It's amazing how the simplest of puzzle games can grow on you, like a fungus that's actually not bothersome or itchy. This is the case with Hexic Deluxe, a game that gives you the daunting task of trying to bunch together groups of gems to eliminate them from the screen. Sure, it sounds easy, but the nature of the game becomes harder and harder as you progress, and it becomes even more addictive.

Like I said, the game's made up of gems, all put together on a hexagon-shaped grid. You're given a certain amount of time or moves (depending on the mode) in order to clear as many as possible, done by rotating gems in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction so they match up with similar colors. The more you eliminate, the better your chances of survival.

The game features numerous modes to choose from. Marathon lets you play endlessly, where you simply try to get the highest score you possibly can through combos and link-ups. Timed Mode gives you a certain amount of time to reach your goal, and it's over if you don't meet it. Survival is just as it says, as you must reach a particular point in the game before it's too late.

There are other things that make this game stand out. MSN Games has graciously included a save game option that allows you to bow out and then come back to it later, so you can keep up on your high scoring binge AND still eat. There's also a helpful tutorial that gives you the basics of the nature of the game, and gives you ideas on how to form combos and strategies. All that's missing is a two-player mode, which would've made this game perfect.

Hexic Deluxe is a lot of fun, and will really test your nerves if you live and breathe puzzle games. You'll just have to find some time to deal with the, ahem, hexity? Yeah, that's the word. Visit MSN Games for a free trial or to download Hexic.

Helpful Tip: Go for combos! Building them can be rather easily, quite addictive, and helps boost your score...not to mention clears your screen of bothersome gems.

Our Final ScoreExcellent

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