Hex Gambit: Respawned, developed by One Man Left Studios and published by Blowfish Studios, offers an interesting blend of classic board games in a modern video game format. Set in a vibrant and colorful world, players command a squad of minions in turn-based battles, aiming to either grab enough victory points or eliminate all enemy minions to secure a win. Playable for 1 to 4 players, Hex Gambit: Respawned is designed to be an engaging boardgame-like experience with easy-to-learn mechanics but plenty of tactical possibilities. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
At its core, Hex Gambit: Respawned is built around fast-paced matches that typically last between 15 minutes and half an hour, making it a good choice for shorter gaming sessions or “something to play while you wait for others”. The gameplay revolves around strategic maneuvering of minions across hexagonal tiles to attack enemy units or pillars. Each player has a pillar to protect, and victory points are earned by either tapping the pillar or defeating enemy minions. With a limited number of action points per turn, players must carefully plan their moves and utilize their minions’ abilities to gain the upper hand.
The game’s campaign mode, Hex Royale, offers 21 challenging stages against AI opponents, each with its own captain and minion lineup. Captains possess unique abilities, known as gambits, which can be activated strategically to turn the tide of battle. However, one notable drawback is the lack of freedom in choosing minion rosters outside of the campaign mode, limiting player customization and hindering the development of personal playstyles – this can make the transition from the solo campaign to multiplayer matches feel a bit awkward.
Having said that, Hex Gambit: Respawned definitely shines brightest in its multiplayer modes, both online and local, accommodating up to four players. The game’s accessibility and easy to learn set of rules makes it enjoyable for casual gamers and strategy enthusiasts alike, although the difficulty balancing may pose challenges for some – especially when playing the campaign where you can’t learn from others.
Visually, Hex Gambit: Respawned boasts a vibrant art style, bringing its whimsical world to life with colorful characters and environments. The audio design complements the gameplay, enhancing the immersion and providing an enjoyable experience for players in a digital board game that really comes to life on screen.
In summary, Hex Gambit: Respawned offers a refreshing take on turn-based strategy games, blending elements of classic board game play with video game mechanics. While it falls short in a few small areas, it remains a fun and engaging title, particularly when played with friends. So whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to the genre, Hex Gambit: Respawned offers both tactical depth and easy to enjoy entertainment for players willing to dive in and explore its quirky world.
Score: 7.2/10
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