What arcade game was originally called cubes?

What Arcade Game Was Originally Called Cubes?

In the world of arcade games, there have been many iconic titles that have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. One such game that stands out is Q*bert*, a puzzle game developed by Gottlieb in 1982. But did you know that Qbert was originally called Cubes* during its development phase? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Qbert, its evolution from Cubes, and what made it a beloved classic in the gaming world.

*The Early Days of Qbert**

Qbert was created by Warren Davis and Jeff Lee, two developers who worked for Gottlieb, a prominent arcade game manufacturer. The game was initially designed as a simple puzzle game where players controlled a character named Qbert, who had to change the color of a pyramid of cubes to match a target color. The game was called Cubes during its development phase, and it was intended to be a simple, yet challenging, puzzle game.

*The Evolution of Cubes to Qbert**

As the game progressed, the developers realized that the name Cubes didn’t quite fit the game’s theme and gameplay. The name Q*bert was born, inspired by the character’s ability to change the color of the cubes. The name change was made to emphasize the game’s unique mechanic and to give it a more memorable and catchy title.

*The Gameplay of Qbert**

Qbert’s gameplay is simple yet addictive. Players control Qbert, who can jump and change the color of the cubes to match a target color. The game is set on a pyramid of cubes, with Qbert at the top. The goal is to change the color of all the cubes to match the target color while avoiding enemies, such as Coily, a snake-like creature that tries to catch Qbert.

*The Impact of Qbert**

Qbert was a massive hit in the arcades, and its popularity led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs. The game’s unique mechanic and addictive gameplay made it a beloved classic among gamers. Qbert has also been ported to various platforms, including consoles and personal computers.

Comparison with Other Arcade Games

Qbert is often compared to other popular arcade games of the time, such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. While these games were more action-oriented, Qbert’s unique puzzle mechanic set it apart from other games. Here’s a comparison of Q*bert with other popular arcade games:

Conclusion

Qbert, originally called Cubes, is a beloved classic in the world of arcade games. Its unique puzzle mechanic and addictive gameplay made it a hit in the arcades and a staple of gaming culture. The game’s evolution from Cubes to Qbert is a testament to the importance of naming in game development. Q*bert’s impact on the gaming industry is still felt today, and it remains a popular title among gamers of all ages.

Fun Facts

• Q*bert was originally called Cubes during its development phase.
• The game’s name was changed to Q*bert due to the character’s ability to change the color of the cubes.
• Q*bert was a massive hit in the arcades, with over 20,000 units sold in the first year alone.
• The game’s popularity led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs, including Qbert’s Qubes and Qbert 3.
• Q*bert has been ported to various platforms, including consoles and personal computers.