Qix (obstacle)
| Qix | |
|---|---|
 The Qix in the middle of the screen floating around | |
| Description | |
| An enemy character that moves around in an irregular pattern in the play field.[1] | |
| First appearance | Qix (arcade, 1982) Qix (Game Boy, 1990, Mario-related media) |
| Latest appearance | Super Mario Land 4 (1990, Mario-related media) Qix++ (2009) |
The Qix, also formatted as QIX[1], is the namesake obstacle of the Qix games. It is a floating object that casually roams in the non-conquered area of a level. When the player's Marker puts a line down, the side of the area in which the Qix is not present is taken. If the Qix bounces on an uncompleted line, the player loses a life. In later levels, a second Qix appears on the screen: if the player manages to divide the Qixs in two separate areas, the level is cleared, but no points are awarded, instead the player will get the next level's point doubled. This technique is called "Split Qix".
In the first storyline of the Super Mario Land 4 manga, Mario and his friends are challenged by Qix Daiō into facing three minions in a real-life game of Qix. To take the role of the Qix obstacles are a vulture in Mexico and an elephant in Africa, which are the animals seen in the Game Over screens in the Game Boy version of the game, featuring Mario in the respective locations. In China, the challenging Pionpi and the zombified Princess Peach take the role of two Qixs, but are defeated when Mario accidentally performs a Split Qix. In the last challenge, where the heroes face Qix Daiō in a multiplayer match, the Qix is a floating, sharp crystal shard that visually resembles the trailed line from the Game Boy version. Initially, it randomly roams around the arena, but Qix Daiō keeps it away with the help of Hiyoihoi tossing Ganchan at it, and the Qix aims at the defenseless Mario team. When Mario gets an advantage after Qix Daiō's Marker breaks down, the latter takes control over the Qix to crash it onto the plumber, but fails. Luigi is however hit by it, getting electrocuted. When winning at each challenge, the Qixs stop chasing the participants.
Gallery
The first Qix in Super Mario Land 4
The second Qix in Super Mario Land 4
The third and fourth Qixs in Super Mario Land 4
The last Qix in Super Mario Land 4
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | クイックス[2] Kuikkusu |
Qix; possibly from "quick" |
References
- ^ a b Qix (Game Boy) instruction manual, page 8.
- ^ Super Mario Land 4, page 58
