Q*Bert

It's amazing how a big-schnozzed, hopping character with a knack for cursing when he loses a life can really carry on over this many years. Q*Bert was introduced a long time ago to arcades by Gottlieb, introducing some savvy new gameplay with a colorful interface that provided hours of fun. Since that time, the little dude has enjoyed some staying power with a new game for the PlayStation and Sega Dreamcast, as well as making the rounds through emulation. Now he's available for mobile play, although the game's not so smooth on the go.

In the game, you control Q*Bert as he moves around a pyramid-like platform, changing tiles to a different color by jumping on them. As he proceeds, he must pick up extra characters that could distract him, as well as avoiding dangers like falling balls and the dangerous snake Coily, who comes after Q*Bert with a vengeance. Fortunately, Q*Bert does have access to little discs that hang right off the platform, which he can jump on to escape.

The game looks and sounds just like it did all those years ago, with vibrant graphics that bring the classic to life and sound effects that range during the action, including Q*Bert's cursing. The problem I had with the game was its control. See, the hero jumps diagonally, and it takes quite a while to get used to playing him with a cell phone that has traditional directions. Even then, sometimes you can misjump, maybe even off of the platform itself. However, if you can get used to the game, there's ten levels that you can get through.

Q*Bert isn't the essential classic game, as its control issues and lack of later levels give it limited appeal. However, fans of the original and those seeking some quick puzzle fun will be hopping happy with the title.