An RTS RPG experience that is unforgettable… The Hive is an Indie Gem with endless potential!
Some key points that this game offers:
- Spectacular Story line.
- Hive mind play style.
- Indie Gem 4/5.
Gameplay & Controls:
The game is played with our trusty keyboard and mouse; the keyboard offers shortcuts to actions like moving the screen, or issuing commands. The mouse is our primary tool here controlling worker and soldier actions such as building, gathering resources and issuing attack commands.
The gameplay is a mixture of RTS and RPG. You start each level with some worker units, from there you build your hive which summons more workers and the Hive Queen. A variety of other buildings can be built; such as the barracks to summon soldiers, a Worker Den where unit upgrades can be researched for your units with DNA, a special currency obtained by dissolving items and defeated creature bits.
The gameplay is truly amazing, I personally have been looking for a game with this hive mind mechanics for a long time, however I feel like The Hive can offer so much more that what it currently does. The gameplay mechanics here are truly amazing and if some more time is invested to enhance it and give it more replay value it will grow into an amazing game.
The lack of a proper tutorial also makes the game quite unfriendly when starting out, that and the lack of some QOL features are really preventing this game from becoming the gem it can be; Do note that the developers are still working on the game, constantly updating and improving it, so the game will grow and get better.
Graphics:
For the size and scale of the game, it really looks beautiful. Level design has been done really well, each level is unique in size, looks and setting, offering a new and unique experience with each level.
Character design was given the same quality treatment. Each unique unit we have has its own unique appearance and character models which have been gorgeously done.
Enemy creatures are the exact same visually appealing splendour, they all received a lot of attention to detail to deliver a very beautiful game to us. Animated scenes are another very captivating experience, especially with the stunning story line accompanying the game.
Sounds:
Stating that the sounds for the game brings the game alive is such an understatement here! Everything is already alive and brimming with life.
There isn’t much in terms of vocal voice acting, but the sounds that all the creatures make are beautifully implemented adding to their unique looks and giving them, all that unique lifelike behaviour. The background music adds to the overall quality that the game offers, it builds the atmosphere and keeps its right there as the climax is reached.
Replayability:
Unfortunately, at this stage the game does not offer much in terms of replay value; however, the game does have achievements that require a bit of a grind and there are difficulty based achievements that will require more than one playthrough, so there is that at least.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
When it comes down to the numbers The Hive is an incredibly fun game to play; with so much potential to grow into a hit.
The developers go out of their way to constantly fix and improve their game to ensure that the fan base is happy and that is a very refreshing experience when it comes to Indie games.
The story behind the game was very well thought out and it is beautifully presented to us giving us a captivating story to experience spread out over several levels.
The levelling system for your units is a brilliant add on to this game, allowing us to make each unit a force to be reckoned with. The unit upgrades are a permanent upgrade that stays researched throughout your game, which is another nice add on to the game. The items that can be obtained and equipped by your Queen add another unique feature to the game. All of this combined really delivers a fantastic game experience, it was brilliantly thought out and beautifully delivered.
If the developers decide to invest some more time and effort into the game to bring us some more QOL features this game will really flourish and become a hit.
Additional Info:
Platforms: PC: Mac: Linux: Steam OS
Genre: RTS: RPG: Strategy: Indie: Action: Base Building
Censor Rating: n/a
Age Rating: n/a
Developer: Skydome Entertainment
Publisher: Skydome Entertainment
Release Date: 25 August 2015
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/
