Str: X-Hex [by Ambient Software]

Game: X-Hex
Release: Now available
Genre: Strategy
Developer: Ambient Software
System Requirements: Win 95+, 64 Mb Ram, 35 Mb of Hard Drive space
Price: $16.00

When I originally saw this game I was immediately stricken with a concern that I would be playing some sort of suedo new age type Chinese checkers. Thankfully that was not the case at all. In fact this game was much more like a mini game of Risk with the world map being replaced with Hex’s.

X-Hex by Ambient software is a turn based strategy game that pits you against rival dot armies at war for territories shaped in the form of hex’s. You hard core gaming strategists out there may find this game to be more satisfying then your average platform gamer would. With a large amount of weapons available for your Hexigonian empire the forces that would dare oppose you will be no match for your mighty regime.

With each turn you accumulate a certain amount of money depending on how many territories you control. You then use this money to buy weapon strikes that you can unleash with devastating effects on your opponents. The weapons in your arsenal include Missiles, Bombs, X-Mines, and the all purpose (guaranteed to blow the bejesus out of just about anything) air strike. Although this last weapon will cost you a whopping $50,000, its well worth the price to punish the vile scum that stands in your way. The power you unleash with such an attack is breath taking. However you do need to exercise some amount of frugalness when it comes to buying weapons strikes. The last thing you want is to be hit by a air strike and not have enough money to put out the fires let alone retaliate.

At the beginning of every turn you receive four dots no matter how many territories you have claimed for your glorious dot empire. Every hex must have at least one dot to be occupied, and the more dots a hex has the harder it is for a foreign dot nation to take that hex.

Like any good war game the main goal in X-Hex is to conquer territory. This is done on one of five different maps that comes with the game, or you can use the editing tool to make your own map. So if you must quench that insatiable desire to play on a map shaped like a baby rhino finally your dreams can come true.

The options in X-Hex are somewhat limited. While you can choose up to seven opponents (CPU or human) you can not choose their affiliation. So you cant have yourself allied with a CPU controlled dot army Vs. say five other CPU opponents who are working together to fight against you. Also there is no way for two dot empires to win a game. You can however change the aggressiveness of your computer opponent and how many you wish to face. Seven armies however is the absolute limit and really in the end it just ends up being one big free for all, So the last one standing wins. There is no campaign mode so you are relegated to creating your own private little war. This kind of takes away from the replay value. I would have liked to have seen scenarios included with certain maps. More maps would have also been a plus.

The multi player aspect of this game is fun especially if you can get seven people together. You could end up turning this little game of war into an epic battle of wits and savagery. But even if its just you and another friend trust me, you will have fun.

This game can get intense and sometimes even challenging. Despite my superior intellect and strategic genius I found myself on occasion shaking my clenched fist in the air vowing for the day I shall avenge my fallen dot comrades. Cry havoc! And unleash the dots of war.

Graphics: 7
Graphics are simple and perfect for this genre. I love it when the air strikes and missile barrages take out a large number of enemy dots.

Sound: 7
Again the only time you really get to appreciate any sound effects is when your performing a weapons strike. Even with the lack of sound you do get a good feel for the ambience of the game.

Game Play: 10
I was rooting for my dots all the way and I had total control. I don’t know if it is possible for Ambient to improve in their control scheme for this game. Simple to use I was able to jump right in and start playing immediately.

Options: 8
X-Hex had a good amount of options but I was still left wanting more.

Concept: 9
Great concept. This game really had me surprised at the beginning and it delivered at the end.

Fun: 8
I was addicted to this game for a short time. If only the replay value was increased I feel this could have really been a remarkable gaming experience. I guess for now I will just have to settle for really fun and somewhat addicting.

Overall: 8
Great game. Ambient did a good job brining this one to the table. I would recommend it for everyone as it is sure to bring out the war monger in all of us.Added: March 10th 2003
Reviewer: Torrence Kelley
Score:
Related Link: X Hex Screenshots
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Language: english