There is something about this simple puzzle game that makes you keep coming back for more.

User Rating: 7 | Hexic HD X360
*** HEXIC HD ***

THE GOOD

-Three challenging puzzle modes
-Nice graphics

THE BAD

-Bombs are annoyingly frustrating

OVERVIEW

Hexic HD is simple yet fun puzzle game. There are three different modes to play; Timed, Marathon, and Survival. A timed game puts your puzzle skills to the test against the clock. The more combos you make the more precious seconds you gain back. Marathon is the game type that has you trying to make a series of combos in order to advance to higher levels. The survival mode tests how well you can clear the board. Just remember that any left over pieces are fixed in place for the next round. All three modes are unique and fun to play.

GAMEPLAY

The game board, for all three modes, consists of a series of hexagons with different colors. The object is to make clusters or star flowers. A cluster is created when three hexagons of the same color are grouped together. A star flower is created when you surround a single hexagon with six hexagons of the same color. When either of these combos is created the corresponding hexagons disappear and the hexes above them drop down.

The controls for the game are very simple. You can use either the analog stick or d-pad to move your cursor around the board which highlights three hexes at one time. Then, you press "A" or "X" to rotate the hexes left or right. If spinning the hexagons doesn't create a cluster or star flower, nothing happens and the hexagons rotate back to the same position.

There are other special hexagons like stars, pearls, and bombs. Stars and pearls are created when star flowers of different kinds are created and both can help you earn extra bonus points. The bomb is the most annoying hexagon in the game. Bombs only show up in Marathon games and if they aren't clustered before the timer runs out your game will end. This really makes getting some of the tougher achievements very difficult to obtain.

GRAPHICS & SOUND

The graphics for Hexic HD are very sharp and clear. I guess that's why it has the HD (high definition) tag in its name. The color and clarity of the game really stands out.

The music really suits the puzzle-like atmosphere. Its not overbearing so you won't lose your concentration. The music is nice and peaceful like good elevator music.

CONCLUSION

There is some undeniable charm to this game that really stands out and can prove to make Hexic HD addictive. With the three different game modes and achievements to acquire, there is a lot of replay value. I would recommend playing this game a least once. Whether you get hooked or not, you still can't beat the free price tag!