Review: The Last Hex
The Last Hex: A Serviceable Yet Unremarkable Entry in the Deckbuilding Genre
As I settle into my leather armchair, vintage Montblanc fountain pen poised above my review notebook, I find myself contemplating That Indie Studio’s latest contribution to the ever-expanding pantheon of digital deckbuilding games.
In an era where the market is positively saturated with deckbuilding roguelikes, The Last Hex presents itself as yet another aspirant to the throne currently occupied by genre-defining titles such as Slay the Spire and Monster Train. While it makes a valiant attempt to carve out its own niche, the result is, shall we say, rather middling.
Combat Mechanics and Deck Construction
The core gameplay loop revolves around a rather conventional combat system, though it does attempt to distinguish itself through a tri-stat attribute system that affects card scaling.
The combat interface, while functional, lacks the refined sophistication one might expect from a contemporary release. The card interactions, though serviceable, fail to reach the heights of mechanical innovation demonstrated by more prestigious titles in the genre. I found myself jotting down numerous instances where the game’s systems felt derivative rather than revolutionary.
Strategic Depth and Progression
The game’s map system presents an interesting departure from genre conventions, implementing a hex-based movement system that adds a layer of strategic consideration to one’s journey.
This territorial control element, while intriguing in theory, fails to achieve the elegant execution found in more distinguished titles such as Neuroshima Hex. The progression system, with its 14 character classes and approximately 350 cards, provides adequate variety, though the distinction between classes feels rather superficial.
Economy and Resource Management
The game’s economic system presents players with relatively straightforward decisions in its various shops and merchants.
While perusing the card shop’s offerings during my latest soirée with fellow critics, I couldn’t help but notice the rather pedestrian nature of the card pricing structure. The selection, while adequate, lacks the nuanced decision-making one might find in more sophisticated titles.
Visual Design and Interface
The reward system and deck management interfaces, while functional, exhibit a rather provincial aesthetic sensibility.
The presentation maintains a consistent, if unremarkable, medieval fantasy theme. The UI elements are arranged competently enough, though they lack the refined polish one might expect from a more ambitious project.
Deck Management and Strategy
The deck management system offers standard fare for the genre, though it does implement an interesting stat-scaling mechanism that affects card potency. However, this system often leads to rather obvious optimization paths rather than encouraging truly creative deck construction.
Final Thoughts
While The Last Hex makes a respectable attempt at contributing to the deckbuilding genre, it ultimately fails to distinguish itself in any meaningful way. The mechanics, while functional, lack the sophisticated depth found in more prestigious titles. The presentation, though consistent, remains firmly in the realm of the adequate rather than the exceptional.
Taking a final sip of Earl Grey while reviewing my fountain pen notes
For the asking price of $10.99, one could certainly do worse, though I suspect most discerning enthusiasts of the genre would be better served by investing their time in more refined alternatives. The game is not without merit, but it fails to reach the heights achieved by its more distinguished contemporaries.
Pros:
- Interesting hex-based map system
- Serviceable stat-scaling mechanics
- Adequate variety in card selection
Cons:
- Derivative gameplay elements
- Lack of meaningful innovation
- Unremarkable presentation
- Limited strategic depth
Review conducted over 25 hours of gameplay, notes meticulously recorded with my cherished Montblanc 149.
Score
Overall Score: 5/10
Developer: That Indie Studio
Release Date: Dec 13, 2021
Steam Page: The Last Hex