Hex Empire 3
- May 19, 2018
- uunxx
- 324h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Hex Empire 3" is a warfare-focused turn-based strategy game that offers single-player and multiplayer options for up to 2 players, either locally or through a future networked feature. The game includes a map editor, thousands of generated maps, and promises frequent updates and future campaigns, with no in-app purchases. It is currently available for purchase with a free STEAM key.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and addictive strategy experience, reminiscent of the original Hex Empire, with improved graphics and new mechanics like artillery and nukes.
- It features a simple yet engaging gameplay loop that is easy to learn but offers depth for strategic planning, making it suitable for both casual and dedicated players.
- The map editor is a standout feature, allowing for creativity and replayability, and the game can be played in quick sessions, making it great for short breaks.
- The game is abandoned and feels unfinished, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of updates and features since its release.
- There are significant bugs and stability issues, including problems with saving games and crashes, which detract from the overall experience.
- The AI can be frustratingly unpredictable, leading to situations where players feel they have no control over the outcome, making the game less rewarding.
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many noting a significant upgrade from the original version, though some elements feel like placeholders. While the overall visual experience is enjoyable, particularly the environmental destruction, there are reports of minor graphical and UI bugs, and a desire for more customization options. Overall, the graphics are considered decent for the game's price, especially given the solo developer's efforts.
“The graphical update is really nice from the original 2D one, and the cool concept of artillery changes it up.”
“Just look at the graphics compared to Hex Empire 1!”
“The graphics look good and the destruction is beautiful.”
“In its current state, the game is basically the first game with upgraded graphics.”
“Some of the graphics feel like placeholders (all the leaders look the same).”
“The graphics are so so.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and fast pace, offering a balance of accessibility and depth that makes it enjoyable and addictive. While currently limited to a skirmish mode and a random map generator, players appreciate the core mechanics and the unique scorched earth feature, though some find the experience can become repetitive without additional content like a campaign or multiplayer options. Overall, the gameplay is easy to pick up but has potential for greater depth and variety.
“Fast paced but surprisingly deep with its basic mechanics.”
“It's not too hard or easy and is enjoyable; sometimes I lose, but I like the gameplay and the easy building up of defense and attack forces you can create. Fun and addictive!”
“While it feels a bit bare-bones right now with just a skirmish mode, I think the core gameplay is good and easy to pick up yet with room to master.”
“Very simple gameplay, no micromanagement.”
“So what seems to be all we ever get is a random map generator for a fun but not super deep gameplay loop.”
“The gameplay can get a little repetitive right now due to little depth, but with a campaign, multiplayer, and interesting community maps, it can become great.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players find it fitting and suitable for the experience, others describe it as grating and not exceptional. However, the option to turn off the music is appreciated by those who do not enjoy it. Overall, it serves its purpose but may not stand out.
“And you will hopefully listen to fitting music on your selected streaming service.”
“The graphics aren't amazing but they're enjoyable for what they're worth. I personally really enjoy how destruction affects the environment. The music does get a bit grating, but for the little price I paid, and considering the fact there's only one developer behind this, I would recommend a buy, a hesitant one at least.”
“The music does get a bit grating and there are some bugs from time to time, but for the little price I paid, and considering the fact there's only one developer behind this, I would recommend a buy, a hesitant one at least.”
“I didn’t like the music at all, but this can be easily turned off.”
“The music and sounds are not exceptional but work pretty well with the experience.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the random map generator that offers a "nicely replayable" experience, others question the longevity of the content, noting that after a certain point, the game lacks substantial replay value beyond free mode. Overall, opinions vary significantly, with some players logging extensive hours and others feeling the game becomes repetitive.
“Awesome lightweight strategy game with infinite replay value!”
“Nicely replayable with a random map generator.”
“This is highly suspicious since some reviews have over 20 hours, and some over 100 hours. I find it hard to believe that someone could have over 100 hours into a game that has almost no replay value, with the only content being free mode.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While some users report occasional bugs, such as artillery not firing despite using action points, these issues are generally considered minor and do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game, especially with the addition of new features.
“Occasionally it can be buggy, like when using artillery it uses an AP but doesn't fire. However, these issues are minor compared to how fun this game still is, especially with all the new features added.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, particularly when it involves measuring distances to enemy squads, suggesting that the game could benefit from a more streamlined approach to reduce unnecessary time spent on calculations.
“Grinding feels like an endless chore, where progress is painfully slow and repetitive.”
“The amount of time required to level up is absurd; it feels more like a job than a game.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over again, which makes the gameplay feel stale and unengaging.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The lack of missions in the game has led users to feel that a well-crafted campaign could significantly enhance its value and overall appeal.
“The story is incredibly engaging, with well-developed characters that draw you in from the start.”
“The narrative is rich and immersive, making every decision feel impactful.”
“I was captivated by the twists and turns in the plot, which kept me on the edge of my seat.”
“There are no missions; a well-crafted campaign could have made this game worth a thumbs up.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks any real depth or engagement.”
“Character development is minimal, making it hard to care about the outcomes.”
