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| Title | Hexologic |
| Developer | MythicOwl |
| Publisher | MythicOwl |
| Release Date | May 29th, 2018 |
| Genre | Casual, Indie, Puzzle, Strategy |
| Platform | PC (Steam), Switch, Android, iOS |
| Age Rating | N/A |
| Official Website | |
Hexologic is a simple number puzzle game that is in some ways similar to Sudoku. Some rows have a number hint on one end that you must use to find the correct value for each hexagonal space. There isn’t really a story to the game, but rather it’s just a relaxing puzzle game. Can you solve all the puzzles the game has to offer?
The rules of Hexologic are quite simple, but the puzzles can get fairly tricky later in the game. Each puzzle is made up of hexagonal spaces. Some rows have a number tab on one end, which is a hint that tells you the sum of the values of all spaces in that row. Rows can go horizontally, or in either of the two diagonal directions.
Puzzles can become tricky when you have numerous rows all intersecting with each other. When a row with a hint number on one end has a green border, it means that the values you’ve set in that row add up to the correct number shown on the hint tab. This does not necessarily mean the row is configured correctly, though. You may find that you need to change it around if an intersecting row isn’t working out for you. Not all rows have hints, either.
Hexologic has an artistic level selection screen that can scroll up and down. The blue icon at the bottom lets you replay the tutorial quick any time you want. Each hexagon represents a level, and a green border means you beat it. You have to beat the current level to unlock the next one. There are a handful of sections, or worlds, that the level select is divided into. You start underwater and work your way up. Each area has a yellow hexagon hiding in it somewhere. Clicking on it unlocks the three special levels for that world. These are much trickier than the rest of the levels in that area of the game.
Once you get a little deeper into the game, you’ll encounter a new mechanic where some tiles are linked together, meaning they will always share the same value. In the image below, the two hex spaces with blue borders are linked. If you set the value of one of them, the other will automatically be set to the same number. This adds an extra layer of trickiness to some of the puzzles in the second half of the game. Some levels have multiple sets of linked tiles, and sometimes there are more than two in a set.
Hexologic is a fairly short game, but it does have a built-in level editor that you can use to craft your own puzzles. Unfortunately, the game does not include a built-in way to share them. On Steam, there is no Steam Workshop support. The level editor is very simple and easy to use so you can craft your own levels quickly and playtest them right in the editor.
The gameplay in Hexologic is simple but enjoyable. If you like Sudoku, then you will probably like this game too. Unlike Sudoku, you can have the same number appear multiple times in a row in this game.
Hexologic also features some very peaceful, relaxing music that makes the game a calming experience. It’s a very serene soundtrack. The sound effects are fairly simple, but they do their jobs well.
Hexologic is a simple and enjoyable little number puzzle game. It’s very easy to get into, but beating every puzzle is not so easy. There are a handful of Steam achievements to get in the game as well. There are 60 normal levels and 15 of the harder special levels. I got through all 75 levels in a bit less than 5 hours. That was across multiple play sessions, though. Hexologic is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS. You can get it on Steam for just $2.99. The one downside is that the game feels like it’s over too soon, but it’s a fun little game while it lasts. Can you beat the game and defeat all 15 special levels?
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Review copy provided by publisher.
