Arcade / Arcade - Q*bert · 1983

Q*bert

Published by Parker Brothers

atarimania.com — atari-400-800-xl-xe-games-q-bert-4204

Information

Genre: Arcade - Q*bert
Language: Machine Language
Controls: Joystick
Players: 1, 2 (alt.)
Programmer(s): Small, Daniel
Year: 1983
Publisher: Parker Brothers
Country: USA
License: Commercial
Medium: Cartridge
Rarity: 4
Serial: 1120

Votes / Statistics

Rating: 7.6/10 · Votes: 155 · Downloads: 10,615 · Hits: 25,111

Screenshots (3)

Cover Art (2)

Instructions (8)

Ads (2)

Book / Magazine Reviews (1)

Electronic Games · May, 1984

The Atari computer translation of Q*bert is certainly no disappointment, in either graphics or play-mechanic. All the elements that made the coin-op a supersmash are packed into the cartridge-with the exception, of course, of the sharp ''click" that accompanies each fall off the pyramid cube and the muttered curses that spew when the cube-climber errs.
As with every other version of the classic coin-op-come-home, the only major criticism that can be leveled is the control scheme. Everyone knows that the coin-op featured a four-way movement pattern, each direction on the diagonal. When Parker Brothers licensed the game from Mylstar (formerly Gottlieb), the company decided that, since most joysticks are built for north, south, east and west movement, the home adaptations should play to their joystick's strong points. A nice thought.
Unfortunately, what that really means is that players must hold their joysticks on the diagonal while they play. It can be gotten used to, but in this reviewer's opinion, it's a needless, if well-intentioned, complication to one of the simplest games in the arcades.
Still, if you like Q*Bert (and who doesn't these days?), this is a nicely styled rendition of the cube-hopping contest. After mastering the "new" control scheme, gamers are sure to fall in love with the fuzzball all over again.

Comments (4)

the big m — 28 Jul 2025
It’s not the Destination but the Journey The Good Slow and easy….slower than most ports gives you an extra split second to avoid Coily. I likee!………..The audio is quite amazing with tons of references to the arcade and even the harmonious congratulatory tunes at the end of each round! The Bad The Q-Bert sprite is disappointing with a single colour and holes for eyes. But, remember the Atari computer was designed in the the 1970’s and thus has graphics limitations. The Bottom Line Some of the most successful Atari 800 games in terms of playability and audio visual were penned by Parker Bros developers…..This game is an example of that!
dtm-artist — 16 Mar 2024
Loved Q*Bert to pieces, one of my favorite Parker Bros videogames on the Atari 8-bit.
Punkydudester — 20 Dec 2014
This is one of my all time favorite games. Simply amazing.
Flypaper — 15 Aug 2007
Q*bert has always been a delight to play. It's one of those unique games that successfully combines two or more genres. In this case, the puzzle, platform and action genres. So it's translation from Parker Brothers was applauded by the Atari commutiy. Yet it's another one of those ports that leaves a little to be desired. Like Pac-Man, it's characters like eyes or shading, and consequently personality. And to my reccolection, the arcade Q*bert was the first videogame character to swear. Unfortunately, that funny interlude is missing too. :( But Q*bert is still welcome on any system, including the Atari 8-bit. By all means, hop onboard!