
Rogue Hex
Release Date: January 13, 2025 Early Access
Strategy, turn-based, 4X, roguelike, card games, indie games, singleplayer
Steam
A 4X-type strategy inspired by titles such as Civilization and Slay the Spire. Rogue Hex has an important feature of using & collecting cards. It also offers roguelike mechanics to make future playthroughs easier. Our nation from the game starts during the Stone Age and evolves until reaching modern times.
Rogue Hex is an independent 4X strategy, combining mechanics from the Civilization series with deck building and roguelike elements. It was created by Topstitch Games studio, which has Treadnauts to its credit. Our goal in the game is to develop our empire over the span of epochs.
Gameplay
The turn-based gameplay based on a procedurally generated hexagonal map is reminiscent of Civilization VI. We manage our empire from the Stone Age to the present day, using a deck of cards, climbing a technological tree that encompasses over 200 solutions, and trying to repel barbarian invasions. In Rogue Hex there is one opponent.
In most of the actions we take, we use a set of resources acquired from our settlements. We use Labor to play cards from our hand or draw additional ones, Food allows for the expansion of cities, thanks to Plans units can move further, and with Gold we acquire missing resources. By collecting Science points, we unlock new technologies, through Production we improve cards, while Faith allows us to exchange them.
After achieving certain accomplishments, we expand the library's assortment with additional cards, which for example allows us to use different units. We exchange special currency to make the next game easier, such as an early breakthrough or getting inventions.
Engine and graphics
Rogue Hex is running on the Unity engine. It is characterized by colorful low poly style graphics.
Videos and Screens
[1:02] Rogue Hex - Reveal Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Unique Blend of Genres: The combination of 4X strategy and roguelike deckbuilding elements has been well-received, creating a fresh and engaging gameplay experience.
- Replayability: Users appreciate the game's procedural generation and diverse strategies, which keep each playthrough unique and enjoyable.
- Shorter Play Sessions: The game allows for a complete experience in 2-4 hours, making it more accessible than traditional 4X games.
- Active Developer: The developer is noted for being responsive to user feedback and frequently updates the game, showing commitment to improvement.
- Addictive Gameplay: Many players find the game highly addictive, often experiencing the "one more turn" phenomenon typical of 4X games.
The main cons of the game
- Graphics Issues: The game uses AI-generated art and lacks a cohesive visual style, which detracts from the overall experience. Many users expressed a desire for improved graphics.
- Difficulty Level: Many players found the game challenging, especially for newcomers, with some suggesting the need for an easier difficulty setting or a tutorial.
- UI and Clarity: The user interface is described as clunky and unintuitive, with unclear icons and a lack of helpful tooltips, making navigation and understanding mechanics difficult.
- Lack of Multiplayer: The game is currently single-player only, which some players found limiting.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Tutorial: There is no comprehensive tutorial to guide new players, which can lead to confusion about game mechanics and strategies.
- More Diverse Victory Conditions: Users expressed a desire for additional paths to victory beyond just defeating barbarian camps, such as competing civilizations.
- Improved Deck Synergies: Some players noted that the current deckbuilding options lack variety and synergy, limiting strategic depth.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions included adding a resign button, a way to track unused unit actions, and clearer explanations of game mechanics.
Summary
- Overall, while "Rogue Hex" shows significant promise and has many enjoyable elements, it also has areas that need improvement, particularly in graphics, user experience, and accessibility for new players.
Summary generated on:
Rogue Hex Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: Topstitch Games
Publisher: Topstitch Games
Age restrictions: none
Rogue Hex System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Dual Core, 8 GB RAM, graphic card Vulkan, 4 GB HDD, Windows 10