PixlBit

Qix (pronounced 'kicks') is a classic title that first made its appearance many years ago in arcades across the world. The addicting gameplay eventually allowed the title to make its way to a variety of other systems, while encouraging a number of sequels and imitators. Given the title's past popularity, Square Enix and Taito have decided to update the title for Xbox Live Arcade.

Though Qix++ is an all new title, the game maintains the same core experience put forth nearly three decades ago when it was originally released. Players will take control of a cutter, represented on-screen as either a triangle or a diamond, in order to segment the rectangular playing field. As players hold down the A Button, they can move into the middle of the playing field in an effort to reach one of the other points in the outer-bounding box. Once players segment a section, they will claim that percentage, and limit the middle playing field. In order to beat the particular level, players will need to eliminate a given percentage of the playing field, typically 75% or more.

While players are attempting to decrease the playing field, they will have to avoid an enemy qix that occupies the center of the screen. If the qix or one of its projectiles manage to hit the cutter line, players will lose a piece of their shield and the progress made in the cut will be lost.

Overall, the core gameplay is extremely addicting and enjoyable. The better players perform in any given level, the more upgrade points they are given to increase their cutter's traits. Essentially, players will always be working towards scoring the most points as opposed to completing the level, as that task is exceedingly easy.

The biggest problem with Qix++ is the simple issue that there is just too little to the game, especially for the hefty price tag it carries (800 MS Points). For single players, the game only has two sections, each with eight levels that are quickly overcome. With up-to-four players, the experience is clearly not very interesting. An awkward pause seems to constantly occur in the mode when other players segment the playing field. Apparently DLC is planned for the title which is great for extending the experience, however, more money will be required just to obtain a more complete title.

With this in mind, players who purchase Qix++ are mostly buying a current version of the game with Geometry Wars-esque sound direction and graphical presentation. This is all great, but there is so little to the game, players will likely grow tired of the title fairly quickly.