John Wick Hex | PC Review
Movie tie-in games have a history of not always coming out that great, which scares a lot of gamers like myself away. However, when I watched the trailer for John Wick Hex, I instantly knew I wanted to play it. I mean, who wouldn’t want to play as an assassin who is the very best at what they do? Yet, what intrigued me the most was not playing as John Wick. It was more the strategic gameplay, artistic look, and challenge of staying alive in this strategic thriller.
The Boogeyman
The game itself is set prior to the movies, so Mr. Wick isn’t going after the man who killed his dog. John Wick is after “Hex”, a villain of great wealth and power determined to take his place at the high council, one he thinks is his birthright. You must go through many obstacles and trained killers to make it to Hex, and save Winston and Charon.
Each move must be calculated perfectly, and no one left alive. Carrying only one weapon at a time, you have to limit how much you shoot. Along the way you can pickup enemy weapons and use them, but you can’t pickup extra ammo which makes it hard. Enemies have their own unique attribute, like the brawler who doesn’t have a weapon and tries to strike you at any cost. Or there is the enforcer, my worst enemy, that carries a shotgun around and has no mercy. Strategy will be your best friend.
One huge aspect of the game I thoroughly enjoyed was the new original story that Bithell Games came up with. They even brought two iconic people back to lend their voice to the game. Ian Mcshane who played Winston, the owner of the Continental Hotel, and Lance Reddick, the Continental lobbyist. Unfortunately, John Wick’s voice was digitally put together. Playing this game had me hooked at the beginning. I had to determine how I was going to strategically move through each mini level and finish the mission. Timing everything you did with a timeline bar at the top telling you not only what you and your enemies were going to do, but how long each task will take. Making it tougher to complete, especially on the hardest mode.
Baba Yaga
Like previously stated, this game is all about strategy. So, if you are looking to play a fast-paced shooter, this game is not for you. It also is only on the PC at this time. For the console gaming world, Bithell Games and Good Shepherd Entertainment have yet to say when, or if, they plan on bringing John Wick Hex to Xbox One or PS4. Anyway, the controls are pretty simple. You mainly are controlling the camera view with the keyboard and moving/tasking Wick with the mouse.
Controls are pretty easy and straightforward. Most PC owners are gamers should know majority of these controls from other games. They are not at all slow or choppy. Very smooth and delicate. I mean after every move you make, the gameplay pauses so you can determine your next move. This gives you a chance to take a breather.
Noir Look
While playing John Wick Hex, some might notice it kind of resembles a noir style game. Full of artistic color and darkness all at the same time. A great look to the game. No real issues with graphics, seeing as there really isn’t a framerate to this pause-and-play strategy game. It definitely reminds me of the night club in the first John Wick movie with all the bright pink colors and dark blue-ish hues. Even after liking the color scheme, I must say I would have preferred to have better graphics for the characters to not have them look like box people. We aren’t in the 90’s anymore!
John Wick Hex Final Verdict
Giving John Wick Hex a chance took a lot out of me to even try out. You can’t go wrong with a strategy game that puts you in control of an assassin determined to kill everyone in sight. Some may even enjoy trying to unlock new suits or weapons and trying to find the easter eggs hidden throughout the levels. In the end, I am glad I did and highly recommend checking it out on the PC.
John Wick Hex
$19.99
Pros
- Easy Controls
- Artistic Color
- Keeps You Wanting More
Cons
- Health is Very Scarce
- Difficulty Increases Too Fast
