Hexes

[b][quote][url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asset_flip]Warning: Asset Flip![/url][/quote][/b] Hexes is a Unity Asset flip, what Valve calls a "fake game". The "developer", QuickBobber, took the [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/packs/hexa-puzzle-block-85474]Hexa Puzzle Block[/url] Unity Store game assets from the real developers, Superpow, changed the name, and dumped the result onto Steam. They're attempting to scam people into buying this, so they can get your money for someone else's work. Because this is an almost exact 1:1 copy + paste of the original Unity asset, it's in violation of the [url=https://unity.com/legal/as-terms]Unity Asset Store Terms of Service and EULA[/url]. Specifically, Section 2, Subsection 2.2.1a: [quote][i]Subject to the restrictions set forth in this EULA, Licensor hereby grants to the END-USER a non-exclusive, non-transferable, worldwide, and perpetual license to the Asset solely:(a) to incorporate the Asset, [b]together with substantial, original content not obtained through the Unity Asset Store[/b], into an electronic application or digital media that has a purpose, features, and functions beyond the display, performance, distribution, or use of Assets ("Licensed Product") as an embedded component of that Licensed Product, [b]such that the Asset does not comprise a substantial portion of the Licensed Product[/b][/i][/quote] Because the developer misused the asset pack such that it comprises the vast majority of this "game", the developer has unethically and deliberately breached the license agreement. Worse, this intellectual property violation was done in an attempt to profit from their illicit actions. Why is this permitted on Steam? QuickBobber has shown a repeat pattern of unethically dumping other people's work onto Steam as a cheap, nasty cash grab. Here's some examples so you can see for yourself: [list] [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1653400]GraveRunners[/url]" = [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/infinite-runner-engine-3d-60326]Infinite Runner Engine 3D[/url] developed by Denvzla Estudio [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1643550]Suzy Burger[/url]" = [url=https://unityfreaks.com/asset/4815]Top Burger Chef[/url] developed by KetchAp [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1604370]Garden Magic[/url]" = [url=https://www.sellanycode.com/item/3461/farm-link-complete-game]Farm Link Complete Game[/url] developed by CodeLover [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1652940]HopHeaders[/url]" = [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_TerzLwx0A]Bighead Run Run[/url] developed by SgLib Games [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1647280]ChicScape[/url]" = [url=https://gleygames.com/mobiletools/]Mobile Tools + Complete Game (Jumpy)[/url] developed by GleyGames [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1618000]Monkey Hit[/url]" = [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/packs/kong-hero-platformer-complete-game-template-66709]Kong Hero – Platformer Complete Game Template[/url] developed by ADDPGAMES [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1605530]Upside[/url]" = [url=https://www.sellanycode.com/item/1295/rise-up-unity-source-code-admob-unity-ads]Rise Up Unity Source Code[/url] developed by SellAnyCode [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1842130]Blinky[/url]" = [url=https://github.com/GambusinoLabs/Vlinky]Vlinky[/url] developed by GambusinoLabs [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1860110]Rabbit Canyon[/url]" = [url=https://unitylist.com/p/i0w/Rabbit-Runner]Rabbit Runner[/url] developed by OpticGenius [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1646600]ReBall[/url]" = [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/packs/ballx-infinite-brick-breaker-complete-game-template-87125]BallX - Infinite Brick Breaker - Complete Game Template[/url] developed by App Advisory [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1235480]Abst Clicker Farm[/url]" = [url=https://marketplace.gamemaker.io/assets/4936/bit-clicking-engine]Bit Clicking Engine[/url] developed by Mfzz99 [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1161660]Puzzlection[/url]" = [url=https://github.com/♥♥♥♥-Just-Got-Real-Studios/Jigsaw]Jigsaw[/url] developed by Sh*t-Just-Got-Real Studios [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1810720]Color Ball[/url]" = [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6HkgAsTXsI]Color Blast[/url] developed by Trisoft Studios [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1814100]In Shape 2[/url]" = [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/packs/shape-change-complete-game-142295]Shape Change Complete Game[/url] developed by Ragendom [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1853720]Timings[/url]" = [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/packs/sky-jump-66321]Sky Jump Pack[/url] developed by SgLib Games [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1907620]Gamma Space[/url]" = [url=https://marketplace.gamemaker.io/assets/8516/gmsasteroids]GMSAsteroids[/url] developed by FiveSprites [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1785280]Word of Kitchen[/url]" = [url=https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/templates/systems/word-cookies-system-134674]Word Cookies System[/url] developed by yussuf [*] "[url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1832230]Color Flash[/url]" = [url=https://www.codester.com/items/24956/colorbattle-complete-unity-game]ColorBattle Complete Unity Game[/url] developed by Hacel [/list] The products that result from asset flips aren't "real" games. They lack depth and content, because they're just simplistic copies of demos or tutorials. In this case, "Hexa Puzzle Block" is just a mobile app template for a hexagon block placement puzzle game, and doesn't have any merit as a proper, fully fledged PC game. It's just a minimum viable product, just enough to get through the non-existent quality control on Steam Direct. Not a real game. Asset flips don't involve any professional game development. Sure, sometimes they may change a few cosmetic things, swap out different assets etc, but at heart it's functionally identical to the asset they're ripping off. Asset flips like this are harmful to the gaming industry and to Steam because they reduce the visibility that sincerely made indie games should have, and make it harder for gamers to find real games from genuine developers. Let's talk about pricing and the actual value this has for gamers. Is this game one of the best of the 140,000+ games on Steam? Hexes has the cash grab price of around $8 USD, it's not worth it given the defects and shortcomings with the product, especially considering the unethical nature of the developer. For comparison, the $8 asking price for this game could get you games like "Subnautica", "Rust" or "Cities: Skylines". Quality, professionally made games like those are frequently on sale cheaper than this. The poor quality of this game is reflected by how many people spent time with it. At the time of this review, SteamDB shows the all-time peak player number was [b]only 2 players[/b]. This is a remarkably low number, and now, the only player activity occurs once or twice a month, presumably someone loading it up to see what it is then quickly uninstalling it. Considering there's over 130 million gamers on Steam and well over 140,000 games for gamers to choose from, the overwhelming lack of interest in this low quality game is to be expected. The quality problems and defects with this game makes the asking price totally unrealistic. It's impossible to recommend this to gamers here on Steam, especially considering the unethical stuff going on. Because this is just a fake game/cash grab scam, and due to the sheer unethical nature of the developer, you should avoid this completely. Don't reward this morally bankrupt, unethical behaviour from DIG Games.

