John Wick Hex

The story of John Wick Hex receives mixed praise for its attempts to expand the John Wick universe and align with the franchise’s tone. Critics like IGN highlight that the prequel narrative is one of the game’s stronger aspects, noting that its dialogue surpasses that of the films, while DualShockers appreciates the unique twist of telling the story from Hex’s perspective. Others, such as Strategy Gamer and Hooked Gamers, commend the narrative for adding depth to the John Wick lore through animated comic panels and voice acting by original cast members. The game’s focus on action-driven gameplay is often seen as complementary to its story, with Push Square noting that it creates an overarching plot with tension between missions. Additionally, GameCritics praises the elegant dialogue that establishes motivations and lore, while Shacknews emphasizes how the story fits well with the movie series’ backstory. However, the majority of critics argue that the narrative lacks depth, engagement, and originality. TheXboxHub criticizes the static character of John Wick, as the story is told from Hex’s perspective, making him feel underdeveloped. GameSpew and GameStar describe the plot as a thin prequel that fails to explore the assassin world beyond a straightforward mission to locate a villain. VideoGamer calls the narrative “risible,” while Noisy Pixel finds it generic and forgettable, noting that skipping the story doesn’t impact gameplay. Many reviewers, including Cultured Vultures and Everyeye.it, point out that the story relies heavily on static cutscenes and voiceovers, lacking dramatic moments or emotional resonance. Even IGN Spain acknowledges that the narrative is not the main focus, instead serving as a lightweight framework for the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that John Wick Hex’s story is a decent but underwhelming prequel to the film series. While it successfully captures the essence of the John Wick universe and adds minor lore details, most agree it falls short in terms of narrative depth and engagement. IGN and PC Invasion acknowledge its strengths, such as compelling dialogue and faithful world-building, but many others, like GameSpew and TheXboxHub, feel it fails to match the cinematic quality of the films. The story is often seen as a functional backdrop for the game’s tactical mechanics rather than a standout element. Despite some praise for its faithfulness and unique perspective, the majority of critics agree that John Wick Hex’s narrative is forgettable and secondary to its gameplay, leaving it as a lukewarm addition to the franchise.

The gameplay of John Wick Hex receives praise for its innovative mechanics and strategic depth, with many critics highlighting its unique blend of turn-based tactics and real-time decision-making. The timeline system, which allows players to plan actions in a sequence while enemies act simultaneously, is frequently lauded as a standout feature. GameSpew and TheXboxHub commend the game’s ability to capture the essence of John Wick’s action style through intuitive tactical combat, while IGN Spain and God is a Geek appreciate the emphasis on careful resource management and time-based planning. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Multiplayer.it note the game’s top-down strategy approach, which requires players to think several moves ahead, akin to classics like XCOM or Superhot. The hybrid nature of the gameplay—mixing grid-based movement with dynamic action—also earns praise from Strategy Gamer and Game Informer, who describe it as challenging yet rewarding for fans of tactical depth. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Issues such as repetitive mechanics, inconsistent enemy AI, and frustrating design choices are recurring complaints. Cultured Vultures criticizes the "messy execution" and imbalanced enemy placements, while Hardcore Gamer highlights repetitive combat and AI shortcomings. TheXboxHub and TheSixthAxis note that random enemy positioning and the need for overly cautious play can lead to frustration, and New Game Network describes the increasing difficulty as wearisome. Multiplayer.it and IGN Italia also point out a lack of progression, with gameplay mechanics feeling stagnant over time. Additionally, some reviewers, like Screen Rant and DualShockers, mention that the fog of war and limited engagement options create unnecessary challenges, while others, such as GameSpew and TheDigitalFix, feel the combat doesn’t fully match the intensity of the films. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that John Wick Hex succeeds as a tactical experience for those who appreciate its unique mechanics, even if it falls short in some areas. Positive reviews from GameSpew, TheXboxHub, and IGN Spain emphasize its innovative approach to turn-based strategy, while negative critiques from Cultured Vultures and Hardcore Gamer highlight persistent issues with execution and pacing. The game’s blend of planning and action resonates with many, as noted by Strategy Gamer and Game Informer, but the repetitive elements and design flaws prevent it from being universally acclaimed. Ultimately, John Wick Hex is seen as a bold experiment in tactical gameplay that rewards patience and strategic thinking, even if its challenges occasionally overshadow its strengths.

