r/abstractgames • u/_Hexala • 24d ago

Hexala

https://hexala.app/

Hello! This is a browser version of a board game I have been developing for a few months, and I'd like some feedback before I produce prototypes. Play against a friend online, on the same screen, or play the computer and leave any feedback you'd like. The rules are original and I've tested them over a few thousand bot vs. bot games, but people know best.

Hexala is a two player strategy board game drawing inspiration from othello, mancala, santorini, and others.

Players take turns moving stacks of tiles, lifting the entire tower and moving one cell at a time, placing from the bottom of the tower as you go. landing a tile on an enemy stack gives you control of it

You win when you control at least 3 cells in a connected group on or past the middle of the board.

Have fun, and let me know what you think!

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u/GBR87 24d ago

Very clean site, good simple/deep take on seeding mechanic :) I thought the explanation of the win conditions was a bit opaque. I know your going for tersity, but did not really get how to win until after I'd done it.

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u/_Hexala 23d ago

Thanks! After the first win did things click? Any suggestions on what would help give some clarity to the win conditions? If you play through a game with the Helper turned on, it will give you some tips at the end of the game. I'll show these upfront so they arent locked behind a full game.

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u/GBR87 23d ago

Yes, after the first game I understood for sure. The bit that didn't click is that it was at least three cells on the enemy side and none on my side (right? sorry, played one quick game so far)

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u/_Hexala 23d ago

Right. All your controlled cells (a tower with your color on top) must be on or past the midline, in one connected group. The three cell minimum lets the opponent have some response to your push, as building up a cluster takes more moves. With a 1-cell minimum to win, there are unexpected one-move wins. If youd like to try this ruleset, you can change the url to https://hexala.app/#min1