qix

Qix is a classic arcade game originally released by Taito in 1981. The objective of the game is to claim a certain percentage of the screen's playing area by drawing rectangular shapes. The player controls a marker that moves around the perimeter of the screen. From the perimeter, the player can move the marker into the open area and draw a line. If the player can complete a rectangle by connecting back to the perimeter or a previously drawn line, the area enclosed by the rectangle is filled in. The player earns points based on the size of the area claimed.

The primary challenge comes from Qix itself, a colorful, unpredictable entity that moves randomly within the unfilled portion of the screen. If Qix touches the player's marker while it is drawing a line, the player loses a life. Another hazard is the "Stix," small energy beams that also traverse the unfilled area. Touching a Stix while drawing also results in a lost life. Levels increase in difficulty as more Qix entities appear and move more rapidly. Bonus points are awarded for completing areas quickly or for claiming a large percentage of the screen in a single move. Qix was a significant title in the early arcade era, known for its simple yet engaging gameplay and innovative concept.