You play as a duck in Qwak, where your goal is to get the highest score without losing all your lives. To achieve this, you need to collect fruits and gems in each level or kill off enemies. There are 80 levels in total, which are repeated once you complete them.
You exit each level by collecting all the gold keys and then entering through the door that opens. However, there's a time limit for completing each level before spikes fall down, blocking your path. Throughout eight areas, consisting of ten levels each, you'll encounter guardians at the end of each area. You need to defeat them within the given time limit.
Enemies can be defeated by throwing orange-colored eggs at them. In earlier levels, they take only one or two shots to die, but in later levels, it takes more than two shots. To overcome this, you'll find special power-ups that give you chocolate eggs instead.
Besides gold keys, silver keys can be collected, which unlock a gate, granting access to extra shots or power-ups. However, there are booby traps like spikes, and some areas are blocked off by them. Mushrooms can be picked up, turning into flowers that give you points when collected. But beware, collecting another mushroom will turn them back into spikes.
There are also challenges where you have to complete a level within 20 seconds while collecting as many fruits as possible. Additionally, there are tricks like catching flying keys or turning on lights to see enemies, and running away from the "happy ghost". Bonus points are awarded at the end of each level if all gems are collected.
Qwak can be played solo or with a friend. The game was released in 2006 at an affordable price, later bundled with Alien Breed '92 on a CD double pack.