Orange creature in an arcade game - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Orange creature in an arcade game," takes us on a trip down memory lane to the golden age of arcade gaming. This is a classic pop culture trivia question that tests your knowledge of 1980s entertainment. If you spent any time (or quarters) in an arcade back in the day, this one might have jumped right out at you.

Clue Analysis

The clue provides two key pieces of information:

1. "Orange creature": This is the main visual descriptor. While many famous video game characters exist, only a few are primarily orange.
2. "in an arcade game": This specifically points to the era of stand-up cabinet games, popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, rather than modern console or PC games.

The solver's task is to identify a character who fits both descriptions. The answer is not just any character, but one famous enough to appear in a New York Times crossword. The name of the character is also the title of the game.

Thinking Approaches

When faced with a clue like this, a few strategies can help:

1. Brainstorming Arcade Classics: Start by listing famous arcade games and their protagonists. Pac-Man (yellow), Donkey Kong (brown gorilla), the aliens from Space Invaders (various colors, but not distinctly orange). This process of elimination helps narrow the field.
2. Focus on the Color: Who are the famous orange characters in pop culture? Garfield? A Gremlin? Now, cross-reference that with the "arcade game" constraint. This leads you directly to the quirky, long-nosed hero of this puzzle.
3. Use the Crosses: If you're unsure, getting even one or two crossing letters can be a game-changer. The first letter of this answer is particularly distinctive and rare, making it a powerful clue if you can get it from a crossing word.
4. Modern Pop Culture References: Think about movies that celebrate classic video games. This character has made prominent cameo appearances in films like Disney's Wreck-It Ralph and Adam Sandler's Pixels.

Background Context

The answer refers to the main character of the 1982 arcade game Q*bert. Developed by Gottlieb, the game was a huge commercial success and is remembered for its unique gameplay and quirky design.

In the game, the player controls Qbert, an armless, two-legged orange creature with a large snout. The goal is to hop around an isometric pyramid of cubes, changing each cube's color to a target color. Players must avoid enemies like Coily the snake, Ugg the pig-like creature, and Slick and Sam. When Qbert is hit, he emits a distinctive synthesized gibberish sound, often represented in speech bubbles as "@!#?@!". This unique sound and visual style made Q*bert an icon of 80s arcade culture.

Conclusion

This clue is a delightful piece of 80s nostalgia. It's a straightforward trivia question that rewards solvers who have a good memory for classic video games. For those who don't, the character's unique name, especially its first letter, makes it a satisfying answer to uncover with the help of a few crossing entries.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of classic, cabinet-style arcade games from the 1980s, alongside titles like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.
2. Hint 2: The game this character is from involves hopping on a pyramid of cubes to change their color.
3. Hint 3: This character is known for its long nose and for making a distinctive sound when it gets hit by an enemy.
4. Hint 4: The character's name is often stylized with an asterisk or other symbol in the middle.

The answer is QBERT.