John Wick Hex

John Wick Hex is a fast-paced, single-player strategy game that blends turn-based tactics and real-time strategy, set in the stylized action universe of the John Wick film series. Serving as a narrative prequel, the game follows John Wick as he embarks on a rescue mission to save Winston and Charon from Hex, a rogue operative. Players navigate a hexagonal grid, making moment-to-moment decisions in combat scenarios that emphasize timing, positioning, and resource management. The game features a unique timeline-based mechanics, allowing players to predict enemy actions and plan counters, while a Focus system adds depth to combat. With a graphic noir aesthetic and comic-book style cutscenes, the game offers a mix of linear missions, score-based challenges, and an Expedited mode for added pressure.

John Wick Hex: A Tactical Masterpiece or a Missed Opportunity?

Introduction

John Wick Hex is a game that defies expectations. In an era where licensed games often fall into the trap of being shallow cash grabs, John Wick Hex dares to be different. Developed by Mike Bithell Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment, this tactical strategy game attempts to capture the essence of the John Wick films—not through fast-paced action, but through meticulous planning and strategic execution. The game serves as a prequel to the film series, offering players a chance to step into the shoes of John Wick during his prime, as he embarks on a mission to rescue Winston and Charon from the clutches of the rogue high-table operative, Hex.

The thesis of this review is that John Wick Hex is a bold and innovative take on the John Wick franchise, successfully translating the films’ choreographed action into a strategic, turn-based format. However, while its unique gameplay mechanics and narrative depth are commendable, the game is not without its flaws, particularly in its technical execution and difficulty curve.

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Development History & Context

The Studio and Vision

Mike Bithell Games, known for indie darlings like Thomas Was Alone and Volume, is not the typical studio one would associate with a high-octane action franchise like John Wick. Yet, it was this very unconventional choice that made John Wick Hex possible. The game’s development was born out of a casual conversation between Mike Bithell and Ben Andac, a producer at Good Shepherd Entertainment, who were brainstorming how to adapt the John Wick films into a video game. Bithell’s vision was clear: a turn-based strategy game that would allow players to think and act like John Wick, rather than simply mimicking the films’ action sequences.

Collaboration with the Film Team

What sets John Wick Hex apart from other licensed games is the level of collaboration between the game’s developers and the creative team behind the films. Bithell and his team worked closely with John Wick director Chad Stahelski and the film’s stunt coordinators to ensure that the game’s combat mechanics and animations were authentic to the franchise. This collaboration extended to the game’s narrative, with Bithell given access to the script for John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum to ensure that Hex’s story would not contradict the films’ lore.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

John Wick Hex was developed using the Unity engine, which allowed the team to create a game that blends elements of turn-based tactics and real-time strategy. The game’s most innovative feature is its timeline-based combat system, which allows players to plan their actions while considering the timing of enemy movements. This system was a direct response to feedback from Lionsgate executives, who felt that a traditional turn-based approach would not capture the fluidity of John Wick’s combat style.

The Gaming Landscape at Release

John Wick Hex was released on October 8, 2019, for Windows and macOS, with console ports following in 2020. At the time of its release, the gaming landscape was dominated by fast-paced action games and battle royale titles. John Wick Hex’s deliberate, strategic gameplay was a stark contrast to these trends, making it a unique offering in the market. The game’s release also coincided with the growing popularity of tactical strategy games like XCOM 2 and Into the Breach, which may have helped it find an audience among fans of the genre.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

John Wick Hex serves as a narrative prequel to the John Wick film series, taking place before John meets his wife, Helen. The game’s story revolves around John Wick’s mission to rescue Winston, the manager of the Continental Hotel, and Charon, the hotel’s concierge, from Hex, a rogue high-table operative seeking power and revenge. The narrative unfolds through animated comic-book-style cutscenes, which are interspersed between missions.

Characters and Dialogue

The game features a stellar cast of voice actors, with Ian McShane and Lance Reddick reprising their roles as Winston and Charon, respectively. Troy Baker lends his voice to the game’s antagonist, Hex, delivering a performance that is both menacing and charismatic. The dialogue in John Wick Hex is sharp and witty, capturing the tone of the films while expanding on the franchise’s lore. The interactions between Winston, Charon, and Hex are particularly noteworthy, as they provide insight into the power dynamics of the John Wick universe.

Themes

John Wick Hex explores several themes that are central to the John Wick franchise, including loyalty, revenge, and the consequences of power. The game’s narrative delves into the moral ambiguity of the criminal underworld, with Hex serving as a foil to John Wick’s code of honor. Hex’s belief in the principle of “Might Makes Right” contrasts sharply with Winston and Charon’s more nuanced understanding of power and loyalty. This thematic tension is reflected in the game’s gameplay, where players must balance aggression with strategy to succeed.

Storytelling and Pacing

The game’s storytelling is effective, with the comic-book-style cutscenes providing a stylish and engaging way to advance the plot. However, the pacing of the narrative can feel uneven at times, with some chapters feeling rushed while others drag on. The game’s linear structure also means that the story lacks the branching paths and player agency that are common in other narrative-driven games. Despite these limitations, John Wick Hex’s narrative is a strong addition to the John Wick franchise, offering fans a deeper look into the world and characters they love.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

At its core, John Wick Hex is a tactical strategy game that challenges players to think like John Wick. The game’s combat is turn-based but played out in real-time, with a timeline interface that displays the duration of every action. Players must consider the timing of their actions relative to the enemies’, deciding whether to shoot, dodge, or perform a takedown based on how long it will take compared to the enemy’s next move. This system creates a unique blend of strategy and reflexes, as players must constantly adapt to the changing battlefield.

