Do you like casual games? Do you like hearing about one woman's solo game development after 20+ years of making games at other companies? If so, you're in the right place.
Friends! I've been working on updates to what started out as a fun little side project that's gotten a few fans: Hexaboo.
Hexaboo is a turn-based hex-based word game with a simple idea: letters spawn in every turn, and on each turn you can either make words or swap a letter. Once the board fills up, it's game over.
I made it turn-based because I wanted a game that didn't have a timer or some other timing-based mechanic. I wanted something where I could sit and think, but I wanted something just a bit more complex than a game like The New York Times' Spelling Bee.
The core game has two modes:
The Daily Puzzle: everyone gets the same 100 letters spawned in the same order. Survive by making swaps and words until all 100 letters are spawned, and then get your last words in. Go for max score and see how you compared to other players!
Endless Mode: Play as long as you can possibly survive!
Plus: Mini-boo!
Some friends who tried this said that they kept thinking they wanted a version that worked in reverse somehow, where the board was full and you had to empty it. This idea led to the second game type: Mini-Boo.
In the Daily Mini-Boo, you get a theme suggested by the title. Find the three or four words that clear the board by swapping tiles -- but you only get 10 swaps! Each day is a new theme.
All For Free
All of these are available for free right now at Hexaboo.com. If you like the game, feel free to throw some thanks via the Ko-Fi buttons found on the site, or browse the themes and find a pack you like with animated backgrounds and new colors!
It's still going! Hexaboo was a little side project that turned out to be really appealing to folks, so I'm putting some polish and effort into it. I like playing it, too! I've got one more feature in mind for it, but otherwise my efforts are back on Alpacas on Vacation. Look for more updates on that soon!
Do you like casual games? Do you like hearing about one woman's solo game development after 20+ years of making games at other companies? If so, you're in the right place.
