[b]hack grid[/b] is a relatively simple puzzler, offering [b]90 levels[/b] (30 of which were added after release) with the goal of removing everything from the board until only one piece remains. they can't move onto empty spaces and can only move over different colors, but some change color if moved, and there are immobile pieces, either chilling until removed or changing color after every move. others need to be hit by both colors and they destroy the first piece moving over them, and gates open and close after every move. the additional firewall levels introduced new mechanics, such as vertical-only and horizontal-only movement. rules applying to the current level can be checked anytime.
levels are unlocked one by one, you can skip one if you get stuck, but another skip will only be available if you beat the next level. skipping isn't an option if you select a level directly instead of hitting 'continue' to load the last unlocked one, otherwise it could easily be abused. [b]speedrun[/b] mode is neat if you're into this sort of thing, there's an unstoppable timer, no saved progress, just go through the whole thing as fast as you can, obviously without skipping anything.
controls are straightforward, [b]mouse works for everything[/b]. click to select, then slide, holding the button over a piece shows possible movement options, plus there are a few [b]rebindable hotkeys[/b] (reset, undo, next level), but weirdly, [b]no keys for actual movement[/b]. it could be a worthy improvement, along with letting players undo more than a single move.
the presentation will probably appeal more to the older generation, but it doesn't go overboard and [b]should be stomachable for everyone after turning the crt effect off[/b] to make text easier to read, etc. other settings include windowed mode, resolutions (from a list, don't have to click through a million to find what you're looking for), separate volume settings, colorblind mode, various languages, a jukebox to browse available songs, and these can be accessed anytime as well.
I had no issues with the nostalgic presentation, [b]the game looks, sounds and plays fine[/b], and while most levels are not that tough, there are a few tricky ones, especially in the firewall pack, but outside of speedrun mode there's nothing stressful about the whole thing. the [url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1746910/]master levels dlc[/url] came out at the end of 2021 and offers [b]40 more levels for $1[/b] if you're looking for more content.