Combat Mechanics

The combat in John Wick Hex is deeply tactical, with each action—whether firing a weapon, striking in melee, or evading—taking a specific amount of in-game time. Players must manage their Focus, a resource required for actions like dodges, rolls, and takedowns. Focus can be replenished mid-fight, but enemy combatants can also use it, making some foes temporarily resistant to firearms until disoriented by melee attacks. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to the combat, forcing players to balance ranged and melee attacks to succeed.

Character Progression and Customization

John Wick Hex features a limited but meaningful progression system. Players can spend coins before each chapter to unlock bonuses or stash equipment, such as weapons and bandages. The game’s weapons include pistols, rifles, and SMGs, each with different fire rates and ranges. While the progression system is not as deep as in other tactical games, it provides enough customization to allow players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.

UI and Controls

The game’s UI is functional but can be cluttered at times, particularly during intense combat sequences. The timeline interface is a standout feature, providing players with a clear view of the timing of their actions relative to the enemies’. However, the game’s controls can feel unintuitive at times, particularly when trying to navigate the hexagonal grid or select targets in crowded environments. The camera system is also a point of contention, as it can be difficult to get a clear view of the battlefield, especially in levels with complex geometry.

Innovative Systems

John Wick Hex’s most innovative feature is its timeline-based combat system, which allows players to plan their actions while considering the timing of enemy movements. This system is a direct response to feedback from Lionsgate executives, who felt that a traditional turn-based approach would not capture the fluidity of John Wick’s combat style. The game also features a unique “Expedited” mode, which limits the time available for each decision, adding an extra layer of challenge for experienced players.

Flawed Systems

While John Wick Hex’s combat system is innovative, it is not without its flaws. The game’s difficulty curve can be steep, with some levels feeling unfairly punishing, particularly when players are low on health and ammunition. The game’s persistent health system, where health and gear carry over between missions, can also lead to frustrating situations where players are forced to restart entire chapters due to poor performance in earlier levels. Additionally, the game’s AI can be inconsistent, with enemies sometimes making illogical decisions or failing to react to the player’s actions.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

John Wick Hex features a graphic noir aesthetic, with flat-shaded environments and bold color schemes that evoke the stylish visuals of the John Wick films. Each chapter offers distinct environments, from neon-lit nightclubs to snowy exteriors, which contribute to the game’s immersive atmosphere. The game’s world-building is effective, with each location feeling like a natural extension of the John Wick universe.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual direction is one of its strongest aspects, with a unique art style that sets it apart from other tactical strategy games. The comic-book-style cutscenes are particularly noteworthy, providing a stylish and engaging way to advance the plot. However, the game’s in-game graphics can feel somewhat dated, with character models and animations that lack the polish of modern AAA titles. The game’s hexagonal grid can also feel restrictive at times, particularly in levels with complex geometry.

Sound Design

The sound design in John Wick Hex is excellent, with a dynamic soundtrack that complements the game’s action-packed gameplay. The game’s sound effects are also well-executed, with each weapon having a distinct audio profile that adds to the immersion. The voice acting is a standout feature, with Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, and Troy Baker delivering performances that are both engaging and authentic to the John Wick franchise.

Music

The game’s soundtrack, composed by Austin Wintory, is a highlight of the audio design. Wintory’s score captures the tension and excitement of the John Wick films, with a mix of electronic and orchestral elements that create a dynamic and immersive soundscape. The music is particularly effective during combat sequences, where it helps to heighten the intensity of the action.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical Reception

John Wick Hex received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 74 for the PC version. Critics praised the game’s innovative combat system, narrative depth, and authentic John Wick experience. However, the game was also criticized for its technical issues, steep difficulty curve, and lack of polish. Some reviewers felt that the game’s unique blend of strategy and action was a refreshing change of pace, while others found the gameplay to be frustrating and unbalanced.

Commercial Reception

The game’s commercial reception was more muted, with sales figures that were modest compared to other licensed games. However, John Wick Hex found a niche audience among fans of tactical strategy games and the John Wick franchise. The game’s release on multiple platforms, including consoles, helped to expand its reach, although it did not achieve the same level of mainstream success as the films.

Evolution of Reputation

Since its release, John Wick Hex has developed a cult following among fans of tactical strategy games. The game’s unique blend of strategy and action has been praised for its innovation, and its narrative depth has been commended for its authenticity to the John Wick franchise. However, the game’s technical issues and steep difficulty curve have remained points of contention, with some players feeling that the game is too punishing for its own good.

Influence on Subsequent Games

John Wick Hex’s influence on subsequent games has been limited, although its innovative combat system has inspired other developers to experiment with timeline-based mechanics. The game’s success as a licensed title has also demonstrated that there is a market for unique and innovative adaptations of popular franchises, rather than simply cashing in on established formulas.

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Conclusion

John Wick Hex is a bold and innovative take on the John Wick franchise, successfully translating the films’ choreographed action into a strategic, turn-based format. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and authentic John Wick experience make it a standout title in the tactical strategy genre. However, the game is not without its flaws, particularly in its technical execution and difficulty curve. Despite these limitations, John Wick Hex is a commendable effort that offers a fresh and engaging take on the John Wick universe.

Final Verdict: John Wick Hex is a must-play for fans of the John Wick franchise and tactical strategy games. While its technical issues and steep difficulty curve may frustrate some players, the game’s innovative combat system and narrative depth make it a unique and rewarding experience. 7.5/10