Hexes is a relaxing puzzle game developed and published by DIG Games that takes a familiar block-fitting concept and refreshes it through the use of a hexagonal board. Rather than emphasizing fast reactions or competitive gameplay, it delivers a calm and thoughtful experience built around logic, planning, and spatial awareness. The game's simple premise makes it immediately accessible, yet the increasingly intricate puzzles provide enough challenge to keep players engaged. It is clearly designed for those who enjoy exercising their minds without the pressure of timers or stressful mechanics. The gameplay centers on placing uniquely shaped hexagonal pieces onto a board until every available space has been filled. While the objective is easy to understand, completing each puzzle requires careful consideration of how every move affects the remaining empty spaces. Because of the six-sided grid, players must approach each challenge differently than they would in traditional square-based puzzle games. The unusual board layout creates fresh opportunities for strategic thinking, rewarding patience and observation over guesswork. As players advance, the puzzles become more demanding, encouraging them to analyze piece placement several moves ahead instead of relying on simple experimentation. One of Hexes' strongest qualities is its welcoming design philosophy. Players of virtually any age can enjoy the experience thanks to its intuitive controls and easy-to-learn mechanics. Younger audiences can appreciate the colorful presentation and straightforward gameplay, while experienced puzzle fans will find satisfaction in solving the more difficult stages. Since there are no time restrictions or penalties for taking too long, every puzzle can be completed at a comfortable pace. This creates a relaxing atmosphere that feels more like a mental exercise than a competitive challenge, making it an ideal choice for unwinding after a busy day. The game's selection of multiple difficulty settings adds welcome flexibility to the experience. Newcomers can begin with simpler layouts that introduce the mechanics gradually, while advanced players can test their skills with far more complicated puzzle arrangements. Combined with a generous number of levels, this progression system helps maintain player interest without overwhelming those who are just starting. Each completed puzzle builds confidence while gradually introducing more complex spatial problems that require increasingly efficient planning. Another thoughtful feature is the built-in hint system, which provides assistance whenever players become stuck. Rather than allowing frustration to halt progress completely, the hints offer gentle guidance that keeps the experience enjoyable without removing the satisfaction of solving the puzzles independently. This balance between challenge and accessibility makes Hexes suitable for casual audiences while still respecting players who prefer discovering solutions on their own. Visually, Hexes favors clarity over extravagance. The bright colors and clean interface make every puzzle easy to read, ensuring that players can focus entirely on solving the board rather than navigating unnecessary distractions. The minimalist presentation works well for a puzzle title, with each piece remaining clearly distinguishable throughout gameplay. Likewise, the audio complements the relaxed tone by providing an unobtrusive background that enhances concentration without becoming repetitive or intrusive during longer sessions. Despite its enjoyable design, Hexes does have some limitations. The gameplay loop remains consistent from beginning to end, meaning players looking for new mechanics, narrative elements, or dramatic gameplay changes may eventually find the experience repetitive. The increasing challenge comes primarily from more elaborate puzzle layouts instead of introducing fresh gameplay systems. While this consistency suits the game's casual nature, those seeking greater variety may feel that the formula becomes predictable after extended play. Overall, Hexes successfully delivers exactly what it sets out to offer: a polished and accessible puzzle game focused on thoughtful problem-solving rather than complexity for its own sake. Its hexagonal puzzle design provides a refreshing twist on classic block-placement gameplay, while its generous collection of levels, adjustable difficulty options, and player-friendly hint system create a satisfying experience for both beginners and seasoned puzzle enthusiasts. Although it does not attempt to reinvent the genre, it excels at providing relaxing, engaging entertainment that encourages careful thinking and rewards persistence. Rating: 6/10