256: Volfied

Number 256
(2.2 points)
Volfied
1992: 90

Qix has been remade many times, and here we have a port of a particular arcade rendition.

The object of games of this style are to cut out sections of the play area until you have converted a certain amount, usually over 80% or so. You control a small character who runs into areas that you haven't already covered, drawing a line. If you can complete the line to either the border or a part you have already covered, that new section is covered too. The difficulty lies in the enemies that try to stop you: once you start drawing a line, you are vulnerable to enemies hitting you, and you will lose a life if they do. Also, there is a main enemy who cannot be covered up, so essentially you are trying to trap the enemy in as small a space as possible to complete the level. Volfied in particular also includes power-ups for you to collect, which can make effects such as freezing time or speeding you up.

It helps if you've played a Qix-style game before, because it's hard to explain exactly how it works, and much easier to just watch. Anyone with MAME will be aware of the wide variety of Qix clones out there (a good few of which involve uncovering scantily-clad women) so Volfied on the Amiga is hardly a unique playing option today. For a game of this type, though, it plays pretty well.

Recommended TOSEC disk(s):
Volfied (1991)(Empire)[cr FLT]