Chex Quest
Chex Quest is a non-violent first-person shooter video game developed by Digital Café and released on December 1, 1996, for DOS as a promotional advergame published by Ralston Purina and included in boxes of Chex cereal. It is noted as the first video game to be included in cereal boxes.[1] In the game, players control the Chex Warrior, a square-shaped protagonist tasked with liberating the planet Bazoik from invasive Flemoids—slime-like aliens that consume nutritious foods—using specialized "zorchers" that teleport enemies away instead of inflicting harm, ensuring family-friendly gameplay.[2] The game runs on a modified version of the id Tech 1 engine, originally powering Doom, which allowed for 3D environments, fast-paced action, and level designs mimicking classic FPS structures but with cartoonish, sci-fi aesthetics.[1] Core mechanics include navigating interstellar outposts, collecting power-ups like fruit and cereal for health restoration, and wielding upgradable weapons such as the Bootspoon (a melee tool) and the primary Zorcher, with no traditional death system—instead, players are temporarily immobilized by mucous attacks.[2] Distributed as a full CD-ROM insert in approximately six million cereal boxes, it targeted children and families, avoiding violence to align with cereal marketing.[3][4] Despite its commercial origins, Chex Quest garnered a cult following for its nostalgic charm and technical ingenuity, leading to fan-made sequels like Chex Quest 2 in 1997 and Chex Quest 3 in 2008, both expanding the lore with new levels and features while maintaining the non-violent ethos.[1] In 2020, General Mills relaunched Chex Quest HD, a free remastered version developed with Flight School Studio and original contributors, featuring high-definition graphics, split-screen multiplayer for up to four players, and five new characters inspired by Chex Mix varieties, available on platforms including Steam and Nintendo Switch.[3][5] This revival included unlockable content via product codes and paid homage to 1990s pop culture through voice acting and references, solidifying its legacy as a pioneering advergame that bridged marketing and interactive entertainment.[6]Gameplay
Chex Quest is a single-player first-person shooter played from a first-person perspective. The player controls the protagonist, the Chex Warrior, navigating levels set on the planet Bazoik to rescue captured inhabitants from the invading Flemoids. The objective in each level is to find the exit while defeating or avoiding enemies, with no traditional death mechanic—instead, enemy attacks temporarily reduce the player's mobility by covering them in slime, requiring them to wait or use items to recover.[7] The game uses keyboard and mouse controls for movement and aiming, similar to Doom, with options for joystick support in the original DOS version. Levels consist of interconnected rooms and corridors in a 3D environment, featuring platforming elements, switches, and keys to progress. The original game contains five levels divided into one episode (E1M1 through E1M5), each themed around interstellar Chex facilities invaded by slime.[7]Combat and Weapons
Combat revolves around non-violent "zorchers" that teleport enemies to another dimension rather than destroying them. The player starts with the Bootspoon, a melee weapon equivalent to a fist. Other weapons, all using zorch cells as ammunition, include:- Mini Zorcher: A basic hitscan pistol firing single shots.
- Large Zorcher: Fires a spread of three projectiles, akin to a shotgun.
- Rapid Zorcher: A rapid-fire chaingun-like weapon.
- Zorch Propulsor: Launches explosive projectiles with splash damage.
- Phasing Zorcher: Fires fast, powerful energy bolts similar to a plasma rifle.
- LAZ Device: The most powerful weapon, firing a wide beam that zorchs multiple enemies, comparable to the BFG9000.
Enemies
Enemies are variants of Flemoids, slime-based aliens:- Flemoidus commonus: Basic slow-moving enemy that throws short-range slime.
- Flemoidus bipedicus: Faster biped that hurls slime from multiple appendages.
- Armored Flemoidus bipedicus: Tougher version with ranged slime ball attacks.
- Flemoidus cycloptis: Fast, flying enemy in a metal suit with close-range charges.
- Flembrane: Stationary slime wall that fires large slime projectiles.
Health, Armor, and Power-ups
Health starts at 100% and can be restored using food items: a bowl of fruits (+10%), vegetables (+25%), or a glass of water (+1%). The Supercharge Breakfast fully restores health to 100% or up to 200%. Armor, providing damage absorption, includes Chex Armor (100 points, 33% protection) and Super Chex Armor (200 points, 50% protection), replenished by Slime Repellent (+1%). Other power-ups are limited, with no berserk packs or invulnerability in the original.[10]Plot
Chex Quest begins with an emergency meeting of the Intergalactic Federation of Cereals, where it is revealed that the planet Bazoik—a mining outpost rich in nutritional products—has lost communication after a volcanic eruption released slimy Flemoid larvae. These creatures mature rapidly upon exposure to nutrients and have captured the Chex colonists.[7] The player controls the Chex Warrior, a volunteer from the elite Chex Squadron, who is sent to Bazoik armed with modified "zorchers"—non-lethal weapons that teleport enemies to another dimension. The mission involves navigating five levels to rescue the hostages:- E1M1: Landing Zone – The Chex Warrior arrives and begins combating the invading Flemoids.
- E1M2: Storage Facility – Exploration of storage areas filled with nutrients attracts more Flemoids.
- E1M3: Security Complex – Breaching security sectors to advance deeper into the outpost.
- E1M4: Arboretum – Navigating a lush, plant-filled area teeming with enemies.
- E1M5: Caverns of Bazoik – Final confrontation in underground caverns, where the massive Flembrane guards the hostages.