It’s fair to say that the ZX Spectrum is at its best with monochrome graphics. That’s a fact impeccably demonstrated by Cubix, a new game entered into the YRGB international retro game development competition.
Quite simply, this is — as the developer states — “The First-Ever 3D Platformer for the ZX Spectrum!”
Unfortunately, the image above does not do Cubix justice. Instead, you should view the trailer.
Note that while ZX Spectrum title, Cubix is intended for 128k models. The recommended system requirements are:
- Any 128K-compatible ZX Spectrum machine with turbo mode
- Z80 CPU running at 7 MHz or 14 MHz for smoother graphics
- AY/YM sound chip
- 8-button Sega Genesis gamepad as an “extended” version of Kempston joystick
(supported on the ZX Spectrum Next, ZXDOS+, ZX Evolution, and on many other FPGA clones)
It should also run in an emulator.
What is Cubix about?
The game has the following synopsis:
The game takes place in the distant universe, where the laws of geometry and physics were subject to symmetry and harmony, there lived an amazing people – the Cubics. Their world was built of perfect cubes: cubic towers rose into a cubic sky, cubic cities shimmered with cubic features. At the heart of this world lay the Sacred Talisman – a magical die that radiated balance and order.
But one day, a mysterious villain appeared from the Shadow Dimension – Hexatron, the Lord of Chaos. He hated the perfection of the Cubics and wanted to bring disorder to their harmony. Hexatron stole the Talisman and, using dark magic, split it into six separate faces. Each was hidden at the top of a Great Tower, filled with labyrinths, traps and trials.
Our hero – Bix – an ordinary Cubic who somehow escaped the curse, decides to challenge fate, resolving to climb each of the towers, overcome the treacherous trials, collect each fragment of the Talisman and restore it to order. Only then will Hexatron be banished and peace returned to his people.
Described as a puzzle platformer with metroidvania elements, it features 6 locations, with 10 game mechanics and “mind-blowing logical puzzles.” Proression through the game provides more abilities and find new routes.
You can play Cubix in the browser or download in TAP format on the YRGB website – click EN in the top right corner to view this Russian site in English. If you like it, take a moment to sign up and vote for Cubix.
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.