QIX

Qix is a fixed-screen action-puzzle game in which the player controls a small marker moving along the boundary of an initially empty rectangular playfield. The objective is to claim a required percentage of the screen by drawing orthogonal lines, known as Stix, through the unclaimed area. When a line reconnects with an existing boundary, the section that does not contain the Qix is filled in and added to the player’s territory.

Two drawing speeds are available. Fast Draw completes a Stix more quickly and reduces the time spent exposed, while Slow Draw is riskier but awards twice as many points for the area enclosed. Larger regions are generally worth more, and claiming territory beyond the minimum required to complete a stage provides an additional bonus.

The Qix is an abstract formation of constantly moving lines that travels unpredictably through the unclaimed portion of the screen. It cannot harm the marker while the player remains on a completed boundary, but touching the marker or an unfinished Stix while a line is being drawn costs a life. The player cannot cross or reverse along an unfinished line, so a poorly planned route may leave no safe way to reconnect with the boundary.

Pausing while drawing causes a Fuse to ignite and travel along the unfinished Stix toward the marker. Resuming movement extinguishes it, provided it has not already caught the player. Sparx patrol the completed boundaries and claimed territory, forcing the marker to choose safe starting points. Taking too long to finish a stage releases additional Sparx, which eventually become Super Sparx capable of pursuing the player along unfinished lines.

Later stages introduce two Qixes within the same playfield. Separating them into different enclosed regions immediately completes the stage and permanently increases the score multiplier applied to subsequent rounds, up to a maximum of nine. As play continues, the Qixes move more rapidly, additional Sparx appear, and claiming the required territory becomes increasingly dangerous. One or two players can participate, with two players alternating turns.

The numerous computer, console, handheld, and mobile conversions preserve the central territory-drawing mechanics while adapting the graphics, sound, controls, speed, and available modes to their respective hardware. The NES version adds a computer-virus theme, while the Game Boy adaptation includes intermissions featuring Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. The Nintendo 3DS release reproduces the Game Boy version through Virtual Console emulation, whereas the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch editions are Arcade Archives releases based on the original arcade game.