‘Hexius’ Review
Match 3,4,5… games are very hard to get right, and most of the time, result in being boring, repetitive and very uninteresting. However, amidst the hundreds upon thousands of bad match 3 games, there arises a savior. A game with more style, charisma and uniqueness to set it apart from the ever increasing crowd. A game like Hexius… is not one of these. Despite the poor precedent set by other match games, Hexius stills bumbles forth and offers much of the same, despite its desperate effort to be different.
Gameplay 3/10
Hexius involves searching and matching all of the same types of hexagons from a large grid. When two of the same hexagons are matched, they are joined by a shaded trail which highlights any hexagons in between. When all of the same type of hexagons are selected and matched, the hexagons disperse and form points. To get a higher score, you have to try and highlight as many hexagons as possible and get rid of them. There are also special hexagons which, once highlighted and deleted from the grid, give you an advantage (such as a bomb). Combos also make an appearance, but aren’t fully explained or emphasized to be something of interest.
Graphics 4/10
The bland graphics and art style doesn’t help Hexius, but rather makes the game unoriginal and dreary. Maybe if a comical or at least a more characteristic theme had been incorporated then Hexius might seem more approachable, but its dull color scheme and unimaginative animations makes Hexius very unattractive. Its simplistic sound effects and lack of music only adds to this.
Controls 8/10
The controls are simple and easy to manage, but aren’t revolutionary. They don’t take advantage one of the iPhone’s key controls features but instead just goes for the tap to select option.
Sound 6/10
The sound is bearable, if not a bit sparse. There is no music coupled with the game which is disappointing and takes away from the games atmosphere.
Menus 7/10
The menus adopt the same bland graphics, but responsiveness is good. The menus are easy to navigate which is good.
Longevity 3/10
Hexius includes 3 game modes which involve going against the clock, destroying particular target hexagons and the basic aim of achieving a highscore in a certain amount of moves. Each mode has different rules, but still feel like the same concept. They don’t add much needed variety into the game.
There is OpenFeint integration which gives you an incentive to get a highscore, but unless you really get into the basic and plain concept of Hexius, then it will not last you a long time at all.
Cost 6/10
Hexius costs $0.99/£0.59 which is reasonable enough for a game of this simplicity.
Conclusion 37/70 – 2.5/5
Despite its effort, Hexius falls into the same deep, dark hole that many have before it. On its own, it may have stood a chance but compared to the other great offerings, doesn’t give enough. If you are in the least interested then there is a lite version for you to try out, but hesitate buying the full version.