I really enjoy the Gameboy version and thought I'd try DOS Qix after finding it on Abandonware. The charming graphics are nice but this just can't replace the GB port. It wasn't just the Mario game over screens or DMG ditties all though those helped. It comes down to the balancing. The Qix is even more erratic than normal here. Going from hunting you down relentlessly to completely missing you despite you being super close. The sparks move way faster than you and always seem to ride my ass as well. The practice mode appears to be the exact same except it ends once you progress past the first stage. You have a 2 player option as well, which like with the other versions is just a controller swap mode. Funny enough though, both players can actually be on two completely different levels, so it really is useless. At least if both players took turns playing the same game, you could attempt to get further with the extra help. Simultaneous play would have made this actually interesting. Oh well. Qix is still Qix, and more ways to play Qix kicks.