Perhaps the most exploited gameplay type within the indie community is the puzzle. Whether it be in a platformer, a point-and-click adventure, a side-scroller, etc. puzzles are hugely incorporated in the indie gaming scene. Even moreso, quick-fix gamers enjoy match-3′s such as Bejeweled or Jewel Quest. While match-3′s are essentially a dime a dozen (sorry, devs!), good match-3′s are a very addictive and noteworthy category of puzzle games.

Phasic Labs’ Hexius is a new offering on the App Store for owners of the iPhone/iPod Touch as well as the iPad. Amongst the many other match-3 titles, it would be easy to overlook Hexius. It is neither the most exceptional nor the most underwhelming. Instead, Hexius provides some good clean fun and satisfies any match-3 cravings gamers may have.

GAMEPLAY

It should be noted that when you first fire up Hexius, the tutorial is your friend; use it wisely! Hexius is basically a match-3 game in which you’re attempting to clear the board by connecting identical hexagons with one another, starting with one and clearing that particular symbol by touching all the others on the board as well. That’s the basic mechanic in Hexius. The more advanced gameplay mechanics are easier to pick up as you play the game (e.g. crossing the same hexagon twice will create a bomb). Phasic Labs has packed the game with three challenging modes: Time Attack, Level Challenge, and Strategy Mode. As the name implies, Time Attack requires that players eliminate as many hexagons within the allotted time as possible. Likewise, in the same arcadey nature as any other title of this sort, you’ll be earning more time by clearing hexagons efficiently. In Level Challenge, players clear assigned hexagons indicated by a purplish tinge. If the hexagon is cleared within the allotted time, then the time you’ve saved is added to the next level. Finally, in Strategy Mode, players will be given only 30 turns to achieve as high of a score as possible.

There’s not too much past this content. You’ve got OpenFeint integration so you can enjoy leaderboards and achievements for spending time with the game. But no other competitive characteristic can be spoken of in Hexius. Then again, the iPhone/iPod Touch isn’t the best for competitive modes on the same device. I’m certain the opposite can be said about the iPad. But as a match-3, Hexius is an admirable effort. It plays seamlessly and can get relatively addicting. I’m not the biggest fan of match-3′s, but it’s looking pretty good for that particular audience. If you want a good match-3 time-waster, Hexius is calling.

STYLE

Surprisingly, Hexius‘s style isn’t an annoying wannabe match-3 lookalike, but rather a well-colored and animated experience. I can’t say the same for a number of the other match-3s on the App Store. The graphics are clean and crisp and I would love to try the game out on the iPad’s bigger display as well.

STORY

Hexius has no story, but that doesn’t come as a surprise as this is essentially just a match-3 puzzler. The game doesn’t lose out because of this fact.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Besides the noted features, there’s really not much else to Hexius. Casual puzzle fans (or simply the curious) should be excited to know the game is only $0.99. Hexius would basically graded as above average, but it’s a solid choice for an entertaining time-waster.

[Buy from App Store.]

[DIYgamer obtained a free copy of the game for review purposes. This in no way affected the outcome of the review.]

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