Carbonated Games had a significant hurdle to overcome with Hexic 2; to improve the original game, Hexic HD, enough to warrant the price jump from 0 to 800 Microsoft points. The core mechanics of Hexic 2 are the same in that you rotate three-piece clusters of different-colored jewels to match colors in new clusters or lines. However, the new battle mode and special pieces add enough competition and strategy to justify the increase in price for fans of the original.

As mentioned, Hexic is a spin on the classic puzzle game Bejeweled, in which you match same-colored jewels to score points. Whereas in Bejeweled the goal of the game is to form lines of jewels, in Hexic you make clusters. You spin three-jewel clusters, made easily recognizable by a bright outline on incorporated jewels, clockwise to match up with other jewels. The cluster-centered gameplay can seem confusing at first, especially when trying to discern which clusters you should move for best effect. Most first-time players of the game will find themselves button mashing. Once you play the game a little more and get used to the mechanics, you start to become in sync with Hexic's peculiar feel. It's worth giving this game the chance because, especially with the addition of multiplayer, it can become very addictive.

New to Hexic 2 are special pieces. Special pieces are formed by matching 5 same-colored jewels in a line or creating a same-colored jewel hex. This basically equates to forming the perimeter of a hexagon with jewels. These pieces can then be hoarded up and, when combined in lines or hexes with other special pieces, form high-scoring pieces like rubies. The ultimate goal of regular single player mode is to create Black Pearls by making a hex of nothing but special pieces. This can be a long process, but speaks to the game's depth. Due to the off-kilter gameplay, creating special pieces is hard at first, and requires much foresight. However, big time puzzle fans will love the added complexity, and mastering these set-ups is the key to high scores and quick multiplayer wins.

The improved presentation and multiplayer component greatly add to the experience.

The biggest addition is the new Battle mode. Pitting two players against each other in the same screen a la Lumines, Battle mode is both a race to build up your charge meter and a fight to stay alive. In addition, you have attack options that can be activated by pressing Y when you have collected enough jewels. These include pushing the center line towards your enemy which narrows your foe's room to move while increasing yours, creating locked blocks that cannot be easily removed unless destroyed by special pieces, sending a ticking bomb to your opponent's side, and others. As briefly mentioned above, special pieces in Battle mode can be detonated (they can in other modes as well, though it isn't as necessary). This is the primary method of clearing locked jewels and racking up big points. All of the attacks, special pieces, and the nature of the game itself add up to an incredibly hectic and enjoyable experience where quick thinking and strategy rule.

Outside of the Battle mode, there are a few returning modes including Marathon, Time Attack, and Survival. These are essentially the same as they were in Hexic HD, but there's enough added depth to the game to make these feel like more than filler. Although these three modes are not as exciting as the Battle mode, they each have challenging goals and present a reason to play through them regardless.

Akin to many new-age puzzle games, Hexic 2 has been updated with a flashier presentation. Exploding gems and special pieces look great, as do attack moves. The graphic style is a little too similar to Lumines, but the familiar loop of the theme song and overall quirky vibe of the game help make Hexic 2 feel original.

Ultimately, Hexic 2 adds subtle but significant improvements to the series' gameplay. Battle mode is enough to justify the 800 point price, and the improved presentation makes the game feel more like a complete package and not some cheap cash-in. The often challenging nature of this game means that it will still be hit-or-miss with some players, but that shouldn't deter you from checking it out. Hexic 2 is a solid puzzle game that's worth playing if you're a fan of the genre.