Cubixx

Have you ever played the classic 1981 arcade game, Qix? You know, the one where you try to uncover the background by drawing lines from wall to wall, all while avoiding sparks and a weird flying creature? It's a game that has managed to find its way onto dozens of game systems, from the NES to the Lynx to the Xbox 360. I'm sure you've heard of it. I do know one person who has played Qix, and that's the guy who dreamt up the idea for Cubixx on the PSP.

Look, I'm not about to start demanding that every game I review needs to be original. I'm sure we can pick apart any game I review and say that it came from some classic game that nobody remembers. But Qix had very specific gameplay. You know Qix when you see it -- it's the only game that dared to give players the power to uncover a background. There are no-name knock-offs, but there's no question that Qix is a unique game. Cubixx, in contrast, is not a unique game -- but that doesn't stop it from being worth a few dollars.

Much like the game it's openly mimicking, Cubixx is a title in which you try to uncover as much of the background as you can. Instead of a flat 2D wall, this game gives players a six-sided cube to destroy, complete with flying monsters and sparks looking to stop you along the way. The rules are the same -- if a flying creature hits your line before you complete it (that is, have your character go from wall to wall) you die; take too long and the spark will come to get you. As you progress through the game the enemies will become faster and you need to uncover more of the background. Last long enough and maybe you'll be rewarded with a spot on the leader boards.

Some gameplay techniques make this more than just a 3D Qix clone. To move into the open field you have to push the PSP's shoulder buttons. The longer you hold down the button the more points you'll get from the multipliers. But there's a catch -- you don't get those points until you let go of the button. You can keep it going as long as you want, but you're left with nothing the moment you get hit.

The game's graphics are good, even if the presentation gets old after only a few levels. The game plays fast enough and the controls are easy to use, which is all you can ask from a game like this. It may not be the best looking or sounding title, but it's the type of thing I would come back to when I only a few minutes to spend playing.

Cubixx is hardly the most original game of the year, but in just about every way it outdoes Qix. The game is cheap and addictive -- the perfect combination for a PSP Minis title. Even if there's not a whole lot to do and see, Cubixx is a worthwhile download.