HexaLex, a new iPhone crossword game from indie developer Nathan Gray, adds a new twist to classic boardgame Scrabble. Gray’s kept the point-based letter tiles and double-word-score spaces, but switched to a hexagonal grid instead of the Scrabble squares. Gray hopes that HexaLex is familiar enough to crosswords puzzles and Scrabble games to allow casual gamers to pick the game quickly, but adds enough challenge and originality to be a completely different game.

HexaLex version 2.0, which is being released today, will allow players to pit their vocab skills against their friends with online multiplayer play. The game also makes use of Facebook Connect, to share scores and top words (and, hopefully, not to spam friends’ feeds).

From the press release:

What do you get when you turn square tiles into hexagons? You get HexaLex, the innovative iPhone crossword game by independent developer Nathan Gray. By reshaping the board and the rules, HexaLex breathes new life into the crossword game genre loved by millions of Scrabble® and Words With Friends™ players worldwide. Version 2.0, released today, introduces online multiplayer and Facebook® Connect integration, bringing a new social dimension to the game.

The HexaLex interface, board, and rules were crafted to be familiar to crossword gamers but unique enough to provide an original and enjoyable experience. The hexagonal tiles let you play words in three directions instead of just two, which poses new challenges. An innovative instant feedback system and clear tutorials ensure that experts and casual gamers alike will be laying down major word scores in no time.

With the arrival of online multiplayer, Gray believes HexaLex is poised to take the App Store by storm. “The single-player game got great reviews from users but we all know there’s nothing like slamming a 72-point triple-word bingo on your know-it-all buddy,” said Gray. “Given the enthusiasm iPhone gamers have shown for Words With Friends and Scrabble, I’m confident we’ll have a community of enthusiastic HexaLexers in short order.”

New features in HexaLex 2.0:

• Online Play: Play against anyone with an iPhone or iPod Touch, and chat in-game. 2-4 Players. You can even play your online games without a network connection; your plays will be sent the next time you connect.
• Friend Finder: Easily connect with people you know. Choose opponents from your Facebook friends or your address book. Search by email address or HexaLex username. Easy access to a list of your recent opponents.
• Medals: Unlock over 30 medals for making great plays and beating opponents.
• Facebook Connect: Share your great plays, records, and medals with your friends and family with the tap of a button.
• iOS 4 Ready: HexaLex is fully backgroundable on supported hardware.

[Source: GameWire]