A mix of art and retro gaming

TCQ (ZX Spectrum) is a free puzzle-platformer video game from developer Amaweks. It feels like a fusion of an art piece and a game, taking elements of Mondrian’s and Kandinsky’s art and integrating them into an 8-bit game for the ZX Spectrum and MSX or their emulators. 

In TCQ (ZX Spectrum), players control a shape that can take one of three forms at a time — circle, square, and triangle. Players need to determine the best shape to use in solving the various platforming puzzles. It’s a much simpler platformer compared to other ZX Spectrum games like Bufonada.

Gameplay and visuals

At first glance, TCQ looks like a mishmash of colors and shapes, but if you are familiar with Mondrian’s and Kandinsky’s works, you’ll immediately recognize the striking similarity. The visuals perfectly mesh with the gameplay mechanics, which place great emphasis on using the right shape for a given situation. Players can use the circle form to jump, the triangle to shoot projectiles, and the square to pass through horizontal platforms. 

The game’s art style immediately stands out when you fire it up, but it’s the platforming puzzles that take center stage. They are well-designed and engaging, each requiring a different strategy. Some levels can be solved by using just one shape but there are others that demand a mix of the three. The gameplay and visuals are complemented by the 8-bit soundtrack, resulting in a high-quality retro experience. 

People who want to play this 8-bit platformer on modern devices will need to go to the trouble of installing a ZX Spectrum or MSX emulator. On the other hand, you can purchase a cassette of the game if you own the actual hardware. Rest assured, whichever way you want to go, the game will offer the same quality gameplay.

Oozing with creativity

TCQ (ZX Spectrum) is made with lots of creativity and passion. The developers put a lot of thought into the game and executed their idea well. The game is pretty simple: a puzzle platformer, but its puzzles are unique and the visuals are truly memorable. Whether you like an artsy game with canvas-looking levels or just a well-polished puzzle platformer, this one’s a good pick.