Hex Gambit: Respawned is a casual experience that can be enjoyed alone or online. This strategic experience takes a little getting used to. However, once you get to grips with the fundamentals, you’ll enjoy every short, sharp battle. Now, I love this genre, but trying to explain the mechanics in layman’s terms isn’t easy, so you’ll have to bear with me when I get to that part.
This card and board strategy title was developed by One Man Left Studios and published by Blowfish Studios. Furthermore, it has a challenging solo campaign, and it can be enjoyed with friends or strangers online. The simple board-like stages offer unique goals, and mastering each unit is no easy task. Accordingly, you will be tested even when you master every element.
Hex Gambit: Respawned asks you to prove your worth.
Sadly, there isn’t much of a story to get your teeth into. Yet, the bite-sized missions offer enough lore and focus to hold your attention. The campaign mode consists of 21 levels and armies of warriors from the Hex Royale. Each army comprises a unique set of fighters, and it is your responsibility to take them out and be victorious.
Alongside the campaign mode is a fun online or private lobby option. Here you may challenge people online to prove your tactical prowess. I must admit, this wasn’t something I pursued all that often. However, each match I did complete was fun, pacey, and pushed me to my tactical limits. Though I played this on the Xbox Series X, I can see that it would be an ideal title for portable gamers. Therefore, if that is your preference, you may wish to pick this up to speed up your commute.
Plenty of mechanics.
We’re now at the part that I’m dreading. How to explain the mechanics without complicating things? First, this is a turn-based strategy affair where each team has 3 AP (action points). During your turn, you may spawn new units, move existing warriors, attack your foes, or use a special power to hit your enemy’s pillar(s). Furthermore, you may use your leader’s limited abilities to turn the tide of war in your favour. Each leader has a unique skill that must be considered when you start your advances.
The aim of each mission is simple. The first team to 10 points is the winner. Now, you may achieve that by killing your foes or completing a pillar tap. Each action earns you a point, and you must decide how aggressive you wish to be. Alternatively, you can go all-out and try to win by knockout. If you somehow manage to eliminate every enemy, you’ll win by default. This option isn’t easy to complete and things are made more difficult when you consider the massive flaw in the gameplay loop.
Flawed ideas.
Strategy titles are fascinating as you have full command over which approach is appropriate. This micromanagement may be tough to master, but it is extremely rewarding. Sadly, Hex Gambit: Respawned has taken a different path! Though your enemies seem to have full control over their forces and tactics, you are limited to whatever the developer has decided.
I understand why this approach has been taken, but it is undeniably restrictive and it will frustrate genre experts. I rolled with the punches, but I desperately wanted more freedom and flexibility to decide my path. Had the developer incorporated this option after the game was completed, I think it would have created a balanced and fair result.
Hex Gambit: Respawned is clean and pleasant.
This subcategory of the genre isn’t renowned for exceptional graphics. Instead, developers tend to focus on gameplay. Thankfully, Hex Gambit: Respawned spared some time to create a clean and pleasant finish. Each stage has a vibrant style that is interesting to look at. What’s more, it is easy to understand how your troops move. Consequently, navigating each battlefield was a cinch.
The audio adds some depth and energy to each short match. The songs are loud and upbeat and are supported by the never-ending sound effects. Each unit makes random noises as they move, jump, and attack. Additionally, they all have individual sound effects for their melee or ranged combat. The variety was interesting, and I applaud the developer for their efforts.
Excellent controls.
Though there are plenty of layers to master, the controls help you to get things right. Moreover, the responsive inputs and intelligent button layout keep you on track. Furthermore, the well-considered tutorial ensures that newbies to the genre will not struggle.
Thanks to the online and local multiplayer modes, you can return to this repeatedly. What’s more, there are several captains and units to understand and perfect. In addition, there is a Cross-Play option if your friends play on other platforms. Each of these additional items adds to the moderate levels of replay value and longevity.
Hex Gambit: Respawned is a decent strategy title.
I wasn’t completely sold on this game. The shortcomings frustrated me and this made the action feel occasionally unbalanced. However, I love the straightforward ideas and the pleasant aesthetics. Furthermore, the controls are great and there is plenty of replay value. Accordingly, it is a decent strategy title and I recommend buying it here! Can you make it past the Hex Royale? Pick your captain, choose your tactics, and grab 10 hard-earned points.