The graphics and visual design of John Wick Hex received praise for their unique, stylized approach that aligns with the franchise’s cinematic tone. Many critics highlighted the game’s cel-shaded art style, which evokes a graphic novel aesthetic reminiscent of the films. IGN noted the “flat, graphic novel aesthetic” as stylish, while Critical Hit praised the “neon haze” and distinctive visual elements like jump cuts and camera angles that enhance action sequences. GameStar commended the varied environments, such as a rainy harbor and a bank, which add visual diversity, and PCWorld described the “beautiful ‘graphic noir’ art style” with colorful, appealing settings. The minimalist design also resonated with some reviewers, as noted by The Games Machine, who acknowledged its uniqueness despite its simplicity. These positives underscore the game’s ability to capture the John Wick universe’s gritty, tactical vibe through its visual identity. However, several critics pointed out significant technical shortcomings that undermined the visual experience. Issues with character animations and models were frequently cited, with Vandal describing “poor character models and animations” leading to a “mediocre technical performance.” Gamersky criticized “stiff character animations” and “poor camera angles,” while Metro GameCentral called the graphics “laughably bad” and “messy visually.” Cultured Vultures and Noisy Pixel highlighted rigid animations and lifeless cutscenes, with the latter noting that grid-based movement made gameplay feel “clunky and stiff.” Additionally, some felt the visual style lacked depth or variety—USgamer mentioned pastel-colored visuals and a lack of level design diversity, while Slant Magazine criticized repetitive combat animations that failed to match the films’ dynamic choreography. These critiques reveal a disconnect between the game’s artistic vision and its execution. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with critics acknowledging the game’s bold visual identity but questioning its technical polish. While many praised the cel-shaded aesthetic as fitting for the John Wick universe—MondoXbox noted it “allows fans to recognize characters despite stylization,” and Shacknews called it “unique and beautiful”—the recurring complaints about animations, character models, and visual consistency created a divide. Some reviewers, like Critical Hit and GameSpew, balanced praise for the style with minor critiques of animation flaws, while others, such as Metro GameCentral and Cultured Vultures, found the technical shortcomings too glaring to overlook. Ultimately, John Wick Hex’s visual design succeeds in capturing the franchise’s thematic essence but struggles to translate that into a cohesive, polished experience.

The sound design and music of John Wick Hex received largely positive reception from critics, with many praising their ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere and immersion. Austin Wintory’s soundtrack was frequently highlighted as a standout element, described as “superb” by God is a Geek and “pulsing” by Critical Hit, while IGN noted its effectiveness in setting the tone. The music’s dynamic range—ranging from gritty synth tunes to roaring guitars—was seen as complementary to the game’s action sequences, with GamingTrend emphasizing how it “brings environments to life.” Voice acting also garnered praise, particularly the return of Ian McShane and Lance Reddick, whose performances added authenticity, as noted by Xbox Achievements and Hooked Gamers. Additionally, the integration of comic book-style vignettes and soundbytes during missions, mentioned by Finger Guns, was seen as a creative touch that enriched storytelling. However, several critics pointed out flaws in the audio design, particularly regarding repetition and technical inconsistencies. Cultured Vultures criticized the soundtrack for being “repetitive and annoying,” while Hardcore Gamer noted that its lack of variety diminished its impact during gameplay. Wccftech echoed this sentiment, stating that looping tracks could become “tiresome,” and COGconnected highlighted issues with audio-visual desync in cutscenes, which detracted from the experience. Impulsegamer and Nintenderos also criticized the sound design as “generic” and lacking variety, though they acknowledged the quality of voice acting for other characters. Some reviewers, like TheSixthAxis, noted that while the music complemented gameplay, it was not a strong focal point, and Metro GameCentral described the sound design as “unclear in importance,” with minor effects like rain or distant sounds feeling underdeveloped. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for John Wick Hex’s soundtrack and voice work, despite notable flaws. While many praised Austin Wintory’s compositions for their atmospheric depth (as highlighted by GameSpot and IGN) and the return of iconic voice actors like Ian McShane (noted by Xbox Achievements and Softpedia), others felt the music lacked variety or became repetitive over time (Cultured Vultures, Hardcore Gamer). The game’s audio design was seen as a mixed bag—effective in enhancing immersion but hampered by technical issues and repetition. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers agreed that the sound design and music significantly contributed to the game’s authenticity and action-driven experience, with only a few pointing out specific shortcomings that detracted from the overall impact.

The voice acting in John Wick Hex is widely praised for its authenticity and connection to the film franchise, with multiple critics highlighting the return of iconic actors like Ian McShane (Winston) and Lance Reddick (Charon). Critical Hit and PlayStation LifeStyle emphasize that their performances add depth and familiarity, while XboxAddict and 3DJuegos note the authenticity brought by these reprised roles. Troy Baker’s portrayal of Hex is also singled out as a standout, with IGN and Worth Playing acknowledging his commendable work. The game’s reliance on established film voice actors enhances its narrative cohesion, as noted by Multiplayer.it and GameSpot, who appreciate the seamless integration of these performances into the John Wick universe. Additionally, VideoGamer and PC Invasion highlight how the voice acting strengthens the game’s ties to its source material, creating a more immersive experience for fans. However, several critics point out notable shortcomings. The absence of Keanu Reeves voicing John Wick is a recurring critique, with JeuxActu and GameSpot noting that his silence feels jarring compared to the films. While Troy Baker’s performance as Hex is praised, some argue it lacks the same impact as Reeves’ work. The Digital Fix criticizes McShane and Reddick’s performances as “phoned in,” and PlayStation Universe mentions a disconnect between the visuals and voice acting. Additionally, Cultured Vultures points out that the main antagonist’s voice acting fails to align with their character, while Hardcore Gamer argues the script doesn’t fully utilize the talent of the cast. These critiques suggest that while the voice work is solid, it falls short of expectations in certain areas. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most critics agreeing that the voice acting elevates John Wick Hex by leveraging familiar film actors to enhance authenticity. Critical Hit, Finger Guns, and God is a Geek all commend the performances of McShane and Reddick, while Wccftech and We Got This Covered highlight the strong cast as a key strength. However, the absence of Keanu Reeves and occasional underutilization of talent create mixed reactions. Despite these issues, the voice acting is seen as a significant asset to the game’s narrative and franchise loyalty, with only minor criticisms detracting from its overall quality. The balance between praise for the cast and critiques of specific elements reflects a generally favorable but nuanced reception.

