Hawty McBloggy Invites You to Play

Hexic, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Actually, if I did that we would be here all day. Let’s just cut to the chase and say that I really love this game. Like really love this game.

When we first got our Xbox 360, it didn’t take me long to discover Hexic HD. It was tucked away on the hard drive, a free little hidden gem of love. I saw others online trying it out and decided to give it a go. I am not sure anyone saw or heard from me for a very long time after that. I am a big fan of puzzle games. Anything from Dr. Mario to Tetris to Lumines to Zuma, I am all about those deceptively simple yet addictive games.

Hexic is fun because as you improve, you play it at different levels. First you just spin those little guys around, simply matching the colors up. Then you start to do more complicated moves, like making flowers. Then you discover the black pearl and begin the journey of mastering it. Slowly you improve your skills and learn little tricks along the way. Before long you are a Hexic pro, kicking out those black pearls like there is no tomorrow and getting a higher score every time.

I reached the point though that just solving the game wasn’t good enough anymore. I had already completed the game by getting a black pearl cluster and as satisfying as that was, I wanted more. I knew you could also solve the game through a black pearl flower and I was determined to do just that. What an elusive achievement that was. It took me nine grueling months but the sweet taste of victory was finally mine.

I can’t even tell you how big of a moment that was. There was much laughter, many jumps of joy, and a general feeling of disbelief. My persistence had paid off. I was truly a Hexic champion. I have every single Hexic achievement. The black pearl flower achievement is the achievement I hold closest to my heart. It is the achievement I wanted the most, it is the achievement I worked the hardest for, it is the achievement I worked for over the longest period of time. I had truly earned my nickname that KP had bestowed upon me, “Queen of Hexic“.

Fast forward to a few days ago. I was viewing the E3 2007 videos available on the Marketplace. The Xbox Live Arcade montage was very exciting to a puzzle game addict such as myself. Then Hexic 2 went across my screen. I found myself holding my breath. Could it be? There was no way. I watched it again. It was in fact Hexic 2! The video game gods had smiled upon me. I don’t know when it will be available in the Arcade but I will happily await its release.

Features from Xbox.com :

• New challenges: All-new special pieces, different formations, and modes keep Hexic 2 challenging even for the veteran Hexic player.
• Multiplayer competition: Amp up the gaming excitement playing multiplayer over Xbox LIVE® (up to 2 players) in Battle Mode.
• Easy to learn: The gameplay is straightforward, approachable, and highly addictive.
• Stunning visuals: The game is rendered in full 3-D with stunning special effects such as reflections, glow, and spectacular highlights.

Some of you are waiting for Mass Effect. Others are waiting for BioShock. I am waiting for Hexic 2. What a glorious day it will be.