Geometry Is Fun When You Have A Super Hexagon
Super Hexagon ($0.99) by Terry Cavanagh is a twitchy game that will keep you coming back for more. Seriously, if you like arcade-style games, then you will not want to miss this one.
While there have been some great games that have been released lately that are not just ways to waste time for a few minutes, it's time to go back to the basics. Games that anyone can pick it up and play, put it down for a while, and then come back to it, determined to do better. Super Hexagon is one of those games.
The visuals in this game are pretty simple, since it just consists of colorful lines and other geometric shapes. The electronic music composed by Chipzel is fantastic and goes well with the fast pace of the game. As recommended by the game, the experience is best with headphones, so grab a pair and immerse yourself in the quick action of Super Hexagon!
There are three different game modes that you initially start with: Hexagon, Hexagoner, and Hexagonest. Basically, these are just easy, medium, and hard in hexagon terms, though none of these are really easy. Additionally, if you can clear each difficultly level, you are able to unlock three more, but I have not been able to accomplish this yet. It’s no easy task, and you will need all the luck you can get to reach the three bonus difficulties.
Each difficulty plays the same, though it moves faster in the Hexagoner and Hexagonest modes. You control the small triangle by touching the left and right sides of the screen to move counterclockwise or clockwise around the center hexagon. Lines will encroach upon the triangle and your objective is to move it so that it doesn’t crash into a wall. As you play, you may even encounter solid blocks that prevent you from moving any farther, and other obstacles. You will have to survive as long as you can.
The game sounds simple, but I assure you that it’s not. Each difficulty also has various “lines,” which you reach by lasting for a certain amount of seconds. So far, the farthest that I have gotten was the first line, which you get after 10 seconds, and I’m trying to reach line two after 20 seconds. I’m not sure how many lines are in each, but it will definitely take some time to get through them all.
For those that love to be competitive, there is Game Center support for leaderboards, as well as six achievements to obtain. However, getting these achievements won’t be an easy task, as you earn one for completing each stage. Hey, at least it’s something to strive for.
Super Hexagon is incredibly challenging and addictive, which is exactly what you should get in an iPhone game. Even though I’m not nearly as good as others, I am finding it quite hard to put down. The music is great and I keep thinking I can beat my previous record, which leads me down that just-one-more-game mentality.
Here’s a pro tip: if Hexagon mode is too hard for you, then practice with Hexagoner for a while, and then go back to Hexagon. You’ll find it easier to deal with once you get used to the speed in advanced levels.
For the most bang for your buck, I strongly recommend giving Super Hexagon a spin for yourself.
