We first reported on Direction Quad, a new arcade game from developer No CheckPoint and publisher EastAsiaSoft, earlier this month. Since then, we’ve had a go for ourselves, playing the Switch version. Direction Quad is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, priced at $4.99. The game stars Quad, a young frog sent on a quest to complete ten trials by his tribe. Each level is a single run, where you’ll need to guide Quad and collect as many points along the way.
While the premise makes it sound easy, Direction Quad has a unique twist to the gameplay that makes it much more difficult than it first appears. Quad automatically jumps forward, and you only use one button to change direction. The twist is that Quad can only move in two diagonals at once, needing to hit a spring to change direction and give you the other two diagonals to control. It sounds complex until you start playing. Each course is basically its own puzzle that requires some thought as to how to use the springs in the right order to get through the obstacles.
Direction Quad‘s levels each take a few goes to work out. There will be many deaths, and you just have to keep trying to get the right combination of direction switches and hitting the right spring. As you would expect from an arcade game like this, there is that little bit of luck required at times, but each course has been well-made, with all of them beatable with a bit of trial and error. Every few levels, you break away to a short cutscene where the tribal leader coaches you some more, and you’re whisked off to a new set of levels with a new theme.
As you progress, the challenges and obstacles become more difficult to overcome and work out. Some of the levels we tried on our playthrough were real head scratchers, and there were times when the frustration would build. But that is exactly the experience we would want from a simple arcade game that is designed to get you trying over and over. Direction Quad has lots of variety in the levels as well, with each new set of levels comes new things to work out, from obstacles such as laser switches to enemies crawling about.
Overall, Direction Quad is a fun arcade game that doesn’t outstay its welcome and is good value for the challenge on offer. Those who enjoy the gameplay loop will want to get maximum points on each course, so there’s also some replay value. The pixel art is quite minimal, but everything is clear with good use of color. Some of the sound effects and background tunes are well implemented, and the overall game loop is fun with a unique twist. We recommend Direction Quad to those looking for something to play over a weekend and want something easy to pick up and play.
