John Wick Hex describes itself as a fast-paced, action-oriented strategy game that forces one to think and strike like John Wick, the professional hit-man of the critically acclaimed film franchise. Additionally, the game’s creation happened under Bithell games with close cooperation from the creative teams behind the films. Therefore, prospective players have the chance to become John Wick, the Baba Yaga.
Story
John Wick Hex acts as a prequel to the film franchise’s universe. This is due to the game taking place well before the events of John Wick, back to when John was the most dangerous weapon the High Table had in their employment and before he ever met his wife. Helen
The titular character, John Wick is searching for series stalwarts Winston and Charon, reprised by Ian McShane and Lance Reddick respectively. John Wick, on the other hand, only has some likeness to Keanu Reeves and nothing else. Hex, a new villain to the series, has kidnapped the pair in an attempt to dismantle the High Table in a fit of revenge.
This leads to the emissary of death, John Wick to hunts Hex down over a variety of locales; neon-soaked night clubs with harsh electronic music and silent, snow-slicked forests which quickly become drenched in bright pink streaks of blood from fallen foes.
The narrative justifies going from one locale to the next, however, it fails to employ the intrigue and lore-building that sits atop the high-octane action from the films. Additionally, Hex’s revenge tale fails to establish any sort of interesting backstory or lasting impression that impacts the franchise in any meaningful way.
Gameplay
John Wick Hex places the player in control of the John Wick in this action-strategy hybrid that brings itself across as a unique blend of strategic momentum-based combat. The game attempts to capture the tactical combat from the films.
However, the pacing element is lost with the core design of the game in “operator” mode yet it returns in “expedited” mode. The former is slow-paced, while the latter is fast-paced (with only 5-seconds for the player to make their move).
Tutorial
John Wick Hex boasts quite a formative, interactive, and always available tutorial. The game starts the player off with John skulking around back alleys in Chinatown. Furthermore, as the player progress through the multiple stages of the chapter, John Wick Hex slowly works in its different mechanics.
Thereafter, the player takes the reins after defeating the game’s first boss, which acts as a sign of them being familiar with the HUD (heads up display), the actions available to and controlling John. Additionally, the information shown through the tutorial is readily available for players to go over whenever they forget a mechanic or two.
Controls
The Review
John Wick Hex
John Wick Hex is a game that promises one with the chance to become John Wick, the Baba Yaga. However, the game fails to achieve this feat due to a myriad of factors undermining a game that has an inkling of potential.
PROS
- Well-crafted story
- Unique gameplay mechanics
CONS
- Lack of control and camera functionality
- Terrible enemy AI
- Limited, unnatural animations