Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The follow-up to Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov’s Hexic, Hexic 2 expands the formula with a new multiplayer mode and an array of special pieces. At its core, the gameplay remains elegantly simple: spin a trio of hexes to form a cluster of three or more matching colors. Create advanced formations—such as starflowers or black pearls—and you’ll unlock powerful special pieces that can clear entire sections of the board or trigger chain reactions.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Hexic 2 introduces head-to-head competition, letting you race against the clock or challenge a friend in split-screen duels. Whether you’re in a relaxed Free Play mode or battling under time pressure, the rules remain consistent, but the intensity ramps up dramatically when an opponent’s board is just as close to meltdown as your own. This new layer of competitive play adds tension and strategy, especially when deciding whether to build toward a massive combo or slow down to disrupt your rival’s chain potential.

Beyond the classic cluster mechanics, Hexic 2’s special pieces—like the bomb-like “silver pearls” or the explosive “starflower”—reward skilled pattern creation. Mastering these pieces is vital for reaching high scores and clearing tricky board configurations. As levels progress, the board shapes vary, presenting obstacles such as blocked tiles or color-locked hexes that demand fresh approaches and adaptive thinking.

With multiple difficulty settings and challenge modes, Hexic 2 caters to both casual puzzlers and score-chasing veterans. The game tracks your best performances, and unlocking higher-level boards feels genuinely rewarding. This balanced progression ensures you always have something new to strive for, making even repeat plays feel engaging and fresh.

Graphics

Hexic 2’s most immediate upgrade is its polished 3-D presentation. The hexagonal grid subtly rotates in three dimensions, giving each spin and cascade of pieces a tangible weight. Vibrant color palettes and smooth animations transform what could be a sterile puzzle experience into a visually captivating journey.

Each special piece comes with its own visual flourish—starflowers burst into radiant petals, silver pearls crackle with electric arcs, and black pearls create a ripple effect that sweeps across the board. These satisfying effects not only look stunning but also provide clear feedback when you pull off complex combos, reinforcing the game’s addictive loop.

The backgrounds and UI elements maintain a clean, modern aesthetic. Subtle gradient shifts and ambient lighting effects enhance readability without distracting from the core action. Whether you’re playing on a TV screen or a handheld device, Hexic 2’s graphics remain crisp and free of slowdown, even when multiple chain reactions are unfolding simultaneously.

Complementing the visuals is a soothing electronic soundtrack that ebbs and flows with your gameplay. The music and sound effects strike a balance between relaxation and urgency, perfectly matching the pace of your matches. Together, the audio-visual package elevates Hexic 2 from a simple puzzle game to an immersive sensory experience.

Story

As a pure puzzle title, Hexic 2 doesn’t deliver a traditional narrative or characters. Instead, it embraces a minimalist approach that places you at the center of an abstract, geometric challenge. There’s no tale of kingdoms or hidden lore—just you, the hex grid, and the chase for high scores.

This narrative absence can be a strength for fans who prefer their puzzles unencumbered by cutscenes or complex plotlines. Without story interruptions, you remain focused on strategy, pattern recognition, and timing—core elements that define the genre. The progression through varied boards and mode unlocks provides a sense of achievement that stands in for a conventional storyline.

That said, Hexic 2 crafts its own atmosphere through presentation. The ambient soundtrack, slick UI animations, and evolving board designs suggest a futuristic, almost cosmic environment. This subtle world-building evokes the feeling of navigating a living puzzle, where every spin and swap shapes your journey.

Ultimately, Hexic 2’s story is found in your personal milestones: the first time you trigger a starflower, the thrill of beating a friend in multiplayer, or the satisfaction of conquering the most chaotic board layouts. It’s a story you write with each match, and for many players, that woven narrative of triumph and mastery is far more compelling than scripted dialogue.

Overall Experience

Hexic 2 builds on its predecessor’s legacy by offering a deeper, more dynamic puzzle experience without overcomplicating the core mechanics. Whether you’re a newcomer drawn to its intuitive controls or a veteran strategist chasing perfect runs, the game delivers consistent challenge and satisfaction. Matches are quick enough for on-the-go sessions yet nuanced enough to keep you hooked for hours.

The addition of multiplayer transforms what was once a solitary endeavor into a social showdown. Racing against friends or global opponents injects fresh energy into every round, while multiple game modes ensure that no two sessions ever feel identical. The blend of relaxed Free Play and adrenaline-fueled competitive matches means you can tailor your experience to fit any mood.

Performance is rock-solid, with load times kept to a minimum and visuals that maintain their polish across various hardware setups. The game’s audio-visual synergy enhances the overall mood, making Hexic 2 feel like a premium package rather than a simple puzzle spin-off. Accessibility options, clear tutorials, and adjustable difficulty settings round out the experience, ensuring a smooth entry point for newcomers.

In summary, Hexic 2 strikes a rare balance between approachability and depth. Its engaging gameplay loop, stunning presentation, and high replay value make it an essential purchase for puzzle enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. If you’re looking for a title that offers both quick satisfaction and long-term mastery, Hexic 2 delivers on all fronts.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10