| Volfied | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Taito |
| Publisher(s) | Taito |
| Year released | 1989 |
| System(s) | Arcade, TurboGrafx-16, Sega Genesis, FM Towns, Wii |
| Preceded by | Super Qix |
| Followed by | Qix Adventure |
| Series | Qix, Arcade Archives |
| Japanese title | ヴォルフィード |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Puzzle |
| Modes | Single player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) |  |
| Volfied | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Empire Software |
| Publisher(s) | Empire Software |
| Year released | 1991 |
| System(s) | Atari ST, Commodore 64/128, Commodore Amiga, DOS |
| Arcade Archives Volfied | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Taito |
| Publisher(s) | Hamster Corporation |
| Year released | 2024 |
| System(s) | Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 |
| Rating(s) |     |
Volfied is an arcade game released by Taito in 1989. Like its predecessor Qix, it is a combination of an action game and a puzzle game, although it's typically categorized as the latter. It is a sequel to Qix (1981) and Super Qix (1987). Thanks to improved graphical performance, the setting of a space battle on a certain planet gives depth to the simple rules, even though it is an afterthought. Total 16 stages.
It was ported to PC Engine in 1989, Mega Drive (North American title Ultimate Qix), FM Towns, Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, PC/AT compatible machines in 1991, and EZ App in 2005. In 2008, the PC Engine version was distributed as Wii software on the Virtual Console.
In addition, it was released as PlayStation software under the title SIMPLE 1500 Series Vol. 80 THE Jintori ~Volfied 1500~ (2001), and was included in PlayStation 2 software Taito Memories II Gekan.
The PC Engine version was inducted into the Silver Hall of Fame in the game magazine Famicom Tsushin's Cross Review.
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Title screen
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Game screen
Gameplay[edit]
The overall gameplay is identical to that of Qix. However, the main enemy is no longer a collection of lines - instead it varies between levels, and is always accompanied by smaller enemies. When the player's spaceship succeeds in claiming a section of the level, the side containing the main enemy taken as "the outside". Any smaller enemies ending up on "the inside" are killed, resulting in point bonuses.
In order to complete a level, the player must claim at least 80% of a level's area. Previously, the limits were 75% in Qix and 70% in Super Qix. Each level in Volfied has a unique background and enemies. As the player claims areas of the level the cleared area graphic is replaced with the graphic of the next level. Grey boxes also appear on the field — these give the player a random power-up when collected. Power-ups can grant the player speed or even weapons. There is a special completion bonus on certain levels, often attained by shooting the main enemy.
Story[edit]
Taking place in another galaxy, a space pilot is returning to his home world of Volfied, only to discover that it is under attack by an unknown alien force. The few remaining Volfied inhabitants are in an underground location of the planet and signal the pilot to their aid. The pilot flies to Volfied using his ship's defensive weapons in order to eliminate the alien threat and save his people.