Quick Step (video game)
| Quick Step | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Imagic |
| Publisher(s) | Imagic |
| Designer(s) | David Johnson |
| Platform(s) | Atari 2600 |
| Release | September 1983 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Mode(s) | Single player, two-player simultaneous |
Quick Step is an Atari 2600 video game developed and published by Imagic in 1983. The player controls a kangaroo competing against a squirrel, where both animals must jump between moving platforms, changing them to their character's color to earn points. A two-player mode, in which the second player can control the squirrel, is also available.
Gameplay[edit]
The gameplay of Quick Step consists of controlling a green kangaroo that must jump across different colored vertically scrolling platforms, competing against a purple squirrel.[1] Jumping onto a platform changes it to the character's color and the player gets a point for every platform of their color that scrolls off the screen.[2] Certain platforms (called "magic mats") will freeze the other character in place when jumped on, which can cause the other player to lose a life if they are near the bottom of the screen and the platform they are on scrolls off.[3] The player can also press the fire button to release a "tricky trap" which causes the platform under the other character to disappear, causing them to fall.[4] The platforms speed up as gameplay progresses, and eventually collapse into a single column towards the end of the level.[5]
The game may be played in single-player mode, or in a two-player mode where the second player can control the squirrel.[2]
Development and release[edit]
Quick Step was designed by David Johnson, with graphics assistance provided by Wilfredo Aguilar, Michael Becker, and Wendy Szeto.[5] As an action arcade game, it was noted as a departure from the story-focused games usually produced by Imagic.[6]
Imagic released Quick Step in September 1983, which was one of the last games they made for the Atari 2600.[1]
Reception[edit]
A review in the December 1983 issue of Video and Computer Gaming Illustrated was mixed, being critical of the graphics and having a mixed reaction to the gameplay.[2] Video Games Magazine was also critical of the graphics, but praised the game as "a truly different game, if only because of the potpourri of elements".[1] Computer Entertainer praised the two-player mode, calling it a "gem".[4] The Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Quick Step "closer to a miss than a hit".[7]
In a retrospective review of Imagic games, IGN said Quick Step "is a brilliant, furious multiplayer game for a system not exactly known for aggressive two-player action games", putting it in their top five list of Imagic games for the Atari 2600.[6]
Quick Step was considered a clone of Q*bert by many reviewers.[3][7][8] videogamecritic.com said that while Quick Step was inspired by Q*bert, it lacked the "charm" that made Q*bert a video game classic.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c Sittnick, Mike (February 1984). "Quick Step". Video Games Magazine. Vol. 2, no. 5. pp. 71–72. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Meade, E.C.; Clark, Jim (December 1983). "Quick Step". Video and Computer Gaming Illustrated. No. 12. pp. 17–18. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Puglia, Vincent (November 1984). "Quick Step". Electronic Games. Vol. 2, no. 16. pp. 71–72. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Quick Step". Computer Entertainer. Vol. 2, no. 8. November 1983. p. 114. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Quick Step". MobyGames. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ a b Buchanan, Levi (21 January 2009). "Top 5 Imagic Games for Atari 2600". IGN. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
- ^ a b Hudson, Lou (30 June 1984). "Gyruss will be enjoyed, in some circles". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ Wiswell, Phil; DeKoven, Bernie (March 1984). "Quick Step". Enter. Vol. 1, no. 5. p. 59. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "Atari 2600 Reviews P-Q". videogamecritic.com. 17 April 2008. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
External links[edit]
- "Classic Game Room - QUICK STEP review for Atari 2600". YouTube. 28 April 2015.