The technical performance of John Wick Hex varies across platforms, with some positive notes. On PS4, critics like Critical Hit and Multiplayer.it note adequate performance, while PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledges the game runs smoothly despite potential hardware limitations. For PC, Destructoid and IGN Italia praise its stability, with Metro GameCentral highlighting a lack of major technical issues. The Nintendo Switch version receives mixed feedback but is praised for smooth performance in both docked and handheld modes by Nintendo Life, though Nintenderos acknowledges room for improvement. Overall, the game maintains playable performance across platforms, with some critics emphasizing its polish on PC and PS4. However, technical flaws are evident. On PS4, Noisy Pixel and PlayStation Country report crashes that force replaying levels, while PlayStation LifeStyle notes lagging near the end. For PC, COGconnected highlights severe audio-visual desync in cutscenes, and IGN criticizes constant animation glitches. Critics like Vandal and We Got This Covered point to poor polish, including janky animations and unclear environmental objects. On Nintendo Switch, Impulsegamer and Nintenderos criticize frequent glitches and janky animations, which disrupt gameplay flow. These issues suggest that while the game is functional, it struggles with consistency across platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that John Wick Hex is generally playable but suffers from technical polish issues. While PS4 and PC versions receive praise for stability (e.g., Destructoid’s “well-built” PC review) and smooth performance (Nintendo Life), they also face criticism for glitches, animations, and hardware limitations. The Switch version, though functional, lags behind in technical refinement. Despite these flaws, most reviewers agree the game’s core mechanics remain intact, with many acknowledging its potential for improvement through patches or future updates. The mixed reception underscores a balance between enjoyable gameplay and technical shortcomings across platforms.

The review of John Wick Hex’s replay value reveals several positive aspects that some critics highlight as potential incentives for returning to the game. For instance, GameStar notes that procedural elements like randomized enemy positions and strategic resource management encourage players to revisit levels with different approaches, while Eurogamer Italy emphasizes that random enemy generation ensures each playthrough feels unique. Additionally, TheXboxHub points out that procedural troop placement adds replay value, and Worth Playing mentions the game’s dynamic nature, which keeps players engaged through varied challenges. The ability to watch replays of completed levels, as noted by NintendoWorldReport and JeuxActu, also provides a nostalgic or analytical incentive for some players. Critics like IGN and GameSpot acknowledge that the strategic depth and experimental gameplay—such as trying different weapons or tactics—can justify multiple playthroughs, even if the core mechanics remain consistent. However, the negatives surrounding replay value are more pronounced and frequently cited by critics. Many argue that the game’s repetitive nature and lack of meaningful progression significantly hinder its longevity. We Got This Covered and Impulsegamer both criticize the static enemy spawn points and linear structure, which make the experience feel like a one-time playthrough. New Game Network and SpazioGames highlight issues with save systems, such as the inability to save mid-level or retrieve missed items, forcing players to repeat tedious sections. Multiplayer.it and IGN Spain point out that the lack of evolving gameplay mechanics and difficulty spikes can frustrate players, while GameStar and Vandal note that repetitive enemy types and limited weapon diversity reduce engagement over time. Even critics who acknowledge some replayability, like The Digital Fix, mention that rewards like Continental coins offer negligible benefits, further diminishing incentives to return. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a lack of substantial replay value due to the game’s repetitive design and limited progression systems. While some reviewers, such as Eurogamer Italy and GameSpot, appreciate the strategic depth and procedural elements that encourage experimentation, the majority emphasize that these positives are outweighed by frustrations with monotony and poor incentives. IGN Spain and Multiplayer.it highlight how difficulty spikes and a lack of variety make replaying feel tedious, while GameCritics and Vandal note conflicting sentiments—some find the challenge rewarding, others find it punishing. Despite occasional praise for mechanics like replays or randomized elements, the general sentiment is that John Wick Hex offers limited long-term appeal, with its replay value largely dependent on individual tolerance for repetition and frustration.