Arcade / Arcade - Q*bert · 1983
Flip and Flop
Published by First Star Software
atarimania.com — atari-400-800-xl-xe-games-flip-and-flop-2021
Information
- Genre
- Arcade - Q*bert
- Language
- Machine Language
- Controls
- Joystick
- Players
- 1, 2 (alt.), Demo
- Programmer(s)
- Nangano, Jim
- Graphic Artist(s)
- Stuart, Preston
- Sound
- White, Jerry
- Year
- 1983
- Publisher
- First Star Software
- Country
- USA
- License
- Commercial
- Medium
- Tape, Disk, Cartridge
- Rarity
- 8 (Tape), 7 (Disk), 8 (Cartridge)
Votes / Statistics
Rating: 7.7/10 · Votes: 138 · Downloads: 4,078 · Hits: 18,501
Additional Comments
Screenshots (6)
Cover Art (2)
Instructions (3)
Ads (3)
Book / Magazine Reviews (1)
Electronic Games · March, 1984
Nangano has axed the now-familiar pyramidal stack of colored cubes in favor of a network of platforms connected by short ladders. Each platform is sectioned into squares. Some are blank but most contain either a square pattern or pulse color. The kangaroo or monkey must visit each of the patterned squares without getting caught by a pursuer or falling off the construction. The flashing squares are traps which hold whatever lands on them in place for several seconds. If the player maneuvers the pesky Zookeeper or his net, depending on whether Flip or Mitch is in the spotlight, onto a snare, it gives the gamer's on-screen representative some more breathing room.
The home arcader starts with five "lives" and earns an extra one for completing each level. The computer permits selection of 13 levels prior to the start of play but novices should stick to the first two until they get the hang of the control scheme.
The disk gets its name from the use of alternating playfields. Odd-numbered ones feature Flip moving around the top of a platform system seen in three-quarter perspective. Each even-numbered field is physically the same as the preceding odd one but Mitch the Monkey is shown swinging from box to box on the undersides of the platforms. The change in perspective is dazzling and the same platform looks strange and unfamiliar when seen from a fresh viewpoint.
There are no pursuers on the first two levels but the Zookeeper pops up for the first time on third level and his net chases Mitch starting on fourth. The arrangement of ladders and platforms becomes more extensive as the skill level rises until Flip is hopping around on what looks like a whole city of them. One or two computerists can play Flip and Flop. By pre-setting the controls, two participants can have their own joysticks or share one back and forth.
As in First Star's Astro Chase (now published by Parker Brothers), Flip and Flop rewards good performance by providing an animated intermission after ever fifth playfield. These cute vignettes involve Flip or Mitch returning to the big top and cavorting with their animal friends.
The control scheme can be frustrating. It's very easy to swing Mitch right out into thin air or hop Flip over the infinite abyss. Get past that hurdle, though, and you've got one super game. Flip and Flop strikes a happy medium between splashy audiovisuals and intriguing play-action.
Comments (9)
gkasap — 21 Mar 2026
I love this title, back when I had it in the 80s and still enjoy it today. A colourful game and excellent example of the beautiful colour palette available to the Atari. The levels graduate well, I know some people have control issues but it's just a matter of adjusting your perspective slightly. The monkey side is tougher but again easy enough to adapt - a bit like driving a left hand drive (or right) when you are used to the opposite.
RetroGamersHub.com — 20 Apr 2019
The rarity of this game is at 9 or 10. It is rare and very hard to find in cartridge form. Took me 2-3 years to find one.
John R. — 17 Apr 2019
Wow, that's a lot of hot air for such a mediocre game.
Monk — 15 Apr 2019
Just to add a sidenote: there's NOTHING wrong with the controls, the perspective, or the monkey side of things. They're equal, and once you learn it, it's just as easy and simple as any other game, you can even move very fast when you get the hang of it. I don't understand why people have problems with the monkey, but not the kangaroo - it's identical, the other is just hanging, so it's a different direction. Once you learn it, you can adjust to it every time, no problems whatsoever. The monkey is JUST as easy as the kangaroo, you just have to alter how you view the perspective - the other is standing on the tiles, the other is hanging from the tiles, it's simple and easy and your brain learns it quickly. Anyone having a problem with this, should check their brain.
Monk — 15 Apr 2019
This is a great, little classic that did excel also as a great port to the Commodore side. Both versions have pretty much identical, wonderful, exciting gameplay. The perspective of the game is not at fault, you just have to realize the monkey is HANGING FROM the tiles and not JUMPING ON the tiles, like the kangaroo. The differences between Atari and C64 versions are minimal - Atari has nice color effect on the 'inbetween' score text, and the music volume is more consistent (on the C64, it's ridiculously loud), the melody is slightly better on the Atari. The C64 has a bit more detailed sound effects, and there's the color difference, where Atari has more shades, but the C64 has brighter tiles because white is used so much, so either can look visually more pleasing than the other, depending on your preference. I happen to love them both. You can't go wrong with either version, this Atari version is slightly better in atmosphere, because it was made first, and thus has more 'feel' to it, but the C64 is a delight as well. First Star Software had a knack for making the different versions of their games very equal, at least when it comes to appealing visuals and good playability, and this is no exception. It's a highly recommended game, but it can be come a bit tedious in later levels - anything after level 14 might put you to sleep a bit.
Pete Davison — 21 Feb 2019
A great game, but the Mitch the Monkey levels still make my head hurt 30+ years after I first played this. I'm not sure if there's something legitimately wrong with the perspective or if my brain just has trouble processing it, but I always found those levels to be a nightmare to navigate. All part of the fun, though!
Jonny EOL — 24 Apr 2008
A colourful isometric 'claim the squares' game. The rounds with the monkey were a bit tricky, though.
Yungstar — 30 Oct 2007
one of those games that plays well today and would be well suited as a remake on one of the handheld systems. a game that gets well used on my GP32 through emulation
malcolmm — 26 Jan 2007
Fun game, one of the better Qbert type games. The only negative is slight control problems which could lead to a bit of frustration.