Super Qix

Super Qix
Release Information
Developer	Kaneko Co., Ltd.
Publisher	Taito Corporation
Console	Arcade
Release Date	March 1987

Super Qix is a 1987 sequel to the original Qix arcade title. Only released in arcades, Super Qix did not see a console release until being a part of Taito Legends in 2005. It functions very similar to the original, where the player—controlling the Marker—seeks to capture segments of the play field while avoiding enemies like the Gremlin and Skulls.

Gameplay

The player aims to capture enough of the play field while avoiding the various enemies. The minimum amount needed to complete a stage is indicated by the threshold, often starting at 65% and increasing over the span of the game. Completion of 97% or more of the play field will grant the player an extra life. Super Qix provides an indicator for completion called "RATIO", showing how much space the player has already captured.

Super Qix introduces several new mechanics, many of which re-appear in later titles and spin-offs. The primary feature is with the addition of upgraded graphics, completion of a level will reveal an image. This mechanic serves as the basis for many sequels. Other changes and additions include the introduction of several power-ups, such as ones that provide an extra hit before dying or skipping the current level. Also new to Super Qix are collectible letters that spell out a word once all collected. Getting all letters grants bonus points and immediate completion of the level.

Levels

There are 16 levels available in Super Qix. The eighth stage GERDEN is a notable misspelling of GARDEN. Collecting all letters to spell out the level name will automatically complete the level. All levels behave identically, but have a different background image revealed upon completion.

1. CASTLE
2. THUNDER
3. ROCKMAN
4. DRAGON
5. FANFARE
6. PLANET
7. GERDEN
8. JUNGLE
9. TOYBOX
10. FOUNTAIN
11. MERMAID
12. CARP
13. FLOWER
14. TENGU
15. ROCKET
16. REDCATS

The ending screen

Completion of the final stage results in a small animation with many cats. After this animation, level one will begin again. The full message spoken by the girl is:

WE CAN NOT FIGHT ANY MORE
BUT WE ARE NOT LOSE YET
WE NEVER LOSE NEXT

Scoring

Most of the scoring is identical to the original game—Fast Draws are worth twice as much as slow draws, and 1000 points are awarded for each percentage above the threshold. Letters collected are worth 1000 points each, but only after stage completion. Completion of a word grants 10,000 points. Any additional letters, or ones already collected are 500 points each.

On Easy Mode, an extra life is awarded at 20,000 and 50,000 points; Medium Mode grants lives at 30,000 and 100,000 points. Hard Mode gives no lives for points.

Enemies

Enemies
Gremlin
Skull

See also

• Taito Legends