Hexxagon 2 is a true sequel to the original Hexxagon game. While game play is basically the same, the graphics have improved, there is more color, and the AI seems to be more competent in this second installation.
The goal of this board game is simple. The user is charged with conquering the board by filling the majority of the positions with his or her own playing pieces, indicated by color. Hexxagon 2 is a two-player game and the opponent can either be a human opponent or the computer’s AI.
Hexxagon 2 is a true sequel to the original Hexxagon game. While game play is basically the same, the graphics have improved, there is more color, and the AI seems to be more competent in this second installation.
The goal of this board game is simple. The user is charged with conquering the board by filling the majority of the positions with his or her own playing pieces, indicated by color. Hexxagon 2 is a two-player game and the opponent can either be a human opponent or the computer’s AI. It does not take long to learn how to play, but it does take significant practice to learn how to play WELL.
Hexxagon is based on another board game, called Ataxx. The rules and game play
of these boards is identical except for the fact that Ataxx features a rectangular or square game boar, and Hexxagon features one in the shape of a hexagon hence the name. At the beginning of the game, each player has only two pieces present on the board. Each opponent moves one piece per turn. The piece chosen to be moved is called the source, and the slot it is to be moved to is termed “the destination.” The player cannot move a piece farther than two relative squares from the source spot. If the destination is directly adjacent to (touching) the source, a new playing piece is added, one in the source and one in the new destination. If the destination is not adjacent to the source, it simply moves without adding new pieces. The catch is that, at the end of the turn, all opposing player’s pieces that are adjacent to one of yours, are converted to your color. Therefore, position and building new pieces becomes very important to protect your pieces from conquest.
Players must move: they cannot pass, unless there is no legal move. The game ends when one person is completely out of playing pieces or when all of the squares have been filled with one colored piece or the other. In that event, the player with the most pieces on the board is the winner. It is possible for the game to end in a draw. Hexxagon 2 adds to the obvious required strategy by placing obstacles about the board that cannot be manipulated. Overall, it is a challenging game, made better by the improved AI and the brilliantly drawn graphics.
