GTA 6 Sees Remarkable Engagement This Week

Slay the Spire 2 has received a major update that rolls all of the additions, tweaks and fixes from recent beta updates into the main branch of the game – though developers Mega Crit are at pains to repeat that “this is still an Early Access game, so just because something made it from beta to main does not mean it’s set in stone”.

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Empulse developers 1047 Games are known first for their Splitgate series of Portal-inspired arena shooters, and perhaps known second for a daft red hat. At last year’s Summer Game Fest, CEO and co-founder Ian Proulx took to the stage to pitch Splitgate 2 in an awkwardly tone-deaf ‘Make FPS Great Again’ cap, the sartorial power and reactionary tubthumping of which proved ineffective upon the game’s fortunes, even after Proulx’s apology.

Empulse, which launches into early access today (following an introductory Steam Next Fest demo), thus has a fair amount riding on it. It carries both the need of 1047 to brush off Splitgate 2, baggage included, and the weight of comparison – partly self-invited – with the outstanding parkour FPS/mech combat melding of Titanfall. Yet after a few hours with that demo, it does at least feel like Empulse is starting in the right place: less publicity stuntage, more snappy movement-shootering.

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### The Enduring Charm of Hexcells: A Puzzle Game Trilogy to Cherish

From 2013 to 2014, Matthew Brown, an independent developer, stepped into the limelight to debut the *Hexcells* trilogy—three distinct puzzle games that enthralled players with their inventive mechanics, outstanding quality, and demanding gameplay. Each installment built upon its predecessor, crafting an unparalleled experience that has not been replicated in the years since their debut.

#### The Attraction of Logic Puzzles

As a dedicated fan of logic puzzles, the importance of *Hexcells* rests not solely on its captivating gameplay, but also on its capacity to present a gratifying mental challenge without the need for external knowledge or intricate mathematics. In contrast to Sudoku, which may sometimes be less appealing, games like *Picross*, *Slitherlink*, and *Kakuro* depend solely on clear, logical reasoning. *Hexcells*, with its distinctive combination of elements from popular titles like *Minesweeper* and *Picross*, emerged as a thrilling addition to the genre, providing an ongoing sense of accomplishment as players uncovered solutions.

#### Gameplay Features of Hexcells

At its essence, *Hexcells* comprises a grid of hexagonal tiles, primarily in orange, interspersed with guiding numbers. These figures indicate how many of the surrounding cells should be colored blue; for instance, a tile labeled with a ‘3’ signifies that three adjacent tiles need to be marked blue, while a ‘0’ shows that all neighboring cells must be cleared. The challenge lies in the requirement to synthesize information from multiple clues to ascertain the proper placements—an intellectual pursuit that guarantees a fulfilling experience.

As players navigate through the puzzles, new mechanics come into effect. Rules reminiscent of *Picross*, such as numbered hints along the edges of rows and intricate bracketed conditions, introduce layers of complexity that enhance the gameplay. The necessity to strategize becomes progressively vital as players confront these varied elements.

#### A Treat for the Senses

One of the most notable characteristics of *Hexcells* is its captivating audiovisual experience. The game operates solely on digital platforms, using the removal of hexagonal tiles to dynamically reveal new information. Each interaction is paired with a harmonious tone that melds perfectly with the ambient soundtrack, while its visually striking art is complemented by gratifying visual effects like polygonal shattering. This engrossing atmosphere augments the comfort of players as they delve into solving intricate puzzles.

#### The Trilogy’s Progression

The inaugural game, *Hexcells*, launched in September 2013, creating substantial excitement for its refined presentation and engaging gameplay, although some players deemed it a bit straightforward. Just three months later, *Hexcells Plus* was introduced, adding 29 new puzzles that heightened the challenge and complexity, swiftly becoming a favorite among enthusiasts.

The apex of the trilogy came on September 1, 2014, with the release of *Hexcells Infinite*. This installment pushed the limits of difficulty, presenting players with grids that were not only larger but also cleverly conceived. It creatively reintroduces concepts through demanding scenarios rather than explicit instructions, highlighting Brown’s remarkable game design talent and ability to craft compelling puzzles that feel like a delightful challenge.

#### An Ongoing Legacy

After the triumph of *Hexcells*, Matthew Brown created similar titles such as *SquareCells* and *CrossCells*. However, some of his more ambitious projects, like *Cypher* and *Alchemia*, ventured into difficulty levels that alienated even the most devoted fans. After a six-year break from puzzle design, Brown made a comeback in 2024 with *Epigraph*, a challenging game focused on decoding a new language.

While many games have offered enjoyment over the years, few have matched the sheer excellence of *Hexcells*. For those not yet acquainted with this puzzle trilogy, the entire collection can be acquired for just $9, representing an incredibly worthwhile investment for puzzle enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The lasting appeal of *Hexcells* stands as a testament to Matthew Brown’s creativity and the potential of digital logic puzzles.