~B
John Isles, iv, presents a FAQ that is kid-tested, mother-approved, has
essential ingredients for strong and healthy bodies, can be used as a Christmas
tree decoration, makes a nice discussion piece, and can also substitute candy
bars for a snack, a nice bowl of...
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/ \ | \ /
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| \ | | /\
\__\/ _|_ / \ A Qix FAQ. Contains 14 essential vitamins and minerals for
\ healthy bodies, as recommended by the FDA.
(This document covers only the Game Boy [classic] version)
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|1. CONTENTS|
+------------+
0. TITLE
1. CONTENTS (You're reading them, stupid!)
2. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
3. FAQ HISTORY
4. HOW TO READ THIS FAQ
5. OPTIONS
6. CONTROLS
7. SCORING
8. LEVEL STRATEGIES
9. MARIO, THE MUSICIAN
10. CREDITS & OTHER THANKS
+---------------+
|3. FAQ HISTORY|
+---------------+
0.1. What you're reading. Started on 1999.12.26; Released 2000.2.8. This
document only covers the basics.
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|4. HOW TO READ THIS FAQ/STRATEGY GUIDE|
+---------------------------------------+
This strategy guide is best read with a fixed-width font, like Andale Mono,
which is a free download available from Microsoft. You will be able to tell if
the font you're using is fixed-width if the next two lines are lined up
perfectly.
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|5. OPTIONS|
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Well, I decided to forgo the story (since there isn't one), and get straight to
the heart of the matter. For the GB version (which this FAQ is based on), there
are only two: 1P and 2P versus. I have forgotten the versus options, so please
E-mail me if you have them.
Arrow pad: Used to move. You can only move along the sides of a completed box
or solid line. But then, you can use this in conjunction with the other
buttons...
A button + arrow pad: Start a fast-moving line.
B button + arrow pad: Starts a slow-moving line. Since you are moving half as
fast, it's very fitting that you receive doubled points.
Of course, you have to use the arrow pad to direct the line in order to
completely secure areas.
And, should you score high enough to be on the glamourous top score list, use
the arrow pad to select the letters, A to move onto the next slot, and B to back
up.
+-----------+
|7. SCORING|
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There isn't much to explain when it comes to scoring. You receive a single
point for each pixel covered in a successful capture of area (WHOOPEE!); Two
points if your marker's movement is slow the whole way through (WHOOPEE AND A
HALF!). Bear in mind that, even though you score only one or two points per
pixel, believe it or not, Ripley, there are a LOT of pixels on that tiny Game
Boy screen. And you can only encapuslate an odd number of pixels by an odd
number of pixels (meaning you can capture 255x125, but never 256x125).
There is also an end/stage bonus of 1,000pts. for each percentage point
over the requirement (which can be multiplied; more later), and, if you can fill
in the "perfect" 99%, a 50,000pt. bonus is added to your score (which, if at
level 9, 17, 25, etc., can be worth a up to a cool 250,000).
One more thing: You can pick up no more than four extra lives. They come
at 50,000, 100,000, 200,000, and 500,000pts. After topping the half-mil mark,
your mind will be the only thing that can keep your inanimate marker alive.
+-----------------------+
|8. ENEMIES & OBSTACLES|
+-----------------------+
Perhaps the shortest list of enemies I might live to ever write about.
FUSE: The bastards will chase after you if your in-progress lines are being
held-up for too long. Capture a piece of the field to keep it at bay.
QIX: That lighting-looking thing that slinks around the area in random
patterns. You're safe if you're on terra firma, but can kill you by touching
incomplete lines.
SPARX: These white blobs work their way around the level, taking the paths that
you have created. You should watch that ever-decreasing bar on the bottom of
your screen, because, sooner or later, Sparx evolve into...
SUPER SPARX: These M'er F'ers won't rest until you're dead. They're more
aggressive and will take shortcuts at will. If'n you outmaneuver them before
they reach you, they're no threat until the next time they appear.
+--------------------+
|9. LEVEL STRATEGIES|
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For a game of this calibur (smaller than an atom), I can only offer some simple
pointers. By doing the following, you can rack up some good scores.
-Be quick about it. If you take too long, the Sparx will get aggressive, and
start going after you like a cat to catnip.
-Don't delay on the lines. Fuses will chase after you if you wait only a few
short seconds.
-Always try for the 99% on the first few stages. This can really give your
score a boost not even a straight espresso can give.
-If trying for the 99%, you have to be careful if you wish to succeed.
Explained, the Qix can be really difficult to see, so you might have smooth
sailing, or you might run into it an invisible trap. Don't rush it until you
know you have a clear path.
-Only use the slow movement if the gap you're going across is short or far away
from and safe of the Qix. Remember: If you move slowly, your score for the
newly-captured area will be doubled.
-In every even-numbered set of four stages (5-8, 13-16, 21-24, 29-32, etc.?),
try separating the two Qix. This will forfeit a bonus for this stage, but the
next stage's bonus will be upped. Split the two Qix for four levels straight,
you can quintuple (that's 5x) your stage bonus.
+-----------------------+
|9. MARIO, THE MUSICIAN|
+-----------------------+
I'll update this portion as soon as I get all information on it.
+---------------------------+
|10. CREDITS & OTHER THANKS|
+---------------------------+
-Nintendo & Taito:
Making and releasing this game.
