms into a rat that chases you around the screen. And as the levels progress, more creatures will appear, making Qubes a bit more challenging. Each creature has different colors, and if it lands on a cube that has the same color as the creature, then it will sink into the cube. If QBert comes in contact with the rat or any other creature, than a life is lost, but Q*Bert can be seen cursing, just as he did in his predecessor. Just like in the last game, a green alien will appear and will bounce around on the cubes, and if he lands on a cube that previously matched the target cube, he will mess the colors up hen he hops off it, and you need to match the cube to the target all over again. He will eventually come back, so make sure that you finish the level quickly.

This time there are no spinning discs that transport you to the top and make any creatures disappear on sight. However, there are two things that you should keep in mind that will aid you. First, a green ball will appear which will temporarily freeze enemies and let you finish the job. Second, if the rat is about to land on a rotating cube, the fox will fall of the playfield. Well, that's Qubes in a nutshell.

The graphics and sound are very good. When I have to choose what's better between the Atari 2600 and the ColecoVision versions, I have to say the latter version, simply because the graphics don't consist of rectangles and there isn't one-channel sounds within the game.

The Bad
Too bad that there are no sampled voices in the game.

The Bottom Line
The sequel to Q*Bert is more of a challenge than its predecessor. It's more of a puzzle game really, as you keep hopping on different cubes so it matches the target cube. Even more of a puzzle later on.

Rating: ***