Hex Heroes

Hex Heroes
Developer(s)Prismatic Games
Designer(s)Mario Castañeda
Composer(s)Grant Kirkhope
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Wii U
Genre(s)Party, real-time strategy
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Hex Heroes is an unreleased party, real-time strategy game. Originally in development for Wii U since 2014, it failed to release before the console's eShop closed in March 2023.[1] The game remains unfinished, with plans to release on Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. It is ostensibly being developed by Prismatic Games,[2] and designed by Mario Castañeda, who previously co-created The Bridge.[3]

Gameplay

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Up to five players, one with the Wii U GamePad and four with Wii Remotes, harvest resources, build structures, fend off enemies, and explore dangerous territories. The player using the GamePad manages resources and teammates, makes executive decisions, and surveys the land from a bird's-eye view.[4] There are different classes to choose from with each playing a different role.[5]

Characters

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The game features a number of characters from various franchises. Each character serves as a swap for each in-game class but has their own unique animations and personalities.[6]

Character Series
Alicia[7] Heart Forth, Alicia
Zoya Trine
Egoraptor Game Grumps
Danny Game Grumps
Ross & Orph Game Grumps
Juan Guacamelee!
Max Mutant Mudds
Shovel Knight Shovel Knight
Rusty SteamWorld Dig
Lady Faye IV Rogue Legacy
Subject W Paradise Lost: First Contact
Cyrus Wizorb
The Drifter Hyper Light Drifter
Turing Read Only Memories
Hat Kid[8] A Hat in Time

Development

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The idea came out from a game jam. The developers had reached out to Nintendo through its indie self-publishing program.[9] A project was created on Kickstarter to help raise $80,000 to develop the game.[10] The developers had got in touch with Grant Kirkhope and after a couple of months brought him on board.[11] Cameo characters, which the developers wanted to include but were unable to, were Beck, Shantae, Raz, and Steve.[11]

In April 2014, the game was successfully funded, having reached $86,000, though it hadn't reached any of its stretch goals.[12]

Hex Heroes was displayed at the 2015 GX3 convention held in December, and was well-received, landing Prismatic an investor.[13] The game was displayed at the 2016 GDC Play conference held in March, and was named as an honorable mention for the Best in Play award.[14]

In 2018, Nintendo denied to Prismatic access to their development kit to the Switch. Nintendo closed the 3DS and Wii U eShop in March 2023, preventing the game from being released digitally.[15] The game is currently incomplete and there is no indication that it will be completed.[16][17]

Marketing

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To help promote the game, the game's designer Mario Castañeda narrated an episode of Did You Know Gaming? covering the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.[18]

References

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  1. ^ Plant, Logan (2023-03-26). "PSA: The Wii U and 3DS eShops Close Tomorrow". IGN. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  2. ^ Schulenberg, Thomas (2014-03-30). "Hex Heroes is a five-player real-time strategy game for Wii U". Joystiq. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  3. ^ Whitehead, Thomas (2014-03-19). "Artist Behind "The Bridge" Planning a Party RTS For Wii U". nintendolife. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  4. ^ Kuhar, Andrew (2014-04-22). "How Kickstarter game Hex Heroes is reimagining the real-time strategy genre for the Wii U (interview) pg. 1". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2014-04-25.
  5. ^ Vanderwall, Joshua (2014-05-04). "Hex Heroes, A Party RTS, Makes Good On Wii U's Promises". The Escapist. Retrieved 2014-04-18.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ Speer, Josh (2014-04-14). "Crowdfunding Spotlight: Hex Heroes". Operation Rainfall. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  7. ^ Andrew (2014-04-19). "Update 4: Kickstarter shout outs and a stretch goal tease!". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
  8. ^ Prismatic Games LLC (2019-06-28). "Hex Heroes LIVES - A Meaty Progress Update". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2019-08-25.
  9. ^ Good, Owen S. (2014-03-27). "Party RTS for the Wii U makes its pitch with help from some friends". Polygon. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  10. ^ Scullion, Chris (2014-03-28). "Hex Heroes on Wii U billed as 'the world's first party RTS'". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  11. ^ a b Brown, Aaron (2014-04-16). "Interview with Prismatic Games on Hex Heroes". Nintendo World Report. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
  12. ^ King, Ashley (2014-04-24). "Hex Heroes has been successfully funded". WiiUDaily.com. Retrieved 2014-04-24.
  13. ^ "We're Back!". Kickstarter. 2015-12-17. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  14. ^ "Good News, Everyone!". Kickstarter. 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2016-04-12.
  15. ^ "Nintendo announces 3DS and Wii U eShop closures". Game Developer. 16 February 2022.
  16. ^ "Hex Heroes - A Party RTS for Wii U/PC/Mac/Linux". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2018-07-07.
  17. ^ "We Wikipedia Dan: So Many Projects - PART 4 - Game Grumps". YouTube. Game Grumps. July 29, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  18. ^ Prismatic Games LLC (2014-03-30). "Saturday Update Bonanza Part II: DYKG & AMA FTW OMG BBQ". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
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